How do you build fandom for the next generation of sports? Andrea Hopelain - EA SPORTS

Épisode de Champions du digital par Vanessa Tomaszewski · 23 septembre 2025 · 8 min

In this special episode, I'm joined by Andrea Hopelain, Global Marketing & Commercial Executive for EA SPORTS, whom I met during the "Women in Football Leadership Programme" in Lausanne, a collaborative programme between UEFA and IMD, of which EA Sports is a partner.

Andrea graciously took a moment after her panel discussion to share her inspiring journey. We discuss her vision for fan profiles, how to advance women's sports, and the keys to career progression and leadership development.

Key takeaways for sports professionals:

Understand diverse fandom: The sports fan base is more diverse than ever. To engage them, you must move beyond the "hyper-core" fan and create experiences that cater to different levels of engagement, including casual fans and those who connect with athletes and personalities through social media.

Leverage digital platforms for growth: Digital platforms and video games offer unique opportunities to build new value for fans. By providing equitable access and a compelling experience (such as integrating women's teams in a game), you can foster a highly engaged audience, driving awareness and recognition for the sport.

Prioritize inclusivity & leadership: True growth in sports requires a commitment to inclusivity, not only on the field but within the industry itself. Building a strong pipeline of diverse talent and creating opportunities for women leaders is essential for both innovation and long-term success.

A huge thank you to Andrea for her time and for sharing her invaluable perspective.

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✨Décryptages sur le marketing du sport, histoires inspirantes de sportives et sportifs de haut niveau, conseils pour travailler dans le milieu du sport et best practices des professionnels et entrepreneurs du sport Au programe : community management et activations sport, fan experience, web 3 et…

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