Premier League Returns: The Rise of Next-Level Fan Engagement

The Premier League makes its return this Friday, and while the excitement for the matches is high, another storyline is emerging — fan engagement is evolving faster than ever.

From revamped apps to content rights innovation, the game is no longer just about the 90 minutes on the pitch — it’s about how fans experience, interact, and share the sport around the clock.

A New Era of Digital Matchday

The official Premier League app has undergone a major transformation. No longer just a place to track scores or fantasy football, it now mirrors the features of a social platform, offering stories, mini-games, and community-driven activities. The interface feels more interactive, blending elements of platforms like Snapchat and fan forums to keep supporters engaged before, during, and after matchday.

Content Rights That Change the Game

In a move that could reshape how fans consume football, Goalhanger has secured clip rights for LALIGA. This means they can share actual match footage — not just commentary or analysis — on platforms like YouTube and podcasts. By doing so, they’re making Spanish football far more accessible to digital-first audiences and setting a precedent that could benefit other leagues worldwide.

Lessons from the Global Sports Content Boom

Fan engagement isn’t just a Premier League story. International examples prove the model is working:

  • IShowSpeed has shown that sports can be for everyone, regardless of skill level, by blending entertainment and fandom.
  • Jomboy Media attracted investment from Major League Baseball by creating content that connects with younger audiences.
  • CazéTV secured World Cup rights, building massive followings through personality-driven coverage.

Three Ways Football Can Elevate Fan Engagement

  1. Give Creators Real Access to Footage
    Rights holders should empower trusted creators with access to actual match clips, allowing them to tell stories in ways that resonate with niche fan communities.
  2. Prioritise Conversation-First Platforms
    Platforms like Discord, Twitch, and private fan apps enable real-time discussions and shared experiences, making fans part of the narrative rather than passive viewers.
  3. Reimagine Existing Assets
    Repurpose match highlights into exclusive, social-first edits — perhaps adding player perspectives or alternative angles that immerse the fan deeper into the action.

We’re only at the start of this shift, but the momentum is clear. The new season won’t just be defined by goals and league tables — it’ll be defined by how connected fans feel to the game and each other.

365247 Consulting Insight

For sports organisations, clubs, and leagues, the message is clear: fan engagement is no longer optional — it’s a strategic asset.

We help rights holders, sponsors, and creators design fan-first digital ecosystems that:

  • Increase audience loyalty through interactive platforms
  • Unlock new monetisation channels with rights-driven content
  • Drive sustained engagement beyond the matchday window

By combining our expertise in sports media strategy with a deep understanding of evolving fan behaviour, 365247 Media creates engagement models that turn followers into communities — and communities into long-term revenue drivers.

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