This time last year sports social media analytics expert Mario Leo discussed his reflections on 2017 and his predictions for 2018.

We decided to repeat the feat this year with Mario picking out six major trends.

Given that his company, Result Sports, provides social media data on some of the world biggest football teams, Mario is in a perfect position to predict the next 12 months.

TOPICS

The trends he has seen on the major social media platforms

Did last year’s prediction around Facebook/Instagram come true

Where is Snapchat stand?

Mario’s #1 trend – Players becoming more entertainment/media-centric

Dugout/OTRO/Players Tribune/Brooklyn Nets ‘Juventus night”

The social media impact from the transfers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar

Mario’s #2 trend – Media departments in middle-ranking clubs start to take on an ‘agency’ role

The demise of the classical sports journalist in club media departments

Mario’s #3 trend – data centralized and used across all departments

The myth of ‘big, bad clubs’ organising a new league out of their own greed.

The future broadcast model and why it could get cheaper

Mario’s #4 trend – greater digital commercialisation and ‘passion’ selling.

Mario’s #5 trend – the importance of change management in digital transformation

(Basically, start working together to get your digital house in order. If you don’t you will be in trouble)

“Digital means there are no silos. It's a constant evolution, constant change and adapting to the world around us.”

Dopamine and the continuing need to prioritise.

“As parents, we need to our children to prioritise and 90 per cent of the news or the updates that our kids get is noise which is not relevant.”

Mario’s #6 trend – Sports organisations becoming more ethical.

The change in journalism – from quality to click bait

Warm and fluffy v commercialism

The demise of Google+ and what might take its place… like Twitter, if it is sold

LINKS

Mario Leo on Twitter, LinkedIN

Result Sport