Wade, Bryant Focus On Youth At Variety/SI Sports & Ent. Summit

NFL.  World Surf League.  Drone racing.  These and many other sports related topics were covered July 14, 2016 at the Sports & Entertainment Summit presented by Variety and Sports Illustrated.  Presented the day after the ESPY Awards at the Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles, the room full of entertainment executives spent the day discussing the future of in-stadium entertainment, live sports coverage, sports marketing and the affect modern technologies are having on the sports viewing public.

During a panel entitled “The State of Live Sports Coverage”, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm describe the impact social media and content view habits have altered her approach to presenting news.  What formerly was a closed ended day: she’s prepare for a major game, provide commentary and conclude with a recap has become more of a 24 hour endeavor.  Personalities are expected to provide meaningful coverage and analysis at nearly any given moment.

“We can’t just do things to get hits,” said Storm.  “Our audience is too savvy for that.   It’s really forced us to be much more savvy and do more than our jobs.  I like it, because I’m really flexing all my mental muscles.”

Chief Content Officer for NFL Media Jordan Levin touched on the aspect of rights of coverage, noting entities such as Neflix and Google may have interest in streaming live events in the future, despite these entity’s lack of current vocal interest.  He also brought up the topic of in stadium involvement, noting most home-based viewers have second screen involvement that – noting stadiums do not accommodate – may affect their decision to attend a live event.

“Going to a stadium has to be more than just about watching a game,” said Levin.  “VR and AR are bridging those gaps.  Currently the San Francisco Giants are jumping in on this formatting and experimenting, finding what fits and what can handle that data load.”

The event featured two keynote speakers: Three time NBA Champion Dwyane Wade and Five time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant.  Wade emphasized the power professional athletes have to influence younger generations not only in their athletic development but also their commitment to the greater social consciousness in light of recent race-related murders in Missouri, Louisiana and Texas.

“I want to touch on points going on in our community and present a worldly message,” said Wade.  “There is a power in sports to reach young people in the world.”  Wade also shared the impetus for his recent team switch to Chicago.  Having been drafted by Florida and done much of his professional growth with the Miami Heat, Wade decided his professional career would not be complete if he didn’t play for his home town team.

Bryant discuss the creation of his new production company, noting he wants to give athletes and other over-looked talent the chance to have their scripts seriously considered.  The first project his company will present is an animated version of his retirement poem.  Working with professionals such as composer John Williams, Bryant is excited to learn about the power the medium has to educate children.

“I feel through animation children can really be shown the details, and have the opportunity to learn,” said Bryant.  “I’m working with people that have been teaching me a lot about the power of those details.”

To learn more about Variety Summits, please visit:  http://events.variety.com/