The Evolution of Comedic Sports Analysis
Michael A Picariello
Staff Writer
Though legends like Vin Scully, Marv Albert, and Joe Buck will be beloved forever for their tremendous contribution to sports media, there is a new approach being established to better attract sports fans from a newer generation. Over the past several years, this type of sports media has begun to gain more traction as networks like X, TikTok, and Instagram have allowed companies to expand their work to numerous platforms. There are also many other ways that sports comedy is growing not just through social media as ESPN has led the way in establishing the Manning Cast, KayRod Cast, and multiple daily shows. This evolution of comedy sports analysis has brought a new way of consuming sports content through social media, podcasts, and YouTube, which has allowed people to learn more about sports through a less serious outlet.
Most long-time sports fans are used to listening to analysts talk about facts and their past experiences as players, while many find this still very interesting, sometimes it may get boring, and their opinions are not coming from the typical fans’ perspective. The traditional style of consuming sports content has begun to fall behind with a newer generation not having the interest in watching full games and are more intrigued by listening to other fans recap the games in a humorous style. Specifically in baseball, younger fans have been less inclined to watch a slower-paced sport, which has brought challenges to the MLB while they try to continue to grow the game. It has become evident over the past several years that there is a concerning need for innovation in how all sports are to be consumed.
The start of humorous sports content has begun to grow more as major sports networks are getting involved including ESPN and Fox Sports. These new alternate broadcasts keep fans engaged more as there is more to the game than what is on the field because the announcers create laughs by taking the game less seriously than the normal broadcast. A major benefit of alternate broadcasts for fans is if they are not fans of the two teams playing and are not completely focused on the game, they can turn to a broadcast that shows the game but brings different elements like celebrity interviews and humorous takes. ESPN has created programs like the Manning Cast for Monday Night Football as well as College Football Playoff games have multiple broadcasts that include a command center cast which allows fans to see numerous live camera angles.
Barstool Sports, founded by Dave Portnoy, has held the biggest social media presence of comedic sports content with the company expanding from a blog to most social media apps. Barstool also has podcasts that span across all major sports with its most popular being Pardon My Take, which has been one of the leaders in sports podcasts over the past several years. Barstool hires many personalities who are not only knowledgeable on sports, but also are naturally funny to create more engaging content. Consumers can find Barstool on almost every social media platform as they have recently expanded into gambling content as sports betting has become more established in the U.S. once it became legal in most states.
As this type of sports content continues to grow, it may bring some challenges as far as respect for traditionalists and maintaining credibility. Many times, with this type of media people tend to say the wrong thing that can easily be blown up on social media causing issues with the person as well as the company. With the continued use of expletives in these social media-based companies, some traditionalists may not like content creators using bad language while speaking about serious topics. Dave Portnoy as well as many current personalities have also got themselves into trouble on social media by responding to people who may have criticisms of their opinions.
Though there will continue to be bumps along the road, the future of sports media lies in these comedic sports platforms. As technology continues to improve, graphics on these platforms will continue to attract new consumers and the new audience will help the industry broaden its horizons. Over the past few years, star athletes have begun to collaborate to promote their charities or upcoming events on these growing platforms. Through several outlets, both on social media and television, sports comedy has influenced a variety of demographics. Comedic sports analysis is revolutionizing the way fans take in their sports news and will only continue to grow in the future.
Contact Michael at michael.picariello@student.shu.edu