SportsBiz Madness 2025: Case Study Tournament (Opening Round Results)

OPENING ROUND RECAP

Thank you to all who participated in the competition’s opening round! Your students submitted many great ideas, showcasing creativity and strategic thinking. While only eight teams can advance, every team should be proud of the effort and innovation demonstrated throughout this challenge.

The teams moving on distinguished themselves by focusing on fan experience both in-stadium on game days and at home, ensuring their team apps became an essential part of the fan journey. The most successful submissions found creative ways to maximize app usage, integrating features that kept fans engaged beyond game day. Additionally, the strongest entries explored innovative revenue streams, including advertising, subscription-based premium services, in-app purchases, and microtransactions, demonstrating a deep understanding of how teams can monetize digital engagement while enhancing the overall fan experience.

Many submissions could have gone further in exploring how the app could enhance the in-stadium experience on game days, incorporating features that improve everything from parking and concessions to mobile ordering, seat upgrades, and customer service. There were also missed opportunities to generate revenue. Additionally, we were surprised that more teams didn’t incorporate AR and VR features, which represent a major opportunity to enhance fan engagement both at home and in the stadium.

Congratulations to the teams advancing to the bracket round! Teams were randomly drawn into the bracket—there was no seeding—so every matchup is a fresh opportunity to showcase creativity and strategic thinking. We look forward to seeing what students come up with for the next challenge as they compete for the chance to move on to the Final Four round of the tournament.

Here are some standout highlights from the teams advancing to the Elite Eight bracket round of our competition:

FLOWER MOUND HIGH SCHOOL #2 (Texas)

This submission stood out for its highly interactive approach, blending augmented reality, live game access, and gamification to keep fans engaged year-round. On game day, fans can purchase tickets, order concessions for express pickup or seat delivery, and access live stats and exclusive content. A scavenger hunt challenge takes fans around the stadium, unlocking rewards and team history, with the first to complete it winning three tickets to the next home game—a creative way to drive engagement.

Beyond the game, the app’s AR feature brings soccer to life in 3D, offering a player’s perspective of the action. A $5.99/month premium membership unlocks VIP discounts, practice footage, and on-field access, creating a new revenue stream while enhancing fan connection. The Las Vegas-themed loyalty program adds excitement with point-based rewards and a “spin-the-wheel” feature for the chance to win bigger prizes.

The marketing plan was equally bold, featuring a QR-coded soccer ball displayed on the Las Vegas Sphere, Jumbotron QR codes for instant discounts, and social media activations with athletes and influencers. Flash sales and limited-time memorabilia auctions add exclusivity and urgency to drive in-app purchases.

With AR-driven fan experiences, smart revenue strategies, and high-energy marketing, this app is built for long-term success—a really impressive submission from Flower Mound students!

LAKE OSWEGO HIGH SCHOOL (Oregon)

This submission stood out for its on-brand and immersive approach to fan engagement, creatively tying the team’s identity to a tropical treasure hunt experience. The gamification elements—like the Treasure Map feature, Coconut Drops, and interactive challenges—make using the app fun and engaging while keeping fans active throughout the season. Fans move along a virtual treasure map by checking scores, watching highlights, and purchasing merchandise, ultimately unlocking prizes and exclusive rewards when they reach the treasure chest.

On game day, stadium check-ins unlock exclusive content and rewards, while fans can access live stats, replays, and trivia contests to enhance the in-game experience. The stadium check-in feature is a great idea, as it checks the boxes on engagement, gives fans a reason to log on to the app, and builds loyalty. Even in the off-season, the app remains highly engaging through daily challenges and social media-driven fan interactions. The app encourages users to participate in social media challenges, where fans can share their progress on the treasure hunt, post AR selfies using team filters, or complete themed activities for bonus points and exclusive rewards. These challenges not only increase engagement but also help amplify the team’s brand across social platforms.

What truly set this submission apart was its creative revenue approach. The “Sponsored Coconuts” concept allows businesses to sponsor in-app rewards, such as discounts or prizes for fans who complete challenges. Additionally, in-app purchases enable fans to buy special currency to unlock exclusive content, gear, and premium rewards. These monetization strategies ensure that the app remains both engaging and a revenue producer for the team.

By blending interactive gamification, innovative revenue generation, and a strong brand identity, this app concept is highly creative and commercially viable, making it a standout submission! Well done, Lake Oswego High School students!

FLOWER MOUND HIGH SCHOOL #1 (Texas)

One of the key aspects evaluated in this case study was how well teams could design an app that enhances the fan experience, builds brand loyalty, generates revenue, and drives engagement year-round. Flower Mound High School delivered a standout submission, creating a Las Vegas Dealers team app that blends technology, gamification, and innovative monetization strategies to keep fans engaged both in the stadium and at home.

According to the group’s report, “Our app will include a variety of features designed to enhance the fan experience before, during, and after games, both in the stadium and at home. Fans will have access to live scoring updates, instant replays, and even a personalized AI Chatbot for game-day planning. Beyond game day, interactive experiences such as an AR Player View and a Swipe-to-Score game will keep fans engaged throughout the entire season.”

In addition to features such as AI-driven game-day planning, instant replays, and live stats, the AI Chatbot provides personalized recommendations for seating, food options, and arrival times based on real-time data. This was advanced, next-level thinking! This group also introduced unique and innovative features that helped them stand out.

💡 Innovative & Unique Features:

• Player Cameos – Fans can purchase or win personalized video messages from players, adding a special level of engagement and exclusivity.
• Merchandise Resale Marketplace – A standout idea that connects fans year-round while generating team revenue through a 5% transaction fee on resales of team gear.

Outstanding work from Flower Mound High School!

Deep Run High School (Virginia)

Deep Run students Max and Kaden created a well-rounded approach to fan engagement, gamification, and community building through the team’s app, ensuring Arizona FC supporters stay connected year-round. It blends real-time updates, interactive gaming, and game-day conveniences to enhance the overall experience.

The live updates tab keeps fans informed with real-time scores, schedules, and stats, while the gaming tab features Arizona FC-themed mini-games, virtual memorabilia collection, and leaderboard challenges. A “bonus game of the week” adds variety and keeps fans coming back. The app streamlines the in-stadium experience for those attending matches with interactive maps, mobile food ordering, and exclusive fan interactions like video board appearances and synchronized light shows.

What truly sets this submission apart is its focus on building a thriving Arizona FC community. Strategic athlete partnerships and targeted advertising help drive downloads, while exclusive rewards, behind-the-scenes content, and fan-driven engagement make it a key pillar in Arizona FC’s long-term growth and brand loyalty. Excellent work, Deep Run High School students!

Grant High School (Oregon)

Grant High School students (Team 2) created a mobile app for the Baltimore Blue Crabs Football Club that truly excels in fan engagement, gamification, and community building, using “Crab Coins” to reward participation in daily app streaks, mini-games, and game-day predictions. Fans stay connected with interactive games like Crab Ball, Pac-Crab, and CRABBLE, while the Game Guesser feature adds an extra layer of excitement by letting users predict game-day details for rewards. Customizable avatars further personalize the experience, with fans using Crab Coins to unlock exclusive outfits and accessories—a fun engagement tool that also generates revenue through microtransactions.

What truly stood out was the sea-themed loyalty program, which reinforces the team’s brand identity with rankings such as “ocean floor,” “the reef,” “tidal wave,” and “sand bar.” As fans accumulate Crab Coins, they unlock better deals, perks, and exclusive experiences, keeping them invested in the app and the team.

Beyond entertainment, the app incorporates a charitable component, donating a portion of proceeds to marine wildlife conservation for every goal scored, with fans voting on supported causes. Volunteer-driven initiatives, like marine habitat clean-ups, also earn fans rewards, seamlessly blending community impact with brand loyalty.

The app also serves as a hub for ticketing, merchandise, and in-game purchases, generating revenue through advertising, premium game upgrades, microtransactions, and exclusive app-only discounts. By combining fun, rewards, and purpose-driven engagement, this app is not only highly creative but also a perfect extension of the Blue Crabs brand—fantastic work from Grant High School!

JEFFERSON FOREST HIGH SCHOOL (Virginia)

Fandum is a bold and innovative fan engagement app for San Diego FC, blending elements of Pokémon Go and Instagram to create an interactive, content-driven experience. Fans can “catch” players while traveling, access exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, and use augmented reality (AR) to scan players for real-time stats and history. In-game trivia and polls keep fans engaged during match breaks, ensuring continuous interaction.

The Dumstars rewards system incentivizes engagement by allowing fans to earn points through check-ins, games, and content interaction, redeemable for merchandise, discounts, and even game tickets. Revenue streams include in-app merchandise sales, paid advertising, premium subscriptions, and future expansion into team-exclusive sports betting. Athlete-driven promotions and in-game advertising will ensure strong adoption and visibility.

By combining gamification, social media-style content, and multiple revenue channels, Fandum creates a dynamic and immersive fan experience, helping Jefferson Forest High School students to advance to the next round!

Downers Grove North (Illinois)

The Storm app for the Windy City Storm offers useful game-day features, including mobile ordering, interactive stadium maps, digital payments, and in-game contests to enhance the fan experience. A Snapchat filter partnership adds a unique touch, and raffles, birthday rewards, and a subscription-based streaming model aim to keep fans engaged beyond matchdays.

A highlight feature is the app’s attention to fan safety and security. The built-in reporting tool allows users to flag disturbances and unclean areas in real-time, ensuring a safe and enjoyable game-day experience. Additionally, the app prioritizes data security by requiring secure sign-ins through phone passcodes or face identification, protecting users’ information while providing a quick and seamless login experience.

While the brand loyalty system allows fans to earn points for purchases, the revenue model relies on standard approaches like premium seating sales, merchandise purchases, and sponsorships with local food establishments. The marketing strategy includes QR code promotions and influencer partnerships, though it lacks the innovation seen in other finalists.

Congratulations, Downers Grove North students, you’re advancing to the Elite Eight!

Wichita East High School (Kansas)

The Kansas Sunflowers Fan App is one of the most comprehensive and well-executed submissions, checking every box for fan engagement, game-day enhancements, and revenue generation. Designed as a one-stop hub for Sunflowers fans, the app seamlessly integrates live match updates, mobile ticketing, in-seat food ordering, and an interactive stadium map to create a smooth and immersive game-day experience.

Wichita East’s app development strategy successfully combines engagement, fan experience enhancement, monetization, and marketing. The Sunflower Rewards Program drives loyalty by rewarding fans for attending games, making purchases, participating in polls and trivia, and interacting with exclusive content. A standout feature, Fan Coach Mode, lets users predict match starting lineups and compete for prizes, adding a competitive edge to fan participation. Meanwhile, Augmented Reality (AR) features, branded sponsor activations, and digital collectibles provide innovative ways to connect with fans while generating revenue.

The team’s marketing strategy was well thought out, ensuring strong adoption and engagement. They created a compelling reason for fans to download and actively use the app through athlete promotions, in-game advertising, social media campaigns, and app-exclusive incentives like flash merch drops and VIP giveaways.

By successfully blending cutting-edge technology, fan-driven gamification, and strong revenue streams, this app delivers one of the most complete and compelling digital experiences for an MLS team. A standing ovation for students at Wichita East High School!

SCC’S 2025 SPORTSBIZ MADNESS TOURNAMENT BRACKET

The eight teams advancing in the tournament will compete head-to-head to be crowned champs of the 2025 case study tournament. Teams were not seeded. The bracket pairings were drawn at random. Good luck to our participating students in the “Elite Eight” round!