Global Sports
League?
Paul Speaker is
the new ASP CEO (former Quiksilver executive).
Michael Lynch is
the new Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer
Management is
focused on gathering data in preparation for 2014 ASP World Championship Tour
launch.
Lynch: “The ASP’s potential is
inspiring and I’m looking forward to working with all those associated with ASP
as we deliver the very best world-class experience for the fans, surfers and
sponsors. As we implement the business-wide fan-centric philosophy, our
commercial and broadcast partners will find ASP has the right recipe for
success and a compelling marketing and sales platform to build their business.”
ZoSea Media
Holdings is the new owner of the ASP World Tour. ZoSea was founded by Paul
Speaker and Terry Hardy (Kelly Slater’s career manager).
Want a new
commercial model for the sport.
Plan is to make
pro surfing a more serious business: The cost for each event will drop from 3
million to 1 million. Prize money will increase and pension plan will be
created.
“Not all surf brands enjoyed the promised
revolution. Billabong and Quiksilver raised their green flags, while Vans and
Rip Curl showed the red card.” WHAT DOES
THIS MEAN?
ASP World Tour
infrastructure intended will be designed to meet the Global Sports League model
(management, sponsorship, and broadcasting rights will now be centralized).
New Office of
Commissioner to handle judging, rankings, scheduling, venues etc…
More on Paul Speaker:
Former Director
of Marketing and Ideas at the NFL
President of
Time Inc. Studios
President of RKO
Studios
Previously Lead
Independent Director for Quiksilver but stepped down to accept ASP CEO
position.
A multi-day weather dependent sport (bowling has more TV
coverage).
Doesn’t fit nicely into a 1-hour TV event.
Speaker says more than 100 million global fans either surf
or watch pro surfing.
Image problems (fights, arrests, death due to drug overdose)
Sell the surfer’s stories.
Quiksilver reduced sponsorship, Nike canceled an event.
The individual nature of surfing makes it tough to sell.
ESPN, YouTube,
and Facebook partnerships first national and global media deals in surfing
history.
ESPN deal is for
three years (allows fans to watch highlights immediately after events)
YouTube channel
via ASP website will provide fans with 3,000 hours of content (26 live streamed
events)
Surfing fans use
social media more than any other sports fans.
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