It is true, India is a land of
opportunity for international sports properties. With over 600 million internet
users and 800 million people watching television in the country, there are
clearly ample opportunities to expand one’s global presence, business and
impact through an ‘India plan.’ So it is no surprise that my IOT colleagues and
I have meetings and calls with some of the biggest global sports brands on a
weekly basis all interested in the same thing: generating revenue from India
through quality content, programming and partnerships. While this sounds easy
enough, especially for organizations that have achieved billions of dollars in
revenue, somehow companies continue to struggle to understand how to best
leverage the India opportunity.
opportunity for international sports properties. With over 600 million internet
users and 800 million people watching television in the country, there are
clearly ample opportunities to expand one’s global presence, business and
impact through an ‘India plan.’ So it is no surprise that my IOT colleagues and
I have meetings and calls with some of the biggest global sports brands on a
weekly basis all interested in the same thing: generating revenue from India
through quality content, programming and partnerships. While this sounds easy
enough, especially for organizations that have achieved billions of dollars in
revenue, somehow companies continue to struggle to understand how to best
leverage the India opportunity.
It’s actually quite
straightforward. In order to achieve success in India, all that is required is a
sound long-term strategy and professional execution. It doesn’t matter what the profile of one’s
brand is globally, what matters most is that the organization has a clear
strategy and ensures that the small things are done at the highest degree of
professionalism – no cutting corners.
Also, ROI expectations must be realistic or feelings of impatience,
frustration and heartache are almost a certainty. And, one must have the confidence and
flexibility to create a customized offering for India versus using
international templates and also have the ability to course correct if and when
necessary. Finally, one must conduct extensive research before choosing a local
partner – and always go with the most professional firm instead of the group
that has the biggest name and throws the best welcome party.
straightforward. In order to achieve success in India, all that is required is a
sound long-term strategy and professional execution. It doesn’t matter what the profile of one’s
brand is globally, what matters most is that the organization has a clear
strategy and ensures that the small things are done at the highest degree of
professionalism – no cutting corners.
Also, ROI expectations must be realistic or feelings of impatience,
frustration and heartache are almost a certainty. And, one must have the confidence and
flexibility to create a customized offering for India versus using
international templates and also have the ability to course correct if and when
necessary. Finally, one must conduct extensive research before choosing a local
partner – and always go with the most professional firm instead of the group
that has the biggest name and throws the best welcome party.
One organization who seems to
understand this basic approach to achieving success in an international market
is Major League Baseball (MLB). Thanks
to their two decades of experience with building baseball in East Asia, they
just ‘get it’ when it comes effectively and efficiently expanding into a new
country. From our first meeting with their Vice President of International to
every subsequent MLB interaction or on-ground activity that I’ve been a part of,
I’ve only experienced clarity, conviction, professionalism and, most
importantly, humility.
understand this basic approach to achieving success in an international market
is Major League Baseball (MLB). Thanks
to their two decades of experience with building baseball in East Asia, they
just ‘get it’ when it comes effectively and efficiently expanding into a new
country. From our first meeting with their Vice President of International to
every subsequent MLB interaction or on-ground activity that I’ve been a part of,
I’ve only experienced clarity, conviction, professionalism and, most
importantly, humility.
It is encouraging to engage
with individuals who dream big and, at the same time, are grounded enough to
take the guidance, advice and support from local partners who have a strong sense
of the market. It is exciting to construct long term strategies with some of
the best minds in global sport and then, with the same individuals, put equal
effort into professionally executing a grassroots event on ground. And, it’s
refreshing to speak with international organizations about India expansion and
have commercial gains discussed as a result of sound strategy and professional
execution versus the starting point to market entry.
with individuals who dream big and, at the same time, are grounded enough to
take the guidance, advice and support from local partners who have a strong sense
of the market. It is exciting to construct long term strategies with some of
the best minds in global sport and then, with the same individuals, put equal
effort into professionally executing a grassroots event on ground. And, it’s
refreshing to speak with international organizations about India expansion and
have commercial gains discussed as a result of sound strategy and professional
execution versus the starting point to market entry.
This past weekend I attended
the MLB Coaches Clinic in Mumbai where MLB was training the first generation of
Indian baseball coaches. It was fascinating to witness moments that will serve
as building blocks for the introduction of a sport in a country as populated
and culturally diverse as India; as I’m a firm believer that each time a sport
‘makes it’ in India, the global sports landscape transforms. On a separate note,
the clinic
provided me with the opportunity to share my appreciation for baseball with some
of our cricket-crazy GISB students through a thrilling ‘friendly’ match with
MLB management and IOT staff. It felt so good to swing a baseball bat and
put on glove nearly two decades after my Little League days.
the MLB Coaches Clinic in Mumbai where MLB was training the first generation of
Indian baseball coaches. It was fascinating to witness moments that will serve
as building blocks for the introduction of a sport in a country as populated
and culturally diverse as India; as I’m a firm believer that each time a sport
‘makes it’ in India, the global sports landscape transforms. On a separate note,
the clinic
provided me with the opportunity to share my appreciation for baseball with some
of our cricket-crazy GISB students through a thrilling ‘friendly’ match with
MLB management and IOT staff. It felt so good to swing a baseball bat and
put on glove nearly two decades after my Little League days.
Here are some pictures from
the workshop:
the workshop:
Bachelor’s and Masters Degree in Sports Managementare offered by NASM. A number of classes outside sport management may be relevant to the field, including classes in management, marketing, business administration, economics, and accounting. Internships may also open opportunities within the field.
Sports Management Courses