Virtual trade missions

The United States is the world's largest sports economy valued at over $80 billion. The US Sports industry is incredibly diverse, encompassing any activity that derives income from sports, including anything from TV distribution, fitness, ticketing, betting and advertising to sponsorship or merchandise. Victorian sports organizations can position themselves to thrive by addressing key opportunities, from fan engagement to advanced technology to the role of sports in society. 2021 will be a pivotal year—challenging fans, athletes, broadcasters, teams, and leagues alike in new and unexpected ways.

The US sports industry, like all countries, has an unprecedented opportunity to reevaluate its business models and build a new future. Success would likely require that sports organizations develop strong connections with customers, robust sensing and modeling capabilities, and the ability to continually reinvent how they think and operate.

In a 2019 report commissioned by LaunchVic and KPMG, Victorian sportstech companies identified the US as the most important market for ongoing and future engagement. The same report identified ‘facilitated introductions to sports markets’ and dedicated networking sessions as the most useful initiatives to achieve future growth and scale.

The US Sports marketing is looking for best-in-breed solutions within:

• Athlete Performance
• Health and Wellness
• Fitness and Coaching
• Stadiums and Venues
• Ticketing and Payments
• Artificial Intelligence
• Wearables
• Esports
• Smart Apparel
• Smart Equipment
• Youth and Grassroots Sports
• Women in Sports
• Disability, Mobility and Inclusion

Companies should be export ready with a history of exporting to the US or at least have proven export experience in other markets and a clear business plan identifying the US as an immediate priority market to engage.

Virtual trade missions enable Victorian exporters to build market insights, explore opportunities, expand their networks, promote their capabilities, identify and engage potential partners / buyers.

This trade mission is specifically designed to connect participants with pre-identified real-time opportunities that exist for each company’s specific product / service.

Following the initial two-day launch event, this unique trade mission led by Global Victoria and the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) will run over 14 weeks and include targeted business matching and deal sourcing through a network of globally recognised and in-market providers that are well connected across the US and understand the current Sports Technology opportunities and requirements within the industry.

These networks include:

• iSportConnect
• Sports Techie
• Sports Business Group
• International Sports Technology Association
• Microsoft Global Sports Innovation
• Sports Tech World Series
• Stack Sports

A maximum of 20 successful Victorian Sports companies will be provided with business-matching to help achieve their business goals.

Pre-Program Preparations: Global Victoria and ASTN will work together to on professional business matching services to assist Victorian Sports companies maximising business opportunities in the United States.  This includes:

• A conference call to discuss your business needs in the market with the business matching service provider and appropriate partners.
• Support for media announcements/ stories you would like to propose.
• Promotion in the Victorian Government mission’s marketing materials and through social media channels.

A two-day launch virtual trade mission will be held online on 10-11 March 2021, prior to the program's commencement, which will allow delegates to virtually network with other delegates from Victoria and gain a deeper understanding of the US Sports market.

US Sports Business Matching Program (March - June 2021)

• Bespoke business matching program tailored to your company’s needs.
• Sector specific briefings delivered from US Sports industry experts.
• Virtual Networking opportunities with US Sports leadership landscape.

Post mission (July 2021)

• An evaluation form will be distributed to all businesses.
• Where requested a follow up with delegates will be held.