Great piece! Beckham was way (way!) too early for his era. Same for Maria Sharapova in tennis.
Two thoughts, if I may:
1) It should also be just fine for those who don't want to become a media empire. Those who are already making a fortune with the game and plan to enjoy their retirement by doing nothing public ever again. It's not a failure not to want to make billions.
2) I'm not sure "authentic" means the same to these stars or creators turned empire and their teams than what it means for the fans who are flocking to them. We might be in the era of "authentic creators" (meeting at the right time a generation that is in desperate need to identify to someone / to relate to the celebs of this world) that aren't always that, and then it's just a new type of marketing era. But still, "yay" for seeing more personalities in pro sports and to see some people owning the responsibilities coming with having a platform.
Spot on Carole. Not every athlete needs to be a media mogul, financial freedom means having the choice to build an empire or disappear to a private island. 🏝️
That said, within five years of retirement, most athletes go bankrupt due to poor financial management. So while they might earn fortunes, a lot end up blowing them too. Building a media empire isn’t just about ego...it’s a smart hedge against post-career financial freefall. But that’s a story for another time...
And on 'authenticity', we’re in an era where it’s both currency and illusion. Fans crave it, brands manufacture it, and the best in the game blur the line so well, we buy into it anyway. Welcome to the age of strategic authenticity.
Great piece! Beckham was way (way!) too early for his era. Same for Maria Sharapova in tennis.
Two thoughts, if I may:
1) It should also be just fine for those who don't want to become a media empire. Those who are already making a fortune with the game and plan to enjoy their retirement by doing nothing public ever again. It's not a failure not to want to make billions.
2) I'm not sure "authentic" means the same to these stars or creators turned empire and their teams than what it means for the fans who are flocking to them. We might be in the era of "authentic creators" (meeting at the right time a generation that is in desperate need to identify to someone / to relate to the celebs of this world) that aren't always that, and then it's just a new type of marketing era. But still, "yay" for seeing more personalities in pro sports and to see some people owning the responsibilities coming with having a platform.
Spot on Carole. Not every athlete needs to be a media mogul, financial freedom means having the choice to build an empire or disappear to a private island. 🏝️
That said, within five years of retirement, most athletes go bankrupt due to poor financial management. So while they might earn fortunes, a lot end up blowing them too. Building a media empire isn’t just about ego...it’s a smart hedge against post-career financial freefall. But that’s a story for another time...
And on 'authenticity', we’re in an era where it’s both currency and illusion. Fans crave it, brands manufacture it, and the best in the game blur the line so well, we buy into it anyway. Welcome to the age of strategic authenticity.
P.S. Beckham is the GOAT. 🐐
Imagine someone like Cantona these days?? It'd be insane.
Madness. Cantona with modern media would be an absolute content goldmine!!! And probably a podcast that breaks the internet weekly. 🔥🎬😂
Banger post. Social media lets people turn themselves into brands rather than corporations doing it on their behalf.
Cheers Jared and facts! The smartest ones aren’t just building brands, they’re building empires. Game’s changed! 👊
Totally right. It’s the reason I’ve started writing and running socials again. The digital economy is running the show now.
100% Jared. Own the audience, own the opportunities..
So good!!!
Thanks Dan!!