How The Euro's Reminded us that High Pressure Moments Are The Secret to Captivating Sports IP

Amidst the Surge of New Sports IP, It's the Clutch Moments That Truly Engage Fans

Unless you were living under a rock, you've likely noticed that over the past few weeks of the Euro’s (The 2024 UEFA European Football Championship), an inordinate number of games have ended in penalty kicks. You've also seen some interesting tactics, such as stutter steps and psych outs, leading to both joy and heartbreak.

But this also got us thinking about the psychology of the immense pressure that must be going through these elite players minds and why that makes the Euro’s and other Sports IP so powerful.

The equivalent high-pressure moments in other sports can be identified by the intense focus, high stakes, and significant impact on the game's outcome. Here are a few examples as well some derivative formats:

1. Basketball: Free Throws in the Final Seconds - In basketball, a player taking free throws in the final seconds of a close game faces immense pressure, especially if the outcome of the game hinges on their performance.

   • Derivative Format: Big 3 Fireball & TBT Elam Ending

2. American Football: Field Goal Attempt in the Final Moments - A kicker attempting a field goal in the final seconds of a game, particularly in a playoff or Super Bowl, experiences significant pressure, as the outcome of the game often rests on their success.

   • Derivative Format: Deestroying 1v1’s

3. Baseball: Bottom of the 9th, Full Count - A batter facing a full count (three balls and two strikes) with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning in a close game (especially during playoffs or the World Series) is under extreme pressure to deliver a hit or draw a walk.

   • Derivative Format: Homerun Derby X

4. Ice Hockey: Penalty Shot or Shootout - In ice hockey, a player taking a penalty shot during regulation or participating in a shootout (particularly in elimination games or playoffs) faces a high-pressure situation, similar to a soccer penalty kick.

   • Derivative Format: 3 Ice

5. Golf: Putt to Win a Major Tournament - A golfer attempting a putt to win a major tournament, such as the Masters or the U.S. Open, experiences high pressure, as the outcome can hinge on a single stroke.

   • Derivative Format: Liv, TGL

6. Tennis: Match Point - A player facing or serving at match point, especially in a Grand Slam final, deals with immense pressure, knowing that a single point can decide the championship.

7. Cricket: Final Over in a T20 or ODI Match - A bowler delivering the final over in a T20 or ODI match, especially during a World Cup, or a batsman facing the final over with a challenging target to chase, is under significant pressure to perform.

8. Rugby: Conversion or Penalty Kick in the Dying Minutes - In rugby, a player taking a conversion or penalty kick in the final minutes of a close match, particularly in a World Cup or major tournament final, faces a high-pressure situation

High-pressure moments are a defining feature of sports. They test the limits of an athlete's mental and physical capabilities, providing a stage for showcasing resilience, skill, and composure.

So lets dive in and explore how they’ll impact the future of Sports IP…

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DISRUPTIVE PLAY – As We Look To All The New Sports IP Coming Out, From Winter Sports And Track & Field To The Kings League For ___, Here’s An Approach Towards Building Formats With A Higher Likelihood of Success

If these leagues and new formats are to be successful and garner demand from audiences they need to embody the essence of high-pressure moments which is where the true spirit of sport is revealed. They push athletes to their limits, create unforgettable memories, and inspire us all to strive for greatness, both on and off the field. This means:

1. Drama and Excitement: High-pressure situations create suspense and excitement, captivating audiences and making sports thrilling to watch.

2. Character Building: Facing and overcoming pressure builds character, teaching athletes valuable life skills such as perseverance, focus, and mental toughness.

3. Defining Greatness: How athletes perform under pressure often defines their legacy. These moments separate the good from the great, highlighting those who can excel when the stakes are highest.

4. Inspiration: High-pressure performances inspire fans and aspiring athletes, showing what is possible with dedication, preparation, and mental fortitude.

Here’s a rubric to provoke some thoughts and conversation:

For our readers - what new sports leagues have you seen that capture the essence of these high pressure moments ?

Check out our prior articles on new formats and new sports IP

Re-imaging Sports IP

• What is a Sports League, Really? - A discussion around reimaging Sports IP

• Is Independent Wrestling The Next Untapped Sports Opportunity? - This breaks down an opportunity around new Sports IP and how we approach it

• Dopamine Culture - Where the Highlight Isn't Just Part of The Sport; It Is The Sport - Breaking down more opportunities in Sports IP

Re-Thinking Components of the Value Chain

• The Future of Distribution in Sports is....Democratized - How to reach and engage a younger generation by distributing where they are. 

• It's Time to Invert the Sports Media Pyramid - An approach that actually serves the Audience first

• Is the Future of Live Sports, well, Not Live ? - Does the future of live sport necessarily need to adhere strictly to real-time broadcasting, or is there a growing space for a hybrid live format?

• Unlocking the Potential of TikTok's Underground Live Sports Streams - How can live sports adapt to the TikTok world, since fans on TikTok already have