Book
Beyond the Game
Web3 and the future of sports
In short
Beyond the Game, published in November 2023, explains how Web3 is changing the business of sport: how clubs and leagues make money, how they relate to fans and who owns what. It covers Web3 gaming, tokens and smart contracts, fan token offerings, decentralised betting and prediction markets, and fan-made media.
What the book argues
Sport has always been built on fans, but the economics have mostly flowed one way. Blockchain, smart contracts and decentralised networks make a different model possible, in which fans can hold a stake, earn from their engagement and help fund the clubs they love.
The book walks through each part of that shift with the questions an executive would ask: where the revenue comes from, what has worked in gaming that sport can borrow, what fan financing really involves, and which risks come with it.
Key ideas
Redefining the sports economy
The shift from traditional sports business models to decentralised ecosystems.
Web3 and gaming
How gaming pioneered new fan relationships, and how sport can use them.
Next-generation monetisation
Tokenomics, NFTs and smart contracts as new revenue streams for sports companies.
Fan-driven financing
Fan tokens and DeFi, and the challenges that come with these models.
Decentralised betting
Web3-based sports betting and prediction markets.
Revolutionising sports media
Decentralised media, broadcasting and fan-generated content.
The chapters
- Introduction to Web3 and Sports Companies
- Web3 Gaming: Building Stronger Fan Relationships
- Web3 Monetization Strategies for Sports Companies
- Fan Token Offerings (FTOs) and Other Web3-Based Crowdfunding
- Web3-Based Sports Betting and Prediction Markets
- Web3-Based Sports Media and Content Creation
- The Future of Web3 and Sports Companies
Who it’s for
Sports industry professionals
Executives and decision-makers in clubs, leagues and federations.
Tech enthusiasts
Readers into blockchain and crypto who want to see the crossover into sport.
Investors and entrepreneurs
Anyone building or investing where sport meets Web3, from fan tokens to platforms.
Academics and students
Sports management, business and technology programmes.
What readers say
“The Lonely Planet for navigating the impact of Web3 on sports”
“A masterclass in understanding the sport’s and entertainment evolution.”
“A clear and insightful review on web3 and its massive impact on the sports industry, definitely a must read”
“A great and timely introduction to the ever-evolving scene of digital fan engagement”
Get the book
Available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and hardcover.
Questions
When was Beyond the Game published?
In November 2023, on Amazon.
Who is it for?
Mainly executives and decision-makers in sport, plus investors, entrepreneurs, students and anyone curious about where sport and Web3 meet.
Does it cover sports betting?
Yes. One chapter covers Web3-based sports betting and prediction markets.
Is it available in Spanish?
Not yet. It is available in English on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and hardcover.
More books
Guides
Borja Burguillos
Borja writes for people who want to understand money without the jargon. Born in Madrid and based in Dubai since 2012, he has advised companies on people and pay, built tech startups, and co-chairs the People & Organisation Committee at the Middle East Stablecoin Association.
WorldatWork Total Rewards and CAIA certified, CFA Investment Foundations, executive programmes at Wharton and IE Business School.