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TikTok Olympics and Alex Cooper Alt-Casts

making fandom fun again

Author

Boys Club
August 03, 2024

Athleisurist,

This week we’re diving into the sidequests of the Paris 2024 Olympics, like the addictive clips of athletes pronouncing their full names.  

We’re excited to be here with you, and please let us know what you love/like/hate and want to see more of!

Love,

The Boys

Writers: Leanne & Candace 

A Slam Dunk: Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony Draws More Than 28.6 Million US Viewers

Call it the TikTok effect.

Athletes have turned the Olympic Village into “the villa,” bringing an unfiltered, behind the scenes look that’s making the Games feel like a reality show. From the chocolate muffin guy to Rugby star Ilona Maher, who’s on a love quest — the inside look at athlete’s lives is making the Games more personal.

Adding to the hype, Paris 2024 has introduced new sports to keep it feeling fresh. From breakdancing to kayak cross races, plus the return of skateboarding and surfing, these sports are working to keep the Olympics relevant for a new generation. 

NBC Sports is also changing the game with AI-powered Al Michaels giving personalized recaps on Peacock. Plus, Alibaba Cloud’s Multi-Camera Replay system lets you be the director, putting you in the heart of Paris.

Roblox is also doing their thing with Olympic-themed virtual experiences. In the Olympic World presented by Visa, you can explore a digital stadium, play mini-games, and grab virtual merch. The Team USA Ultimate Obby offers Olympic-themed obstacle courses with unlockable video highlights.

#LongRead: Alex Cooper’s Alt-Cast Magic

In this #LongRead, we want to highlight the innovative approach to broadcasting seen during the US Women’s Soccer Team match against Germany, setting the stage for an unforgettable event — blending sports excellence with pure entertainment.

Alex Cooper’s Dive into Sports

Arguably the most successful woman in podcasting, Alex Cooper from the Call Her Daddy podcast has made waves in the sports world. We weren't sure how deep Alex was getting into sports when she did Big Al's takeover with the Red Sox, but that was just a little taste of what was coming. She took her talents to the Paris Olympics, combining her personal insights as a former Division I athlete with her podcasting prowess. Her transition to sports was seamless, making her the perfect host for this fresh take on Olympic broadcasting.

What’s an Alt-Cast, Anyway?

Alt-Casts are the cool cousin of traditional sports broadcasts. Think live commentary mixed with celeb banter, all while engaging with fans in real-time. It’s the secret sauce to attracting new fans, especially those who might not typically tune in to sports.

Alt-Casts Around the Sports World 

From the NHL’s Spittin' Chiclets podcast to the NBA’s All-Star Game with Charles Barkley and Draymond Green, Alt-Casts are popping up everywhere. MLB’s NESN did "Unobstructed Views," and the Women's March Madness is also hopping on the trend.

Alex Cooper’s Alt-Cast in Paris:

Alex Cooper’s Alt-Cast during the Paris Olympics was a game-changer.

Here’s the scoop:

1. Attracting New Fans, Especially Women 

Alex brought in her Call Her Daddy fans, many of whom were new to sports. By keeping things fun and relatable, she showed that sports can be entertaining and approachable. Plus, she nailed it with engaging more female viewers, which is crucial considering that women drive 70-80% of all consumer purchasing decisions.

2. The Perfect Show Mix The show was seamless, like a well-rehearsed dance. Alex teamed up with sports analyst Kaylee Hartung, who kept things on track with all the game deets. Kaylee filled in the gaps with player stats, game dynamics, and even some juicy sports gossip. She brought up fun facts about Mallory Swanson's husband (Dansby Swanson of the MLB) and Simone Biles' husband (Jonathan Owens of the NFL). The combo of hard facts and light banter made it the perfect blend of info and fun.

Guest Line-Up:

  • Dave Portnoy: The Barstool Sports founder started things off by making a pre-game bet on who will score the first goal.

  • Andy Cohen: Had laughs and light-hearted chats about the Olympic athletes with a quick game of “hot or not.”

  • Morgan Stewart: Brought the fashion heat by discussing Olympic fits and trends. 

  • Abby Wambach and Glennon Doyle: Shared insightful game commentary and personal stories.

  • Christen Press and Tobin Heath: Wrapped up with their love story, giving fans an intimate look into their lives.

3. Add Pop Culture To The Mix 

Taylor Swift Eras: Alex compared the USWNT’s journey to Taylor Swift’s iconic albums: from their debut (1991 World Cup win) to their fearless first Olympic gold, their reputation era with back-to-back World Cup wins, and their present dominance. It was a Swiftie’s dream come true.

Love Island Drama: She compared the tournament to Love Island. Group stages were the initial couplings, knockout rounds were dramatic re-couplings, and the finals were the ultimate match. This helped fans who might not know much about soccer understand the stakes and excitement in a fun way

4. Final Thoughts: This is the Future of Sports Fandom

Sports are the core, but not the whole. To engage modern fans, sports teams must integrate subcultures and cross-pollinate through connected taste profiles. This strategy attracts new fans and strengthens existing followings. In the social media age, fans prioritize people > teams > leagues. Live game broadcasts aren't enough anymore, but alternative commentaries are hitting the mark.

With alt-casts, you get:

1. Multifaceted > Singular

Alt-casts offer a rich, layered experience that resonates with diverse audiences, making sports more accessible and engaging. This approach draws a wider audience and focuses on...

2. Resonance > Reach

Reach measures how many people see your content; resonance measures how much they care. To retain fans, they need a deeper connection:

  • Emotional Connection: Resonant content tells relatable stories and creates memorable experiences that last.

  • Authenticity: Fans crave content that speaks their language, understands their passions, and reflects their values.

  • Community Building: Resonance fosters a sense of community and belonging among fans.

3. URL > IRL

Most fans never make it to the stadium but still crave shared experiences. Alt-cast formats bridge the gap between IRL and URL experiences.

Picture this: an alt-cast via a QR code on screen, leading to a Discord chat where fans worldwide can connect and celebrate together. Imagine fans sharing real-time excitement when Lynn Williams scores that fourth goal. It’s a more personalized, interactive, and community-driven sports experience for fans regardless of physical location. Is this the start of a future where alt-casts become the preferred way to consume sports? We think it might be. 

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