Sports Career Consulting Blog

SportsBiz Madness: 2025 Case Study Tournament

In the Elite Eight round of our annual SportsBiz Madness Case Study Tournament, students were challenged to create a comprehensive marketing plan to support the launch of Major League Volleyball (MLV), a brand-new professional women’s volleyball league. With teams set to debut in 2026 and the Omaha Supernovas leading the way as the founding franchise, students were tasked with helping MLV stand out in a crowded landscape alongside competitors like PVF, LOVB, and Athletes Unlimited (AU).

Teams were required to submit a complete marketing strategy covering brand identity, fan experience, revenue generation, promotion, grassroots outreach, and—most importantly—a creative plan to differentiate MLV from other professional volleyball leagues.

Congratulations to the four schools who are advancing in this year’s tournament.

FINAL FOUR SPOTLIGHT:

Flower Mound High School, Texas (2nd Period)

Students from Flower Mound (2nd period) delivered a highly interactive, tech-driven, and practical strategy that positioned MLV as a bold and immersive fan experience — all while continuing the school’s tradition as a powerhouse in this competition.

With a brand built on passion and energy, and a tagline of “Spike Your Passion, Elevate the Game,” this group presented a thoughtful vision for a league designed to engage fans through both innovation and emotional connection. What set their submission apart was their ability to balance creative fan interaction ideas with feasible execution.

Highlights from their campaign included:

• LED wristbands that synced with the energy of the game
• Real-time in-app fan voting for songs, halftime show elements, and MVPs
• Collectible mystery pins sold at games to encourage repeat attendance and revenue
• Themed game nights (Retro Night, Mascot Night, etc.)
• A fantasy volleyball league with in-app monetization
• And a clever PR stunt featuring MLV players going undercover at local schools to generate viral buzz ahead of the launch

Their promotional plan featured a pre-launch countdown campaign, surprise pop-up events, and thoughtful integration of influencers and social media challenges to build buzz. Ultimately, Flower Mound’s success came from its ability to deliver a fan-first experience that felt both creative and achievable. The strategy wasn’t just bold, it was innovative, growth-oriented, and comprehensive enough to be implemented immediately with real-world results.

Way to go, Flower Mound. Welcome back to the Final Four!

Deep Run High School, Virginia

Students from Deep Run High School took a unique and imaginative approach by positioning MLV as a league exclusively for athletes under the age of 21, creating a unique identity focused on developing the next generation of volleyball stars. While this concept doesn’t reflect MLV’s current real-world structure, the challenge asked students to find a way to differentiate the league — and this team did exactly that. Their U21 model offered a compelling and internally consistent vision that set MLV apart from competing pro volleyball leagues.

Their tagline, “The Future of Volleyball Starts Here,” aligned seamlessly with the brand’s purpose, and their campaign was grounded in creative, real-world strategies that would provide MLV with dynamic marketing opportunities, including:

• A robust SWOT analysis identifying the benefits and risks of a youth-focused model
• A grassroots pipeline through local camps, clinics, and training partnerships
• Dynamic game-day experiences, including a “Volleyball Village,” VIP fan interactions, and immersive in-game content
• A solid revenue strategy involving tiered ticketing (including premium seating and luxury suites), exclusive merchandise, and an aggressive sponsorship plan designed to offer partners highly engaging digital activations

What really stood out was the cohesion, every element of the plan worked together to reinforce the league’s identity as a launchpad for rising stars. This wasn’t just a collection of random ideas thrown together to see what might stick; the group presented a thoughtfully integrated marketing strategy with a clear purpose and direction. While some may debate the mainstream appeal of a U21-only league, this team’s vision demonstrated real growth potential, creative thinking, and strategic focus, making the concept feel unique and viable.

Congrats to Deep Run students for developing a differentiated and professional plan that met the challenge head-on. Welcome to your first Final Four appearance!

Grant High School, Oregon

Grant High School students built an incredibly bold and empowering league identity, positioning MLV as the electric new face of women’s professional volleyball. With the tagline “Harness Your Power,” their campaign fused high-energy aesthetics, immersive tech, and a strong message of female athleticism and confidence.

Their brand personality stood in sharp contrast to the current pro leagues — breaking from the traditional and embracing a neon-charged, youth-focused experience. Some highlights included:

• A professional-grade hype video showcasing the league’s aesthetic and energy
• Mockups of social media posts, merch collections, and event flyers
• A unique court design strategy using LED lighting, synced music, and visuals
• A digital-first marketing approach amplified through Twitch partnerships and influencer campaigns
• Content marketing focus, including a Netflix mini-docuseries titled Behind the Net

Their revenue model was just as dynamic — blending ticket sales, merch, content partnerships, and strategic brand sponsorships with both national and local corporate partnerships, highlighted by partnerships with local bars and restaurants in host cities to create viewing events and deepen grassroots support.

One area where the plan could have gone further was its ticket promotion strategy. More detail on theme nights, group sales, or promotional tactics (including giveaways) could have elevated the campaign’s rollout. Still, Grant students’ comprehensive approach to building a long-term success plan for MLV is undeniable. This team didn’t just design a brand — they delivered an experience.

Congrats to Grant High School students for earning a well-deserved spot in the Final Four!

Wichita East High School, Kansas

Wichita East High School advances to the Final Four with an excellent strategy that positioned Major League Volleyball (MLV) as more than just a league—it’s a movement. Their tagline, “More Than a League, It’s a Volleyball Revolution,” captured a brand’s identity built on empowerment, athleticism, and community.

Students delivered a well-integrated marketing plan with a SWOT analysis that was both comprehensive and thoughtful, connecting all the dots in building a strategy for the league’s short- and long-term success. Their campaign blended immersive fan experiences with innovative technology — from mic’d-up players and LED court visuals to fan voting, trivia, and themed game nights. Every piece of the game day experience was designed to engage fans and keep them coming back.

Their revenue strategy stood out in a category where many teams missed the mark. While several entries overlooked key financial elements like ticketing, sponsorships, and media deals, Wichita East recognized how critical these components are to the league’s financial sustainability and growth potential. Their plan included traditional revenue drivers such as ticket sales and merchandise, as well as high-impact opportunities through sponsorship and streaming partnerships, all of which are essential for building a successful professional sports league from the ground up.

Wichita East created a campaign that was both visionary and executable. Well done, and congratulations on reaching the Final Four!

UPDATED BRACKET:

Congrats to those students who advanced to the Final Four round of the competition, and good luck!

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!

As part of the excitement surrounding Super Bowl LIX, Sports Career Consulting hosted a student competition challenging participants to design a point-of-purchase promotional display for a consumer goods brand linked to the Big Game. A huge thank you to all the schools that participated—we hope you and your students enjoyed the activity!

Entries were judged based on creativity and students’ ability to demonstrate a strong understanding of promotional strategies. With over 100 submissions, the winning entries stood out for their inventive approaches to product promotion and their well-developed strategies to drive sales. The top submissions went beyond the display itself, integrating additional activations to support their marketing campaigns. Clearly, these students put significant thought and effort into their designs, which ultimately set them apart.

We saw several impressive entries featuring thoughtful concepts, execution, and activations. There were many AI-generated submissions, but most lacked detailed descriptions and missed the mark. Given their significant media presence, we expected to see more tie-ins with Taylor Swift and the Kelce brothers. Additionally, while we anticipated more digital and tech-driven activations, few submissions incorporated QR codes, AR, VR, or other technology to enhance engagement with their promotional displays.

That said, there were some standout creative ideas! One submission played on Super Bowl hero Cooper DeJean’s name with a Levi’s “DeJeans” promotion, while another gave the classic Funyuns snack a clever twist with “Quinyons,” a nod to Eagles star Quinyon Mitchell. Another fun concept featured Pepsi’s “Are You Worthy?” campaign, leveraging Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy’s name in a sweepstakes promotion. A McDonald’s Happy Meal collaboration with Patrick Mahomes was also a strong idea, though it leaned more toward a brand partnership than the in-store consumer goods display we were looking for in this challenge.

Congratulations to all the students who participated—we loved seeing your creativity in action! As a reward for their efforts, the top students will receive Amazon gift cards: $25 for first place and $10 for second and third place.

WINNER:

First Place: “LAYS STADIUM” (Guilderland High School, New York)

Congrats to Guilderland High School in New York for one of its students winning SCC’s Super Bowl LIX Promotions Competition!

Big, bold, and built to sell—this year’s winning display had it all. This Lay’s Super Bowl Stadium Display brought the excitement of game day right into the store, turning a simple snack display into a memorable shopping experience. Shoppers couldn’t miss it—this massive, stadium-shaped setup was designed to grab attention the moment customers walked into stores. Complete with stacked family-sized chip bags forming the “stands” of the stadium; the display didn’t just look good—it encouraged impulse buying. The display was also primed for social media buzz, with its bold branding and football theme making it photo-worthy.

What set this student’s entry apart was how comprehensive and well-thought-out his strategy was. He didn’t just create an eye-catching display but also backed it up with an analysis of shopping habits, identifying how to capture consumer attention and drive sales. At its core, this competition was about selling products, and Emmy’s display delivered on that goal better than any other entry. By turning an ordinary shopping trip into an engaging, Super Bowl-themed experience, he created a promotion that not only looked great but also worked.

Very well done. Great job!

Runner Up: “NFL X DISNEY PRINCESSES” (Hinsdale South High School, Illinois)

A student at Hinsdale South’s Super Bowl promo earned a runner-up finish in this year’s competition. Her Game Day Princesses display stood out because of its outside-the-box thinking. While most entries focused on chips and soda, she took a completely different approach, using a licensed toy to help an existing Super Bowl sponsor, Disney, gain more value from its partnership with the NFL. She zagged when everyone else zigged, recognizing an untapped opportunity to connect young girls with football in a fun, meaningful way. By featuring Disney princess dolls dressed in NFL jerseys, the display aligned perfectly with the NFL’s growing focus on engaging female fans, especially given this year’s increased emphasis on marketing to women and girls.

Beyond its creativity, this display was smartly executed. Positioned at a low-to-medium height in high-traffic areas near snack aisles, it ensured visibility for kids and parents alike. The promotion also had built-in engagement—each doll-and-jersey package included a child-sized jersey, making it easy for girls to show their team spirit. A social media contest encouraging families to post photos of their dolls for a chance to win NFL tickets added another layer of interaction. What made this idea really shine was its long-term potential—new jerseys, accessories, and dolls could be introduced each year, making it an annual Super Bowl tradition. By recognizing the NFL’s push to expand its female fan base and finding a creative way to enhance an existing sponsor’s presence, Lana’s promotion truly delivered a winning game plan.

Impressive!

Third Place: “Goldfish Bowl: Snack Like A Champion” (Hinsdale Central, Illinois)

This Goldfish Bowl Game Day Showdown display made snacking fun and interactive by turning it into a Super Bowl prediction game. Shoppers could choose between two big Goldfish bins, each labeled with one of the competing teams, and a scoreboard above tracked sales from each bin, updating weekly. A simple but catchy sign—“Pick Your Team & Snack Away for Game Day!”—helped tie the promotion to the Super Bowl, making it feel like part of the game-day excitement. To extend the engagement, the display included a QR code linking to Goldfish’s Instagram poll, where customers could vote for their team online.

This promotion worked because it was simple, engaging, and well-placed. The display grabbed attention, got shoppers involved in a fun way, and encouraged impulse purchases near checkout and end caps, where people naturally pick up snacks. Plus, offering discounts when purchased with drinks or other game-day foods made it even more tempting. Even without an official NFL partnership, this display tapped into Super Bowl hype and made buying Goldfish feel like part of the celebration.

Great work!

Thanks again to those who participated. We look forward to seeing what your students come up with next year!

SCC FFL 2024: Sports Marketing Challenge #6 Recap & Final Scores

With the final scores tallied, we are thrilled to announce the winner of SCC’s tenth annual Fantasy Football Sports Marketing Challenge! But before we reveal this year’s champion, we want to recognize the outstanding effort from all participating schools. Your creativity, strategy, and passion were evident throughout the competition, and we hope everyone enjoyed the experience.

Without further delay, we would like to recognize Jessica Brown’s class at Flower Mound High School in Texas as the champions of this year’s Fantasy Football Sports Marketing Challenge! Congratulations to the St. Louis Spartans front office for delivering Flower Mound’s first-ever win in this competition. Their hard-fought victory put them well ahead of the runners-up, Matt Kabza’s back-to-back defending champions from Grant High School, who represented the Toronto Monarchs front office. The Spartans will now add an SCC FFL championship trophy to their collection, which also includes a championship from our Spring Case Study Tournament.

Rounding out the top five, we have:

• 2nd Place: Grant High School (Oregon), representing the Toronto Monarchs front office, led by Matt Kabza.
• 3rd Place: Blacksburg High School (Virginia), representing the Guadalajara Goats front office, coached by Jessica Catley.
• 4th Place: Helena High School (Montana), representing the Utah Yetis front office, led by Jessica Freeman.
• 5th Place: Wichita East High School (Kansas), representing the Wichita River Riders, coached by Brandon Reith. Congratulations to Brandon’s students for achieving Wichita East’s highest finish in ten years of participating in this competition — a tremendous accomplishment!

To celebrate their championship, Flower Mound students will receive a championship trophy to display at school proudly. In addition, the St. Louis Spartans front office at Flower Mound and the Toronto Monarchs front office at Grant High School will be rewarded with a classroom pizza party for their first and second-place finishes, respectively.

Challenge #6 Recap:

The sixth and final challenge tasked students with developing a comprehensive strategy for digital marketing, social media, and technology for their franchise. The level of creativity and innovation on display was truly impressive. Students introduced many forward-thinking ideas, including metaverse activations, AI integration, omnichannel social campaigns, and more.

Three submissions rose above the rest: Toronto Monarchs (Grant HS), St. Louis Spartans (Flower Mound), and Guadalajara Goats (Blacksburg HS). Their innovative use of AR, VR, loyalty systems, and gamification set a new standard for excellence, distinguishing them from the competition. Each team delivered standout gamification features and integration of AR fan tools, creating unique, interactive, and engaging fan experiences.

#1 – Blacksburg High School, Virginia (Guadalajara Goats)

The Guadalajara Goats delivered an exceptional submission packed with standout creative elements. Their Gliding Goat mobile game, interactive widgets, and gamification features like fan predictions and voting brought a fresh, engaging approach. The use of AR, live game notifications, and innovative partnership ideas — including a co-branded free taco promotion — added even more depth to their strategy.

Another element that set this entry apart was their incredibly detailed live website, loaded with dynamic content and fan-focused features. Their mock-ups of a feature-rich, content-driven website demonstrated high levels of creativity and strong strategic thinking. The Goats successfully integrated every aspect of the challenge into a cohesive, fan-first marketing strategy. Very well done, Blacksburg High School. Way to finish strong!

#2 – Flower Mound High School, Texas (St. Louis Spartans)

The Spartans excelled with highly creative elements like the AR Spartan Shields and exclusive content through “Behind the Shield.” Their gamification concepts were well-thought-out, and their digital strategy was clear and actionable. The depth of the ideas and the incorporation of cutting-edge AR/VR technology make this one of the top entries. The live link to a custom website also strengthened their presentation score. This was another well-executed challenge from Flower Mound students in this competition, whose consistency helped propel them to a championship this year. Fantastic work, Spartans front office!

#3 – Grant High School, Oregon (Toronto Monarchs)

The Monarchs front office demonstrated next-level use of AR overlays, player POV cameras, Metaverse events, and AI-driven chatbots. Their “Royalty Rewards Program” is a creative, gamified approach to building fan loyalty. Branded partnerships with Shopify, Tim Hortons, and Meta reinforce this as a forward-thinking entry. The Monarchs front office went above and beyond, submitting digital content samples from the app, interactive mobile features, and much more. Really impressive stuff from Grant High School students!

SCC FFL 2024 FINAL STANDINGS

SCC FFL 2024: Sports Marketing Challenge #5 Recap & Scores

Here’s a summary of the top-performing schools and an overview of how teams fared in the fifth sports marketing challenge. We’ll be recapping the top three entries below.

In the fifth challenge, students were tasked with crafting a comprehensive ticket sales and sponsorship strategy, including creating a detailed promotions calendar. The strongest submissions excelled in creativity and practicality, presenting ticket sales plans designed to maximize season ticket revenue, incorporate theme night promotions, and leverage group sales to fill the stadium on game days. Additionally, these top entries featured well-thought-out activation plans that delivered significant value to corporate partners.

This challenge showcased excellent strategic thinking across the board, particularly in how many teams approached market segmentation. It was encouraging to see so many submissions recognizing the importance of tailoring ticket packages to different target audiences, from casual single-game buyers to premium seating and corporate hospitality clients. Several teams also incorporated dynamic pricing models, demonstrating a solid understanding of balancing affordability with maximizing revenue. Additionally, most teams did a commendable job of integrating methods to measure sponsorship ROI, which is crucial for building long-term partnerships.

However, there were areas where teams could have further strengthened their submissions. Many missed opportunities to integrate the frequency escalator model, which is essential for an expansion franchise to cultivate a loyal fan base by moving casual attendees to become repeat buyers and, ultimately, season ticket holders. Additionally, several teams enhanced their sales approach by including dedicated sales staff, such as inside sales teams to drive ticket sales or specialized group and premium seating staff. Lastly, teams could have boosted their scores by expanding sponsorship plans to include more opportunities, creating broader inventory and sponsorship categories, and highlighting more than just one or two brand partners. While these elements weren’t listed as requirements for the challenge, they represented opportunities to demonstrate advanced learning and distinguish themselves from the competition.

With one challenge remaining, Flower Mound High School is currently in the lead and poised to claim this year’s crown. However, the competition is far from over—there’s still room for surprises. Several schools remain in striking distance, and a standout submission in this final challenge could shake up the rankings with a come-from-behind victory for the ages.

#1 – Blacksburg High School, Virginia (Guadalajara Goats)

Congratulations to the students at Blacksburg High School for earning the top ranking in the fifth sports marketing challenge! The Guadalajara Goats’ submission stood out for its comprehensive ticket sales, sponsorship, and promotions strategy, effectively balancing fan engagement and revenue generation. They focused on premium seating, including Silver, Gold, and Platinum-Tier suites designed to offer exceptional experiences for fans and, even more importantly, to drive significant revenue. Their Holiday and Special Event Packages and corporate hospitality options showcased a smart packaging plan approach that adds value for fans and business partners alike.

The Goats front office also excelled in their sponsorship strategy, securing Telmex as the naming rights partner and Coca-Cola for exclusive concessions. Their integration of pouring rights into the sponsorship plan showcased a next-level understanding of sponsorships, adding high-value inventory that would most certainly lift revenue projections for the franchise in its inaugural season. The Goats’ activation plans demonstrated a clear commitment to providing sponsors with measurable ROI. Blacksburg students did an excellent job recognizing the importance of ROI while determining specific metrics for measuring sponsorship impact and communicating those results to corporate partners to ensure long-term commitments to the franchise.

Innovative tools like AI-based logo tracking and promo codes further emphasized this focus. Additionally, their multi-channel ticketing strategy, from season ticket plans to individual sales and an AI chatbot for seamless customer support, underscored their commitment to accessibility and convenience for fans. Outstanding work, Blacksburg HS students!

#2 – Capital High School, Montana (Utah Yetis)

Capital High School students scored an impressive second-place finish in this challenge, further cementing their status as one of the competition’s top teams. Their submission stood out for its well-rounded approach, featuring diverse ticketing options, community-centered theme nights, and strategic sponsorship activation. The Yetis’ focus on group packages and themed events—highlighted by meaningful ties to the NFL’s Crucial Catch and My Cause My Cleats campaigns—helps them leverage the power of the NFL brand to advance the team’s individual goals. This approach rallied community support and aligned with the team’s vision and brand messaging throughout every challenge in this competition. Consistency is key!

The Yetis also demonstrated advanced thinking in sponsorship strategy. Their use of a wide range of metrics to measure ROI showed a clear understanding of why evaluating sponsorship effectiveness is crucial to the long-term success of any sponsorship program. Additionally, their activation strategy went beyond traditional in-stadium signage and naming rights to include an advertising campaign, youth football camps, player appearances at the sponsor’s business, and retail promotions, effectively incorporating the promotions mix into their overarching strategy. One standout element was their proactive approach to protecting sponsors from ambush marketing attempts—a truly next-level consideration that added significant value for corporate partners.

On the ticketing front, the Yetis made smart moves by hiring both inside and outside sales teams, ensuring effective promotion of group sales, premium packages, and season tickets. This approach and consistent focus on community engagement and innovative sponsorship activation solidified the Yetis as a formidable contender in the challenge and the competition. Really well done, Yetis!

#3 – Flower Mound High School, Texas (St. Louis Spartans)

Congratulations to Flower Mound High School students for securing the third-highest ranking in the fifth sports marketing challenge! After a slow start to the season, the Spartans have surged to the top of the standings, demonstrating improvement with each challenge and a growing consistency that positions them as favorites for this year’s championship as we head into the final challenge.

The Spartans’ ticket sales strategy stood out with innovative offerings like personal seat licenses (PSLs), group packages, and premium seating options designed to maximize revenue while elevating the fan experience. They also demonstrated advanced comprehension of ticket sales marketing with the inclusion of a dynamic pricing strategy, helping the organization maximize revenue through fluctuations in supply and demand.

One of the most sales-savvy strategies in this competition came from the Spartans’ data-driven marketing approach. The team leveraged its inside sales staff to make cold calls to fans who had previously purchased tickets, including former season ticket holders from the Rams era and fans of the well-supported UFL Battlehawks. This targeted outreach demonstrated a keen understanding of converting existing fan interest into a loyal and engaged Spartans community. It was a standout example of combining thoughtful strategy with practical execution—really smart!

Additionally, their sponsorship strategy shone with a 15-year naming rights partnership with Boeing and creative activations, including a full-sized airplane model and interactive fan experiences. By balancing practicality with fan-focused innovation, the Spartans have solidified their place among the top teams in this competition. Great work, Spartans!

On to the next one…

Best of luck to all competitors as you take on the sixth and final challenge! In this round, students will craft a digital and social media marketing strategy for the franchise, focusing on innovative ways to integrate technology that positions the franchise as a forward-thinking, tech-savvy leader in the sports industry.

SCC FFL 2024 STANDINGS AFTER CHALLENGE #5