Using Data to Increase Fan Engagement and Revenue

This episode I'm joined by industry veteran Steve Hank, currently an Executive Vice President at Affinaquest, to talk about how athletic departments can leverage the data they already have to increase fan engagement and revenue for the department. 

We discuss:

• The main revenue struggles he sees over and over again in college athletics
• How pro teams have done a better job creating a personal connection with fans
• Overcoming silos in athletics and higher education
• How to collaborate better with the university
• The opportunities and challenges conference realignment brings for engaging with fans
• Engaging fans who might consider staying home or out at the tailgate instead of going to the game
• Leveraging data to give fans a better experience while also making more money
• How NIL might play a role in the future of fan engagement

Hank also shared about his career journey in college athletics. In his current position, Hank oversees the collegiate athletics market at Affinaquest and strategies for clients with a focus on business intelligence, fan engagement, revenue outcomes.

Prior to joining Affinaquest, Hank worked as the Chief Revenue Officer at the University of Texas at Austin where he led the sales, marketing, and revenue operations of the nation’s largest collegiate athletic department.  

Prior to Texas, Hank was with at Arizona State University for twelve years, where he led the revenue generating areas of Sun Devil Athletics, including marketing, ticket sales and operations, branding, licensing, contract negotiation, and sponsorship relations. He also led the rebranding of Sun Devil Athletics culminating with the launch of the Pitchfork logo in April 2012.

You can follow Affinaquest on social media: YouTube | Twitter | LinkedIn

You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram to discuss further, ask additional questions or suggest future episodes.

You can find more of my analysis on the business of college sports at BusinessofCollegeSports.com and Forbes.

You can follow Kristi on Twitter and Instagram to discuss further, ask additional questions or suggest future episodes.

You can find more of her analysis on the business of college sports at BusinessofCollegeSports.com and Forbes.

Need data and real-world experts to help you make decisions in your athletic department? Check out College Sports Solutions and connect with Jeff on LinkedIn.