Staff involved:

Michael Bucklin, SVP Digital Content

Nick Rago, Executive Director, Digital & Social Production

Entry: The FOX Sports Digital team is a true leader in the space of media and sport coverage across social/digital platforms. The powerful sports network put those facts on full display during its wall-to-wall coverage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand through its @FOXSoccer channels. The team's digital content is a testament to their unparalleled quality and creativity. Whether it's visually stunning graphics, engaging original videos, or key match highlights, the FOX Sports Digital Team consistently delivers content that not only informs but captivates our engaged audience. Each piece of content reflects a commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of the dynamics of social media, making the @foxsoccer social channels across various platforms a destination for soccer fans seeking pertinent information.

The growth of the team's social media audience and reach further underscores their impact. Through strategic campaigns, collaborations, and consistently engaging content, the FOX Sports Digital Team has managed to significantly expand their digital footprint. This growth is indicative of the team's ability to resonate with new audiences by covering notable soccer events at the highest level.

The overall impact of the @FOXSoccer social media presence on the organization's brand and reputation is undeniable. Their consistent delivery of high-quality content, coupled with engaging interactions, has specifically enhanced the FOX Sports brand among soccer fans. The positive sentiment generated on social media reflects not only in metrics but also in the perception of the brand, establishing FOX Sports as a leader in the industry with a strong and vibrant online presence.

In conclusion, the FOX Sports Digital Team's excellence in content creation, audience growth and engagement, positions them for top consideration as the Social Media Team of the Year.

FOX Soccer generated over 444 million views over the course of the tournament, up 102% from the 2019 tournament.

Staff Involved: Inter Miami CF Marketing Team

Entry: In 2023, Inter Miami CF's social media presence underwent an extraordinary surge, soaring from 3 million to an astounding 30 million followers across multiple platforms, marking unprecedented growth. The Club now totals nearly 16 million followers on Instagram, making it the most followed team on the platform among NFL, NHL, MLB, and MLS teams, and giving it more followers than many prominent European clubs. Inter Miami is also the most followed individual sports team on TikTok in the US with more than 7 million followers, while its X (formerly Twitter) page accounts for more than half of all interactions MLS clubs had on the platform in 2023.

With Inter Miami CF Ownership and leadership bringing the best player in the world to South Florida, the Club’s Marketing Department and Social Media Team were quick to seize the historic moment for fútbol in North America.

In fact, Inter Miami’s Sí Campaign, executed on the Club’s social media platforms, won the MLS Marketing Initiative of the Year for 2023. Born of the idea of confirmation that Lionel Messi was signing for Inter Miami after years of rumors and speculation, the Sí Campaign connected the catalyst of MesSÍ, to the historic signings of Sergio “BuSí” Busquets and Jordi “JorSí” Alba, as well as the song “Sí, Muchachos”, Messi’s sold-out unveiling event: La PresentaSÍon, and the Club’s first-ever title: Sí, Campeones with the concept.

Staff Involved: Rushil Sawhney

Entry: CBS Sports Golazo, CBS Sports’ social home for soccer, has consistently grown and evolved since creation in 2020. Used to showcase clips from CBS Sports’ studio programming, such as UEFA Champions League Today and CBS Sports Golazo Network’s Morning Footy, match highlights from the top men’s and women’s leagues around the world, and much more, CBS Sports Golazo is a driving force of CBS Sports’ overall soccer strategy.

Staff Involved: Amanda Young Curtis, Tom Via, Shaun Kreider, Kim Ahrens, Kylie Mocarski, Kelsey Boeing, Mike Verdecchio, Randy Cunningham, Christian Aguiar

Entry: The Philadelphia Union digital team strives to leverage the remarkable results of the team to bring fans both new and old closer to the organization with the use of creative and relatable social media channels. As the youngest professional sports organization in a five for five city, the Union have created their own passionate following with a recognizable style and voice that is as unique as the city it represents. From highlighting our players, our passionate supporters, our community events, and more our digital focus is to find engaging content that is the Union Way.

Anchored with the most popular sport in the world, the Philadelphia Union digital team uses its social media platforms to not only grow the brand’s followers but create connections that turn a simple follower into an engaged fan for life by telling by telling both the stories on the pitch and in the stands.

Staff Involved: #TeamDiego A. Pinzón, Daniela Burleyson, Cristian Inga, Antonio Tinajero, Kelsey Appleton, Sam Hedges

Entry: The Atlanta United Social Media Team set a high standard for fan engagement. With engagement, entertainment, and education as their pillars, they’ve strengthened the club’s bond with supporters and set them apart as the Social Media Team of the Year.

Their understanding of the audience forms the foundation of their success, investing time in comprehending fan preferences, as the club’s accounts are hubs where fans eagerly await each post, fostering interaction, discussion, and active participation. Precise measurement of success is crucial in their data-driven approach for their own business objectives but also Brand Valuation for commercial partners.

The team’s dedication shines during Matchdays, capturing every stadium moment, engaging both core fans and newcomers. Storytelling is central to their content strategy, recognizing that stories resonate more deeply with fans. Attention to detail is evident in their use of custom graphic packages for every event, aligning visuals with the club’s brand and conveying compelling narratives.

The Atlanta United Social Media Team’s unwavering dedication, strategic acumen, and commitment to enhancing the fan experience on digital platforms have redefined social media engagement in sports, forging a passionate connection between the club and its supporters, leaving an impact that extends beyond Atlanta.

Staff Involved:

Jocelyn Monroe, Vice President of Marketing

Chris Hybl, Director of Content & Creative

Reilly Wadsworth, Content Manager

Emma Jacobs, Content Coordinator

Entry: KC Current submits for Social Media Team of the Year in recognition of the club’s excellent social media content. Fun, creative and innovative social media content in 2023 has seen KC Current elevate its brand locally, nationally and internationally, while helping to achieve important club business objectives.