How Major League Baseball built an innovation machine
Oct 4, 2023
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Discover how Major League Baseball is embracing innovation and data to engage the next generation of fans. Learn about rule changes, fan engagement strategies, and the innovative incubator driving growth and creativity in the league.
MLB embraced technology to innovate gameplay based on fan feedback and experimentation.
Commissioner Manfred prioritized youth engagement and faster-paced gameplay to adapt baseball for the next generation of fans.
Deep dives
Innovating Baseball Rules for Fan Engagement
Baseball, being a traditional business, focused on innovating its rules and architecture to entice a new generation of fans. Implementing changes like the pitch clock after years of experimentation and feedback indicated a desire for faster gameplay with more action. By listening to fans and leveraging the minor leagues for testing, successful rule changes positively impacted game times and player engagement, showcasing how innovation can enhance traditional sports.
Driving Innovation from the Commissioner's Vision
Commissioner Manfred's strategic vision aimed to adapt baseball for the next generation of fans by prioritizing youth engagement and understanding their preferences. The focus on delivering a faster-paced game aligned with feedback from younger fans who sought higher action levels and condensed gameplay. This approach underscored the importance of aspiring to innovate based on valuable problems identified through direct consumer feedback.
Confluence of Analytics, Social Media, and Baseball Innovation
The intersection of increased analytics in baseball operations alongside evolving media consumption habits influenced the need for on-field product innovation. The emphasis on analytical insights for roster building led to unintended consequences like longer games and less engaging viewing experiences. Combining fan feedback, technological advancements, and a focus on pace brought about successful rule changes to align with the modern era of sports consumption.
Revolutionizing Digital Engagement in Baseball
Baseball's strategic shift towards centralized digital rights enabled the creation of MLB Advanced Media, pioneering live content streaming with MLB.tv. The scalable technology platform not only transformed baseball consumption but also led to partnerships with major media companies seeking similar streaming capabilities. This innovative leap underscored the value of exceptional technology that could be leveraged across industries, exemplifying the potential for transformative business models built on tech prowess.
In this episode of The Committed Innovator, Major League Baseball’s Chief Operating and Strategy Officer Chris Marinak speaks with McKinsey innovation leader Erik Roth about how the league is using fan feedback, experimentation, and data to change a game steeped in tradition and culture to reach the next generation of fans. This season, MLB implemented rules changes that fundamentally altered the pace and action of the game and continues to embrace innovation and technology to improve the game and the overall fan experience.