Telstra and AFL strike fresh players agreement for digital content
Extension to the existing digital rights agreement between the two companies will see Telstra working to generate digital content from players to build fan engagement
From left: AFL's Gillon McLachlan; Telstra's Joe Pollard; AFL players association's Paul Marsh; and AFL player, Sean Docherty
Telstra and the AFL are teaming up on a new digital content and events play aimed at encouraging stronger engagement between football players and their fans.
The new deal, which the companies claim is the first of its kind involving a sports league, players’ association and commercial partner, will see Telstra, the AFL and the AFL Players Association work to generate and publish digital content to share with footy fans.
Fifty star players from national AFL clubs will also be selected based on their influence to also become Telstra ambassadors, appearing during Telstra store openings and community events such as coaching clinics and meet-and-greets.
The latest deal sits on top of an existing digital rights agreement between the AFL and Telstra running until 2022. As part of this agreement, Telstra created the AFL Live Official App and the Telstra Media AFL Digital Network. The telco has been working with the AFL since 2002.
In a statement, Telstra group executive of media and CMO, Joe Pollard, said the intention is to work with the AFL and players to create social media content for fans and exclusive moments for the telco’s customers virtually and physically.
“We already play a big role in bringing Australians closer to the game through the AFL Live official app. This new agreement takes our involvement and commitment to the AFL to a new level,” she said.
“We want to open a new door to give our customers the chance to get to know the personalities involved in our great game so they can build deeper connections with their favourite players, and understand and experience the hard work, dedication and fun these incredible athletes have in their lives on and off the field.”
AFL CEO, Gillon McLachlan, said the partnership was a way of innovating around the game.
“Footy fans want to connect with the game, their clubs and most importantly, with the players,” he said.
AFL Players Association CEO, Paul Marsh, also said the partnership demonstrates a commitment to identify new ways to strengthen the industry and grow the game’s footprint nationally. It’s also designed to help players retiring from the game by recognising their ongoing contribution to the sport.
“Over the next five years, AFL players aim to enhance the fan experience by creating new, interesting and engaging content for everyone to enjoy,” Marsh said. “ Every AFL player will benefit from the partnership, including through greater contributions into the player retirement scheme.”
In the third and final episode of our 3-part CMO50 video series exploring modern marketing and why it’s become a matter of trust, we’re delighted to be joined by Telstra’s former CMO and now digital services and sales executive, Jeremy Nicholas, and Adobe VP Marketing Asia-Pacific and Japan, Duncan Egan.
Flash back to the classic film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Television-obsessed Mike insists on becoming the first person to be ‘sent by Wonkavision’, dematerialising on one end, pixel by pixel, and materialising in another space. His cinematic dreams are realised thanks to rash decisions as he is shrunken down to fit the digital universe, followed by a trip to the taffy puller to return to normal size.
Why is it there is no shortage of leadership development materials, yet outstanding leadership is so rare? Despite having access to so many leadership principles, tools, systems and processes, why is it so hard to develop and improve as a leader?
As a nation united by sport, brands are beginning to learn money alone won’t talk without aligned values and action. If recent events with major leagues and their players have shown us anything, it’s the next generation of athletes are standing by what they believe in – and they won’t let their values be superseded by money.
Enterprisetalk
Mark
CMO's top 10 martech stories for the week - 9 June
Great e-commerce article!
Vadim Frost
CMO’s State of CX Leadership 2022 report finds the CX striving to align to business outcomes
Are you searching something related to Lottery and Lottery App then Agnito Technologies can be a help for you Agnito comes out as a true ...
jackson13
The Lottery Office CEO details journey into next-gen cross-channel campaign orchestration
Thorough testing and quality assurance are required for a bug-free Lottery Platform. I'm looking forward to dependability.
Ella Hall
The Lottery Office CEO details journey into next-gen cross-channel campaign orchestration
Great Sharing thoughts.It is really helps to define marketing strategies. After all good digital marketing plan leads to brand awareness...
Paul F
Driving digital marketing effectiveness