Over the past five years, the way that I’ve consumed sports media has evolved, mainly due to technological advancements and changing media habits. Five years ago, my sport media “diet” primarily came from watching live games on TV. I’d then turn on ESPN and get updates about games that I missed, catching highlights and any other breaking news. Back then, social media played a smaller role in the way that I consumed sports media.

Fast forward to today, social media is my go-to place for sports updates. I can get updates on my favorite teams from anywhere with the click of a button. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X have given me instant access to everything happening in the sports world. Instead of relying on traditional sports networks, I get my updates from quick clips, live tweets, or my favorite team’s social media accounts. 

Social media has also made it easier for me to follow my favorite players and their careers. I’ve felt more connected to the game by seeing the behind-the-scenes content, mic’d up moments, or just personal glimpses into these athletes’ lives both on and off the field. Five years ago, I consumed less sports media than I do today. Social media and the ability to easily access information has significantly increased my sports media diet. For example, there have been times where I’ve watched the Eagles play (Go Birds!) on my phone while I’m out and about. As technology continues to evolve, so will the ways that I connect with the game. 

Looking ahead, I expect AI to play a big role in the way that I consume sports media. With AI becoming more and more popular by the day, I expect apps to continue to personalize our algorithms on social media, connecting fans with highlights or news based on their favorite players or teams. AI and new technology will make sports coverage more tailored and accessible to each person. Virtual reality is another trend that is becoming more popular. I think that over the next few years, it could completely change the landscape of how fans consume and interact with sports.

If I could wave a magic wand and change one thing about the sports communication landscape, I would eliminate location restrictions and expensive streaming obstacles. It’s frustrating when fans want to watch their favorite teams play but can’t due to regional restrictions or the high cost of multiple streaming services. As an example, there are games that haven’t been on YouTube TV but were streamed on Peacock or Netflix. This makes it hard for sports fans to engage with their favorite teams because they have to juggle between different platforms and subscriptions. Making sports more accessible would help fans connect with the game without all of the extra obstacles, ultimately benefiting both the fans and the sports industry.