From Andy’s Room to Big City and Nickelodeon: Extending the Brand to New Consumers through Alternate Broadcasts of Live Sports Entertainment

Authors

Cody T. Havard, The University of MemphisFollow
Timothy D. Ryan, University of MemphisFollow

Streaming Media

Abstract

The Walt Disney Company aired the Toy Story Football Funday on Sunday, October 1^st, 2023. A live game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons played in London, England aired on ESPN+ while the Toy Story-themed alternate broadcast aired on Disney+. This game followed multiple alternate broadcasts of NFL games by Nickelodeon and an NHL game themed after Big City Greens on the Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney+. This analysis paper discusses the use of these alternate broadcasts in an attempt to attract younger viewers and expand consumers for leagues and live sports entertainment. A brief history of sports organizations participating in fan outreach programs, including contests and alternate broadcasts is provided before an analysis and discussion of how such presentations may impact viewership, competition among studios, and the future of consumer entertainment.

Recommended Citation

Havard, Cody T. and Ryan, Timothy D. (2023) "From Andy’s Room to Big City and Nickelodeon: Extending the Brand to New Consumers through Alternate Broadcasts of Live Sports Entertainment," Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management: Vol. 3, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/finsheem/vol3/iss1/6