The Future of Fandom

LiveLike

In today’s digital world, engaging fans isn’t optional—it’s everything. Future of Fandom is the podcast for sports leagues, broadcasters, and digital platforms who know that the old playbook for audience engagement no longer works. Hosted by the team at LiveLike—the leading enterprise engagement and loyalty platform—this series explores how the most forward-thinking organisations are using gamification, loyalty programs, and community-driven experiences to deepen fan relationships and drive real business results. Every other week, we speak with senior decision-makers from global sports teams, media companies, and consumer brands about what it takes to turn casual spectators into loyal superfans. We dive into how enterprise organisations are rethinking digital infrastructure, leveraging first-party data, and adopting modular, API-first engagement tools to future-proof their fan strategies. Whether you're a Head of Product, Digital, Revenue or Strategy, Future of Fandom gives you the insight and inspiration you need to move beyond passive content and into interactive, monetisable, and measurable fan experiences. This isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about building the infrastructure of tomorrow’s fandom, today. Subscribe now and stay ahead of the game.

  1. FEB 5

    From Data Provider to Experience Enabler: Sportradar's Evolution

    Sportradar has evolved far beyond being just a data provider, they've become a full-stack experience enabler spanning streaming, betting engagement, and sports analytics. Patrick Mostboeck, SVP of Fan Engagement, takes us inside how the company prioritises innovation across soccer, tennis, basketball, and US sports markets. We explore how COVID forced the industry to rethink everything with a fresh mind, why cultural differences between European and Asian markets demand different engagement strategies, and how Sportradar's graduate program revealed that some Gen Z hires don't even watch live sports anymore. Patrick shares lessons on deploying AI responsibly in betting contexts, the patience required to see new features succeed, and why education - not just entertainment - is critical for developing the next generation of sports fans. What you'll learn in this episode >> How Sportradar evolved from a pure data company to a 360-degree experience enabler across betting and media. >> The cultural differences in fan behavior between European and Asian markets, and why they matter. >> How to deploy AI responsibly in sports betting contexts while navigating ethical and legal boundaries. >> The importance of educating new fans, not just entertaining existing ones. About the host Samuel Westberg is CRO and Co-founder of LiveLike and CEO of LaSource, blending deep sports industry experience with strategic innovation across media and technology. About the guest Patrick Mostboeck is a seasoned leader in the global sports technology and fan engagement space, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Fan Engagement and Global Director for Video & Streaming Products at Sportradar,  a world-leading provider of sports data, digital content and streaming solutions for the sports betting and media industries. With more than a decade of experience in sports, media and technology, Patrick has been instrumental in shaping how data, video and streaming products are developed to enhance the fan and bettor experience.  Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom!  Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience.  Connect with Samuel Westberg on LinkedIn Connect with Patrick Mostboeck on LinkedIn

    36 min
  2. Behind the rise of E1 Series with Laurence Boyd

    12/19/2025

    Behind the rise of E1 Series with Laurence Boyd

    In this episode of The Future of Fandom, Samuel Westberg welcomes Laurence Boyd, Chief Content and Product Officer at E1 Series. Laurence shares how E1, the world's first electric powerboat championship, blends entertainment, cutting-edge tech, and storytelling to redefine what it means to engage fans. From AR/VR innovations to powerful social media strategies, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the future of sports media. What you'll learn in this episode >> How E1 leverages social media and celebrity team owners to reach global audiences. >> Why immersive technologies like AR and VR are central to E1's content strategy. >> The importance of character-driven storytelling in building fan loyalty. >> What makes E1 a unique production environment in the sports world. >> Insights into launching a sport from scratch and navigating startup constraints. Meet our guest Laurence Boyd is Chief Content & Product Officer at E1 Series and founder of 1311 Content. A veteran of sports media, he's held leadership roles at Formula E, Hawk-Eye Innovations, and The Coaches' Voice, with a focus on storytelling, innovation, and commercial growth. Meet our host Samuel Westberg is CRO and Co-founder of LiveLike and CEO of LaSource, blending deep sports industry experience with strategic innovation across media and technology. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom!  Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience.  Connect with Samuel Westberg on LinkedIn Connect with Laurence Boyd on LinkedIn

    26 min
  3. Inside YES Network's fan engagement playbook

    12/03/2025

    Inside YES Network's fan engagement playbook

    What does it take to turn passive viewers into loyal fans? In this episode of The Future of Fandom, YES Network's Vice President of Strategy & Business Development, Matthew Duarte, joins host Miheer Walavalkar to unpack how smart product strategy, nimble third-party partnerships, and data-driven decision-making are reshaping the fan experience. Discover how YES Network's innovations in gamification, streaming, and community engagement are setting new standards in sports media. What you'll learn in this episode >> How YES Network evolved its streaming platforms to enhance user experience and retention >> Why fan engagement needs to be treated as a holistic, long-term business strategy >> Key lessons from building gamified features like Pick & Play and rewards programmes >> The role of community features in deepening viewer connection and boosting loyalty >> How YES Network balances innovation, speed, and ROI with lean, cross-functional teams Meet our guest Matthew Duarte is Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at YES Network. With a background in finance, corporate strategy, and sports media, he leads strategic initiatives across partnerships, product, and commercial innovation. Meet our host Miheer Walavalkar is the CEO and Co-founder of LiveLike, a leading fan engagement tech company powering billions of interactions for major sports and media brands. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom!  Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience.  Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Connect with Matt Duarte on LinkedIn

    40 min
  4. Mastering fan engagement with Stefanie Rapp

    11/19/2025

    Mastering fan engagement with Stefanie Rapp

    In this episode of The Future of Fandom, Miheer Walavalkar chats with Stefanie Rapp, SVP and Commercial Growth Officer at TNT Sports, about balancing authentic fan engagement with monetisation. From Bleacher Report to Roland Garros, Stefanie shares how digital transformation, interactive experiences, and community-first thinking are reshaping sports media and fandom. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> How TNT Sports integrates monetisation with authentic fan engagement across platforms. >> Why understanding cultural relevance is key to building loyal fan communities. >> The importance of listening to fans when shaping content and digital strategy. >> How to take calculated risks in sports media without alienating audiences. >> Stefanie’s vision for expanding live sports experiences to underserved communities. Meet Our Guest Stefanie Rapp is SVP and Commercial Growth Officer at TNT Sports. With 15+ years in media and digital leadership, she drives revenue across top brands like Bleacher Report. Known for her people-first leadership, Stefanie fuses fan-centric thinking with business acumen to shape the future of sports media. About the Host Miheer Walavalkar is the CEO and Co-founder of LiveLike, a leading fan engagement tech company powering billions of interactions for major sports and media brands. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom!  Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience.  Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Follow Stefanie Rapp on LinkedIn

    38 min
  5. How Yahoo Reimagined Fan Engagement

    11/06/2025

    How Yahoo Reimagined Fan Engagement

    How can a legacy brand like Yahoo drive next-gen fan engagement while staying true to its roots? In this episode of The Future of Fandom, Miheer Walavalkar, CEO and Co-Founder of LiveLike, sits down with Ryan Spoon, President of Yahoo Media Group, to explore how Yahoo is rethinking fantasy sports, leveraging community feedback, and partnering with creators to deliver personalised, gamified experiences. Discover the balance between innovation and loyalty, and why Yahoo is betting big on community and experimentation. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> How Yahoo leverages gamification to boost fan loyalty and engagement. >> The strategy behind Daily Draw and partnerships with creators like MrBeast. >> Why community feedback shapes Yahoo's product roadmap. >> The role of AI in personalising sports experiences. >> How Yahoo balances its legacy user base with Gen Z preferences. Meet our guest Ryan Spoon is the President of Yahoo Media Group, leading Yahoo Sports, Finance, and new digital ventures. A seasoned media executive, he has previously held top roles at Sorare, BetMGM, and ESPN, driving digital transformation across the sports and gaming sectors. Meet our host Miheer Walavalkar is the CEO and co-founder of LiveLike, a fan engagement platform powering experiences for global giants like the NBA, UEFA, and FOX. He’s a recognised industry leader transforming how audiences interact with content in real time. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom!  Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience.  Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Connect with Ryan Spoon on LinkedIn

    47 min
  6. How Recast is Redefining Digital Content Monetisation with Andy Meikle

    10/08/2025

    How Recast is Redefining Digital Content Monetisation with Andy Meikle

    How can clubs, leagues, and content creators monetise digital assets without pushing away fans? In this episode of The Future of Fandom, Samuel Westberg, Co-Founder of LiveLike, sits down with Andy Meikle, Founder & CEO of Recast, to explore how fintech infrastructure is transforming fan engagement and content distribution. Discover the evolution of microtransactions, smart paywalls, and why subscription fatigue is pushing the sports media industry into a bold new era. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> How Recast evolved from a content platform to a fintech solution for rights owners. >> Why subscription fatigue is reshaping fan consumption patterns in sports media. >> The power of microtransactions and branded credits in building loyalty. >> How smart paywalls can enable seamless content access across platforms. >> What clubs and leagues must do to build a first-party data strategy around fan engagement. Meet our guest Andy Meikle is the Founder & CEO of Recast, a next-gen monetisation platform bridging media, sport, and fintech. With a background in digital innovation and entrepreneurship, Andy is leading the charge in building transparent, direct-to-consumer payment infrastructure for the global content industry. Meet our host Samuel Westberg is CRO and Co-founder of LiveLike and CEO of LaSource, blending deep sports industry experience with strategic innovation across media and technology. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom!  Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience.  Connect with Samuel Westberg on LinkedIn Connect with Andy Meikle on LinkedIn

    40 min
  7. What is the Future of Fan Loyalty in a World of AI?

    09/23/2025

    What is the Future of Fan Loyalty in a World of AI?

    In this special edition of The Future of Fandom, the mics are turned around as hosts Miheer Walavalkar and Samuel Westberg become the guests. They dive deep into how artificial intelligence is reshaping fan engagement, from breaking down organisational silos to launching LiveLike's new AI assistant, Genie. A must-listen for sports and media professionals navigating the future of loyalty and fan data. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> Why fan engagement needs to be built brick by brick—not with one-off gimmicks. >> How AI tools like Genie help sports brands scale content and streamline workflows. >> The importance of breaking down organisational silos for a unified fan experience. >> Practical examples of how AI can save time and drive smarter decision-making. >> The mindset shift needed to adopt AI responsibly and effectively. Meet our guests Miheer Walavalkar is the CEO and Co-founder of LiveLike, a leading fan engagement tech company powering billions of interactions for major sports and media brands. Samuel Westberg is CRO and Co-founder of LiveLike and CEO of LaSource, blending deep sports industry experience with strategic innovation across media and technology. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom!  Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience.  Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Connect with Samuel Westberg on LinkedIn

    28 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

In today’s digital world, engaging fans isn’t optional—it’s everything. Future of Fandom is the podcast for sports leagues, broadcasters, and digital platforms who know that the old playbook for audience engagement no longer works. Hosted by the team at LiveLike—the leading enterprise engagement and loyalty platform—this series explores how the most forward-thinking organisations are using gamification, loyalty programs, and community-driven experiences to deepen fan relationships and drive real business results. Every other week, we speak with senior decision-makers from global sports teams, media companies, and consumer brands about what it takes to turn casual spectators into loyal superfans. We dive into how enterprise organisations are rethinking digital infrastructure, leveraging first-party data, and adopting modular, API-first engagement tools to future-proof their fan strategies. Whether you're a Head of Product, Digital, Revenue or Strategy, Future of Fandom gives you the insight and inspiration you need to move beyond passive content and into interactive, monetisable, and measurable fan experiences. This isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about building the infrastructure of tomorrow’s fandom, today. Subscribe now and stay ahead of the game.