Beyond Fandom: When Sports Build Community
Setup
American pro sports make a lot of money. Had it not been for the pandemic, the industry in North America was projected to generate $75.7 billion per year in revenue, a tally that includes ticket sales, television contracts, concessions, and advertising. Less easy to calculate — but also significant — is the impact of sports on communities. Sports have a profoundly positive impact in galvanizing civic spirit, coalescing disparate groups, inspiring collegiality, and shining a spotlight on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Leaders across teams, leagues, and media companies share what they’ve learned about the power of sports to make a difference well beyond the rink, court, or playing field.
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