It’s a Whole New Ball Game

Social media applications, such as Facebook and Twitter, are dramatically changing the sports world. These changes have appears in a very short period of time, creating a host of implications for sports media processes and sports organisations as they grapple with athletes’ use of these media channels. This book chronicles social media’s rapid rise in becoming a powerful “player” in the sports industry and draws upon relevant examples involving athletes and sports organisations to demonstrate both the positive and problematic consequences that social media has created for athletes and sports organisations. In exploring how social media has affected sports media processes, organisational management, and athlete-fan communication, this book will appeal to scholars, practitioners, and fans alike. Social media is here to stay and this text offers strategic and collaborative ways that both athletes and sports organizations can harness the power of social media.