With attention spans now fried by a dazzling array of gadgets and media platforms, the sports industry is trying to keep up. This has led to a significant evolution in the way games are played and consumed by audiences worldwide.
As a result of these changes, we’ve seen the rise of various short formats, such as Rugby 7s and Twenty20 (T20) cricket. This has sparked a debate on whether these abbreviated versions will eventually supersede their longer counterparts.
So without further ado, let’s delve into the popularity of shorter formats and look at their potential to dominate the sports industry.
Rugby Sevens
Rugby 7s, a variant of traditional rugby union, is played with seven players per side and halves of seven minutes each. It has gained immense popularity, primarily due to its fast-paced and high-scoring nature, making it more appealing to a wider audience.
The inclusion of Rugby 7s in the Olympic Games since 2016 has further elevated its status. With Antoine Dupont missing this year’s Six Nations fixtures to play for France in the 2024 Paris Olympics, it sends a tough message to rugby sevens’ grandad, rugby union.
T20
Similarly, T20 cricket, with its 20 overs per side format, has revolutionised the cricketing landscape since its inception in the early 2000s. T20 cricket was designed to deliver a more explosive and entertaining version of the game, fitting neatly into a few hours and making it more accessible to a global audience.
Its success has led to the establishment of numerous domestic T20 leagues around the world, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has become incredibly successful in terms of viewership and financial revenue.
Short Games, Big Question
The question remains: do these shorter formats supersede the longer formats?
While it’s clear that shorter formats have brought new fans to their respective sports, it’s hard to deny that both traditional rugby and cricket remain staunchly defiant. It suggests that they coexist with their predecessors rather than replace them. These new versions of the sport offer excitement and entertainment in a condensed format, making them highly marketable and more suitable for television broadcast and digital consumption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while shorter formats like Rugby 7s and T20 cricket have undoubtedly grown in popularity and brought fresh energy and eyes into their respective sports, they complement rather than supersede the longer formats. As the sports industry continues to evolve, the ability to offer a variety of formats may be key to engaging a broader audience and ensuring the enduring popularity of these games.