Fanalytics with Mike Lewis

This week's podcast episode kicks off with a discussion of Sports Illustrated's sudden shutdown as Emory Marketing Professor Mike Lewis explores what factors have contributed to the once esteemed brand's downfall.

While on the topic of downfalls, Professor Lewis discusses the Alabama Crimson Tide transfer portal fire sale that took place this week and how programs like Texas and Ohio State are taking advantage of the NCAA's loose NIL policies to capitalize.

We conclude the podcast with discussion of topics ranging from Jason Kelce's Buffalo fandom moment to the now infamous Caitlin Clark court storming.

Football coaches stole the limelight this week as Nick Saban's retirement, Bill Belichick's New England farewell, and Jim Harbaugh's potential NFL transition dominated headlines.

With big names on the move and a plethora of franchises interviewing candidates, Emory Professor Mike Lewis took to the podcast to explore what data factors into a head coaching hires.

Pat McAfee vs. ESPN. Aaron Rodgers vs. Jimmy Kimmel. Disney vs. Star Wars fans. These recent controversies in sports and pop culture are tied together by the rise of ideological capture in sports and entertainment.

In this podcast episode, Emory Marketing Professor Mike Lewis questions Disney's apparent strategy of acquiring popular IPs with the intention of changing the core product. He discusses how the controversy that ensues may actually benefit a property like The Pat McAfee Show while damaging a brand like Star Wars.

Other topics of conversation include the Bears' first pick dilemma, Jim Harbaugh's future, and Tiger Woods' departure from Nike.

Professor Lewis kicks off 2024 with a discussion on the new era of college football bowl games. This leads to a conversation on brand sponsorships in sports and the recent success of Kelloggs marketing integrations through the Pop Tarts Bowl, Cheez It Citrus Bowl, and Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. While some argue that these games now lack meaning, Professor Lewis explores the value that these games bring to fans and brands alike - as well as implications for the 12 team playoff era that begins next season.

In part two of a two-part podcast special, Emory Professor Mike Lewis recaps a few of 2023's most important sports events including a recent honorable mention in Tommy Devito's overnight rise to fame.

In part one of a two-part podcast special, Emory Professor Mike Lewis several of 2023's most important sports events. The discussion covers topics such as the NBA In-Season Tournament, the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on college sports, player contracts, one noteworthy team relocation. MLB rule changes, Taylor Swift's unexpected involvement in the NFL, and more. Stay tuned for Part 2 as we close out yet another year of the Fanalytics podcast.

This podcast episode begins with a fascinating exploration of the gaming realm, focusing on the massive fanbase of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) following the release of the highly anticipated GTA6 trailer. Professor Lewis delves into the intricacies of the gaming community, examining the factors that contribute to the overwhelming popularity of the franchise and the impact it has on contemporary culture. Shifting gears from the virtual world to the real world, the podcast delves into the realm of sports contracts and financial milestones. Professor Lewis sheds light on the seismic shift in the sports industry, particularly with the record-setting contract of baseball phenomenon Shohei Ohtani with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The discussion revolves around how Ohtani's deal is a significant step toward the elusive $1 billion sports contract, signaling a new era in athlete compensation and financial dynamics within professional sports. The final segment of the podcast takes a captivating turn towards the NFL, where Professor Lewis provides a thought-provoking analysis of why the Kansas City Chiefs have emerged as the league's perfect villains. Delving into the off-field antics of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the romantic escapades of tight end Travis Kelce, the episode explores the intricate relationship between players' personal lives and their public personas. This segment offers a unique perspective on the role of narrative and character in shaping the dynamics of fan loyalty and animosity in the world of professional football.

In this podcast episode, Emory Marketing Professor Mike Lewis delves into the contentious decision by the College Football Playoff Committee to include Alabama over Florida State, sparking debates and controversy within the sports community. Shifting gears to the NBA, the discussion revolves around the challenges faced by the In-Season Tournament in capturing widespread interest, prompting considerations for potential changes. Additionally, Professor Lewis explores the intriguing possibility of a projected first-round NFL draft pick opting to return to college for the opportunity to capitalize on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) endorsements—a dynamic shift in the landscape of college sports and athlete compensation. The episode navigates through these diverse topics, offering insightful perspectives on the intersection of sports, decision-making, and financial opportunities for athletes.

In this podcast episode, Professor Lewis carefully dissects how sports rivalries impact fandom, using Illinois-Northwestern, Georgia-Georgia Tech, Ohio State-Michigan, Alabama-Auburn, and Georgia-Alabama as compelling case studies. Drawing upon his expertise in marketing, Lewis unravels the psychological and emotional underpinnings that make these matchups more than just games on a schedule.Listeners can expect a deep exploration of the cultural, social, and economic aspects surrounding these rivalries. Lewis sheds light on how these matchups transcend the playing field, becoming integral to the identities of the teams and their fan bases. Whether it's the historic clashes between Ohio State and Michigan or the fierce battles between Alabama and Auburn, each rivalry has its unique narrative that shapes the fan experience.Throughout the episode, Professor Mike Lewis skillfully weaves together anecdotes, statistical insights, and fan testimonials to paint a comprehensive picture of the impact these rivalries have on the sports landscape. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this podcast provides a thought-provoking look into the intricate world of sports rivalries and the lasting effects they leave on the hearts and minds of supporters.

This week's podcast focuses on league structure and its effect on sports fandom. We specifically discuss how boxing's organizational fragmentation negatively impacts the sport. We also explore how the advent of NIL has effected NCAA sports for better or worse in a breakdown of Angel Reese's recent departure from the reigning champion LSU women's basketball team.

In this podcast episode, Professor Mike Lewis explores how NIL, draft rules, and changing media strategies have put women's college basketball on the map as men's college basketball loses its mass appeal.

This podcast also features discussion on how the SEC could be left out of the College Football Playoff, rookie NFL QB performances, and more.

This week's podcast features discussion on Michigan's scouting scandal, Alabama's inevitable College Football Playoff push, and the NBA's inaugural in-season tournament. We also discuss Victor Wembanyama's historical start as well as Travis Kelce's out-of-nowhere advertising success and Bob Knight's legacy.

In this week's podcast, Professor Mike Lewis focuses on the sports leagues that are struggling to cut through the noise amidst the busiest season of the sports calendar. Discussion revolves around Major League Baseball's dismal World Series viewership numbers, NCAA Men's Basketball's lack of star power, and boxing's long-gone heyday. Professor Lewis compares these sports against NFL football, college football, and the NBA before transitioning to a conversation on recent displays of fan passion across these leagues.

Professor Lewis takes to the podcast to discuss Major League Baseball's struggles with the Gen Z market and what it would take to bring baseball back to its rightful place as America's pastime. This podcast also features discussion on Victor Wembanyama's NBA Preseason, NFL Week 7, the College Football Playoff picture, and much more. Watch/listen to the full podcast here:

In this week's episode, Professor Lewis and Doug Battle talk the state of college football at the season's halfway point as well as some personal fandom stories that you won't want to miss.

Check out more Fanalytics content at fandomanalytics.com.

It's the best time of the year for well-rounded sports fans as football, baseball, basketball, and hockey are all simultaneously underway!

In this week's podcast, we discuss stories across the sports stratosphere as well as Taylor Swift's highjacking of football season.

This week's podcast features discussion on topics ranging from the NFL's gimmicky emphasis on Taylor Swift and Toy Story to the wild fandom stories observed across college football's fifth week.

In this episode, Emory Professor Mike Lewis breaks down NFL quarterback performances, baseball's overlooked October, and fandom impact on the presidential primaries.

This week's episode features discussion of the collision of two top fandoms: NFL fans and Swifties. We also explore the week in sports as Coach Prime's Buffalos face their first loss, Justin Fields continues to struggle in the NFL, and the Miami Dolphins put up a historically dominant performance against Denver.

In the ever-evolving landscape of sports media, a new breed of influencers has emerged, reshaping the way we consume and engage with our favorite sports. In this episode of Fanalytics, we explore how the meteoric rise of sports personalities like Deion Sanders and Pat McAfee reflects an underlying shift in the sports media landscape. This episode also features discussion on the second week of the NFL season, WNBA fandom, and a huge slate of games coming up for college football.

This week's podcast features discussion on the NFL's opening week, Texas Longhorns fandom, and Disney's Ahsoka.

EPISODE CHAPTERS (0:00:05) - NFL Quarterbacks and Fan Expectations(0:10:32) - Running Quarterbacks' Impact in Football(0:16:33) - Quarterback Strategies(0:29:53) - Alabama's Underachievement and Early Season College Football(0:33:07) - Texas Football and Arrogant Fanbase(0:37:29) - Agent Risks in College Football(0:49:16) - Football Playoff and Star Wars FandomSHOW NOTES(0:00:05) - NFL Quarterbacks and Fan ExpectationsAaron Rodgers' injury, Zach Wilson's potential, Tom Brady speculation, Justin Fields' expectations, and Bears' potential change are discussed.(0:10:32) - Running Quarterbacks' Impact in FootballRunning quarterbacks present unique challenges to defenders, and success is measured in terms of touchdowns and mistakes(0:16:33) - Quarterback StrategiesWe evaluate the success of running quarterbacks in the NFL, Desmond Ritter's potential, and the implications of a quarterback-focused league.(0:29:53) - Alabama's Underachievement and Early Season College FootballWe analyze Alabama's potential to win the SEC Championship, Milroe's decision-making, college football unpredictability, and the challenge of translating success to the NFL.(0:33:07) - Texas Football' Arrogant FanbaseTexas's potential to become a college football powerhouse, its fanbase's arrogance, and the implications of its third string quarterback's salary are discussed.(0:37:29) - Agent Risks in College FootballDeon Sanders' move to Colorado, package deal, hype, Travis Hunter, and Shedeur Sanders are all discussed. (0:49:16) - Football Playoff and Star Wars FandomSEC, Big Ten, Pac-12 teams, Notre Dame, Florida State, USC, Georgia, Penn State, Star Wars, and Ahsoka are all discussed.

Join us as we dissect the implications of the recent incident involving the Spanish soccer president and analyze an overarching theme that has recurred yet again in women's sports.. This episode uncovers the shift in fandom focus from the sport to the exposed social issues, exploring the net effect on audiences worldwide. We also navigate the landscape of fandom in Gen Z while pondering the role of brand allegiance and the questionable nature of data in recent times. As a bonus, we take a detour into the world of entertainment, scrutinizing the success of Marvel's 'The Eternals' and pondering its longevity. But it's not all serious business. We're diving into the world of rookie quarterbacks while also assessing recent Draft classes featuring Trevor Lawrence, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, Mac Jones, and Jordan Love. Plus, join us as we delve into the humorous side of the NFL's meme-worthy attempt to connect with millennials. We wrap things up by delving into the world of college football, discussing the Tennessee Volunteers' elite fanbase and the excitement surrounding the start of the season. (0:00:05) - Social Issues and Fandom for Women's Sports (0:07:33) - Positive Fandom Impacts from Activism (0:19:36) - Assessing Rookie Quarterbacks and NFL Preseason (0:29:46) - NFL Ad Memes and Trump's Parade (0:34:25) - Tennessee Football's Phenomenal Fandom (0:40:25) - Look Ahead to College Football

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Fanalytics Podcast, brought to you by the Emory Marking Analytics Center. Listen in as we discuss how different generations view sports, the effects of marketing strategies on the fan experience, and how commercialization might be impacting fan loyalty. Plus, we throw in some nuggets about George Pickens' human highlight film status this preseason and the intriguing stories behind NFL's AFC North teams going into this season. But we're not just talking sports. The world of politics also has its fair share of fandom. As we look ahead to the 2024 Republican primary season, we introduce what will be an ongoing discussion on branding strategies used by potential candidates like Tim Scott, Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, and Mike Pence. And we'll round this up by continuing our ongoing conversation regarding the intersection of politics and sports. Fasten your seatbelts as we embark on this thrilling journey through the world of sports, entertainment, and politics like you’ve never heard before!

EPISODE CHAPTERS

(0:00:05) - Rookie QBs and George Pickens' Performance

(0:07:47) - Potential Money-Making Opportunities Through Sports Documentaries

(0:16:04) - Advertising's Impact on Sports Fandom

(0:21:45) - Impact of Commercialization on Sports Fandom

(0:32:11) - Sports Fandom and Broadcasts

(0:40:24) - 2024 Republican Primary and Politics

This week's podcast features an analysis of rookie QBs after one week of preseason play, discussion on Michael Oher's lawsuit against the family that "adopted" him, and a look at a recent push to rename the Washington Commanders once again.

This week's podcast features discussion on Barbie fandom, Christopher Nolan Fandom, US soccer fandom, and the NFL RB market.

We conclude our countdown of the ⁠NFL's fan bases⁠ with an analysis of the top 5 fandoms in professional football.

Watch/listen here:

This week's episode features discussion of the least predictable NBA Playoffs in recent memory and what keeps sports fans locked into Ted Lasso's third season.

In this week's podcast, we discuss the 2023 NBA Conference Finals as the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets each seek to make history in their own ways. We also discuss Victor Wembanyama's fit in San Antonio with Gregg Popovich, LeBron's fourth quarter struggles these Playoffs, and what a Heat-Nuggets Finals could mean for NBA fandoms. In the show's entertainment/culture segment, we break down why studios keep making the sequels no one seems to want.

This week's episode is full of recent happenings in sports and entertainment that made us go... "huh?" We discuss Martha Stewart's SI cover, IMG Academy's $1.25 billion sale to a Chinese private equity firm, and Ja Morant's gun troubles from a marketing perspective. We also continue our discussion of the NBA Playoffs, bringing back our Fan of the Week segment to highlight one Golden State Warriors fan's epic display of fandom last week.

In this week's episode, we discuss what has driven Formula 1's surge in fandom. We then continue our look at the 2023 NBA Playoffs and make predictions for how the remainder of the NBA's postseason story unfolds.

In this episode, Professor Lewis assesses what cognitive biases come into play during every NFL Draft while making his own predictions for Thursday's first round. But first, Professor Lewis reviews the first round of the NBA Playoffs. In the show's final segment, Mike breaks down NFC West QB storylines featuring Matthew Stafford, Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, Geno Smith, and Kyler Murray.

In this podcast, Emory Marketing Professor Mike Lewis discusses how culture wars impact fandoms in sports and entertainment. Lewis defines culture wars as the conflicts that arise when different groups have opposing views on cultural values, norms, and beliefs. Professor Lewis notes that these conflicts can seep into the products that fans are passionate about, including sports and entertainment.

Lewis cites examples of how culture wars impact fandoms like the Star Wars community - as well as the change in how sports fans interpret the actions of now controversial players like Rudy Gobert. Professor Lewis also discusses the challenge cultural division poses for professional sports leagues.

He notes that sports have historically been seen as a way to bring people together, but in recent years, they have become more politicized. This has led to challenges for leagues as they try to navigate issues such as player protests during the national anthem.

The NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament stole March's thunder. We begin this podcast with a discussion on how the Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese rivalry accomplished this. We then continue our discussion on NFL offseason QB storylines with a look at Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, Jared Goff, and the AFC North.

We kick off this show with a discussion of perhaps the least predictable NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament of all time. Supported by data from Goizueta Business School student Adrian Thierry, we analyze how COVID played a part in college basketball parity in 2022-2023. We also leverage Adrian's research toward predicting 2023 Final Four viewership.In the episode's second half, Professor Lewis continues his analysis of NFL quarterback storylines with a look at the NFC East... and we explore one trade scenario that could shake up the division.

We kick off this week's podcast with discussion on a wild opening weekend for this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Mike discusses why March is all about guard play as we analyze what statistics this year's Cinderellas have in common. Conversation then turns to the AFC West as we continue our breakdown of every NFL division's quarterback story.