New breed of fan demands brands do more says Ear to the Ground's Fan Intelligence Index

The new global study by creative sports agency Ear to the Ground has revealed the industry's ranking of the Top 40 most culturally relevant brands in sport, esports and gaming. The Fan Intelligence® Index 21/22 aims to define a new audience that is changing the future of the sport, esports and gaming.

Following on from the success of the first Fan Intelligence® Index, launched in October 2020, demand for what cultural relevance means to audiences in 2021 has become critical says the agency.

The future survival of brands in sport, esports and gaming is now under threat, says the report,  with the new breed of fan demanding a voice, along with a better future. Those that have listened have scored well. Those that have not – from brands to rights holders - have dropped down and even out of the rankings.

Created in collaboration with Ear to the Ground’s global Fan Intelligence® Network - an 11,000+ network of influential and culturally connected fans worldwide – the Fan Intelligence® Index 21/22 details wholesale changes after a rollercoaster year.

The rankings not only display the power shift from those who govern to those who lead culture, but the trends explore the shockwaves that are shaping the future of the industry – global pandemics, climate crises, social equality, empty sports stadia - offering up a new Top 10, 11 new entrants, and score changes across the board.

Owen Laverty, Ear to the Ground’s Chief Innovation Officer, said: “This is the second year for the Index. It’s created some fascinating comparisons and has allowed us to track the effects of major events in the last year. It has not only shown us how brands' responses have impacted wider culture at global and local levels, but also the direction of travel going forward in an uncertain world that demands more from these brands.

“The new breed of fan will ultimately change how brands think and plan for the future. These individuals are already at the forefront of culture and are inadvertently in charge of where things go next. Culturally relevant brands of 2021 that are winning, have listened and are standing for what they believe is right”. 

 Key takeaways:

●   Nike pipped Adidas to take this year’s top spot.

●   The new breed of fan demands a better future with Driving Positive Change as the most crucial factor in being viewed as culturally relevant - a characteristic which many brands scored poorly.

●   The effects of the ESL have been felt globally, with Barca as the only club to scrape into the top 40 in last place.

●   The NBA and Premier League held their ground in the Top 10, but only just, dropping by two to go 5th and 6th.

●   Where the traditional rights holders were lacking, esports and gaming partners excelled and were able to take advantage.

●   EA Sports rose by five places into the Top 10 due to a solid diversity pledge that led to the education of youth audiences surrounding current societal issues like knife crime, while PlayStation took 10th after launching their fastest-selling console.

●   Sportswear brands dominate the top 10 with Nike, adidas and New Balance gaining credibility through the power of idols.

●   TikTok, Twitch and Instagram won big with the new breed of fan and, as a result, have had a steep rise up the rankings.

●   And Coca-Cola and Pepsi are head-to-head for the first time as they take 12th and 13th place.

Who is the new breed of fan?

Cultural relevance in sport, esports and gaming today is being driven by the new breed of fan. The new breed of fan is not defined by age but by attitude. It’s an attitude many would associate with the young, but it’s not unique to them. The new breed of fan believe in using their platform to make themselves heard and make the world listen. They’re in the driving seat now.

 Driving positive change: Global fans agreed that culturally relevant brands respond to issues fans and their communities face with respect - promoting real social change. They never use empty messages. They believe in making an impact.

Disrupting the norm: They disrupt, challenge and redefine cultural practices through innovation, creating new products or platforms that inspire new behaviours and trends.

Celebrating sports heritage: They celebrate heritage in sport and know how important this is to fans. They speak to fans, invite reciprocation, appreciate and facilitate fan rituals, customs, and culture.

Standing for something: They have a clear point of view, are upfront and honest about what they stand for – reflecting their values through every action they take.

Instigating cultural collaboration: They collaborate with co-existing cultural disciplines such as fashion, gaming and music to bring together fan bases and introduce unexpected creative crossovers in sport.

Forming authentic partnerships: They champion cultural ambassadors who embody their values, bringing these individuals into the creative process as collaborators and giving them the freedom to speak on their behalf.

To access the full report,  contact: Kat Toland on 07795 954793 or email kattoland@eartotheground.org