How can Baseball Endure in the Modern Age?
Research suggests that television viewership of baseball is on the decline, and that the average age of fans is on the rise. Not only that, but attendance at matchdays has dropped off. Some have speculated that we could be witnessing the beginning of the end of this national pastime.
It’s true that baseball must compete with other sports, along with the newfangled competitive gaming industry. Younger generations, in particular, are drawn towards the latter. Baseball does have a few ways that it can stay relevant, though, and leveraging the power of the online world should keep the classic sport alive for many years to come.
What do the Stats Say About Baseball Viewership?
According to Collegian, the stats around baseball don’t make for happy reading. Indeed, the publication claims that the sport could be on its way out because it keeps failing to adapt to the changes in society around it. In 2021, stadiums experienced the worst lull in 37 years in attendance figures in the regular season. The sad fact of the matter is that fewer seats are being filled every year, with figures now having dropped for eight consecutive seasons.
On top of that, the televised events are attracting smaller audiences. There was a 12 percent decline in household viewers between 2019 and 2021. For anyone in the know, the reasons for these shocking statistics are down to the owners failing to focus on improving their product to bring in new fans.
The average age of baseball fans is 57, this applies to both the American League and National League, highlighting how the sport isn’t growing, and there are fewer younger viewers than ever before. In comparison, NBA, NHL, and NFL have average fan ages of 42, 49, and 51 respectively.
Online Access to Baseball and Related Activities Helps it Reach Wide Audiences
The ways that people engage with the sport are changing. With the rise of online streaming services, it’s not much of a surprise that traditional television viewing statistics are on a downward curve. Instead, there are websites that allow users to connect instantly with their chosen sport. MLB.TV is one way for people all over the world to stream baseball games, and it’s especially useful for those residing outside of the USA where it may not be televised.
However, it could be argued that teams and players need to do more to market this offering. The best way to connect with potential fans in the modern age is through social media, so sides that update their Instagram and Facebook pages regularly are more likely to attract new followers. Members of Generation Z are obsessed with social media and spend more than five hours a day on it. Sports that are present there are bound to get attention.
MLB also needs to leverage the power of the betting industry, especially seeing as how it is beginning to blow up in the USA. As more states open online gambling options, MLB franchises need to form partnerships with the biggest brands by locking in sponsorship deals.
In countries where online betting is popular, bettors can easily stake on MLB games and this helps to spark their interest in the sport. When betting, people will turn to sites like SBO where they can see which sportsbooks come with the best recommendations. It also lists the welcome bonuses and whether they have in-play betting. Live betting, in particular, can enhance MLB games and give viewers something to root for in real-time. This method of audience participation could really increase viewership.
Baseball Representation in Gaming Industry can Help Connect to Digital Generations
The gaming industry could hold the key to boosting baseball’s fortunes in the future. China is one country that’s seen as an untapped market for the sport, and if it can be promoted to the booming population there, it could enjoy a significant surge in viewing figures.
According to Off The Bench, MLB has cleverly announced that it will be opening up the MLB China eSports League. This idea would piggyback on the incredible popularity of competitive gaming in the eastern nation. MLB will also be partnering with some major brands in the eSports sector to maximize exposure.
There’s no doubt that baseball needs to undergo some serious modernization to keep attracting new followers in the internet age. The average age of fans is scarily high and, if this isn’t rectified soon, the sport is at risk of fading away.
