This book examines how the sport industry is adapting to the needs of the digital-first global economy.

Focusing on digital techniques in sport marketing, this volume explores new and emerging technologies, and considers how they can help to build commercially successful and sustainable sport business. Featuring the work of sport business and management researchers from around the world, the book shines new light on key aspects of sport marketing such as brand development, consumer behaviour and marketing communications. Illustrated with informative figures throughout, it presents cutting-edge case studies and new research on digital marketing covering topics including the metaverse and video games; esports; athlete endorsement; digital immersion; social media; equity crowdfunding; digital fandom, and dark market brands.

Global in scope, this book is fascinating reading for any student, researcher or industry professional looking to deepen their understanding of digital marketing in the context of the global sport industry.

James J. Zhang is a professor of sport management at the University of Georgia (UGA). His primary research interests are applied measurement and/or applied studies examining sport consumer and organizational behaviors. Dr. Zhang has published extensively and is a frequent presenter at international and national conferences. He has served the profession in various leadership roles, such as the Editor of the International Journal of Sport Marketing and Sponsorship, Sport Management Section Editor of the Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science journal, President of North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), and Chair of the Measurement and Evaluation Council of American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). He has received such prestigious recognitions as Fellow of National Academy of Kinesiology, Fellow of NASSM, Dr. Earle F. Zeigler Lecture Award, Fellow of the Sport Marketing Association, J.B. Nash Scholar from the AAHPERD, University of Florida Research Foundation Professorship, Measurement and Evaluation Council Honor Award of the AAHPERD, Southern District Scholar of the AAHPERD, and the Richard Reiff Internationalization Award at the University of Georgia. He was a Distinguished Oriental Scholar named by the City of Shanghai and has served as the Honorary Dean of the College of Sport Economics and Management by Shanghai University of Sport since 2014.

Brandon Mastromartino is an Assistant Professor of Experiential Marketing in the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University. Dr. Mastromartino's research focuses on the psychology of sports fans and developing consumer insights that can inform marketing strategy for sport organizations and corporate partners. In his studies, he has adopted theories based in behavioral sciences, social economics, digital marketing, and consumer psychology. He has published over 30 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters in sport marketing related outlets such as Sport Marketing Quarterly and the International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship. He is an active member of the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) and the Sport Marketing Association (SMA). Dr. Mastromartino serves as an editorial board member of several academic publications such as Case Studies in Sport Management, the International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, and the Sport Marketing Quarterly.