The rivalries, passionate fans, and international appeal of football extend far beyond the stadium. The game's popularity makes it a perfect marketing instrument to advertise online gaming and reach millions of fans worldwide.
Football clubs recognise their influence expands into digital spaces, where millions of ardent fans follow religiously. Besides cheering their clubs on, these fans spend their leisure time at non GamStop casinos to get more action off the field. It makes the perfect relationship between football and online gaming.
Iconic football clubs like AC Milan are at the forefront of championing digital entertainment to engage fans worldwide. Is this the future for football?
AC Milan's Strategic Move into Online Gaming
AC Milan has partnered with online gaming platforms as part of their sponsorship strategies. The collaborations often result in mutual benefits between the two parties. The club receives financial support, while the gaming platform accesses its global audience interested in sports and gaming. It gives online gaming brands visibility and recognition through association with an iconic football club like AC Milan.
The success behind previous sponsorship deals is creating a ripple effect across Europe, as other clubs explore the potential of online gaming sponsorships. The long-term profitability of these digital partnerships makes it a new portal to access a club’s fanbase and promote online gaming products to them.
Key Partnerships and Collaborations:
Recently, AC Milan announced their sponsorship deal with game provider Spribe, as it became their official Crash Game partner. Spribe is a significant phenomenon in the online gaming scene, and the brains behind the infamous crash game, Aviator, with over 40 million active players globally.
According to the sponsorship deal, the collaboration combines football adrenaline with the dynamic gaming experience. It comes with new opportunities for fans to access entertainment and gain a closer connection to the Rossoneri world.
AC Milan confirmed a new partnership with Reals at the start of the year, one of the leaders in the Brazilian sports betting and online gaming market, that will serve as its Official Regional Betting Market. The agreement reaffirmed the club's commitment to increasing fan engagement throughout Latin America.
Engaging Fans Through Itneractive Experiences:
Fan engagement remains one of the core objectives of AC Milan as it continues to expand its global influence. For example, their collaboration with Aviator allows fans to engage with the club beyond the match days. Fans can create memorable experiences beyond the ninety minutes at San Siro. Fans who’ve never visited San Siro can access digital platforms that bring them close to the Rossoneri. It ensures the club offers them something unique while strengthening their emotional link to the club.
Additionally, the approach nurtures the next generation of fans. The younger Milanisti experience football through games, apps, and streaming platforms before regularly catching up on live matches. Hence, AC Milan keeps the tradition alive while remaining relevant in an era of diverse entertainment options.
Gamifications and Loyalty Programs
One way AC Milan bridges the gap between casual and super fans is through NFTs. Unlike buying merchandise and tickets, these NFTs bring fans closer to the game.
AC Milan allows fans to own a virtual piece of the stadium through NFT tokenisation. Token holders are rewarded with exclusive experiences like signed T-shirts and free tickets to live matches. The Black and Red partnered with Kraft Analytics Group to pioneer fan experiences with a new fan data strategy initiative. The partnership seeks to incorporate a comprehensive data and analytics initiative to extend fan engagement.
The Business Impact of Football and Online Gaming
Online gaming brands pay sponsorship revenue to support club activities, equipment, and training sessions, as well as daily game operations. It enables AC Milan to have financial muscle in the transfer market and also scout new talent that will uplift the club.
Further, these digital platforms promote official merchandise to the whole world, who may never step into a physical club store. In addition, data collected from game interactions assists the football club in getting an insight into fan preferences and helps in content strategy.
Diversifying the club’s revenue streams reduces reliance on traditional income streams like match-day tickets, broadcasting rights, and merchandise. New revenue streams include selling digital spaces to digital sponsors in a way that connects with the fans authentically.
Expanding the Global Fanbase
AC Milan is a global brand with fans from around the globe. Hence, it must employ the latest tactics to appeal to this fanbase. Thus, through these strategic partnerships with digital platforms like Spribe and Real, it connects with fans in the digital and gaming spaces.
Trends Shaping the Future of Football and Gaming Integration
Clubs are utilising gamification to build fan engagement and boost merchandise sales. Contests such as polls, quizzes, hashtag contests, and betting games keep fans engaged and drive engagement. Additionally, other clubs are bridging the gap with fans through NFTs that allow players to buy their avatars to replace specific players in the game.
AC Milan at the Forefront of Digial Entertainment
AC Milan is just leading the way in using digital media for entertainment and shaping football into what it’s now rapidly becoming. Such sponsorship agreements are changing the game for football clubs in terms of driving fan engagement and generating revenue. It appeals to a younger crowd and expands the club's global presence.
