The commentary booth often becomes a retired professional athlete’s new field.
What has resulted is a player-to-broadcaster pipeline.
Just take a look at leagues like the NBA and NFL. Dozens of former athletes are featured as broadcasters, whether in a studio or on-site.
This shift in coverage is no accident. Players have been around the sports-media realm for most of their careers. Cameras have always monitored their every move, and these athletes understand the pressure of delivering a performance to millions of viewers.
Interactions like press conferences and game interviews teach professionals how to captivate audiences through body language. Their ability to articulate meaning or deflect tough questions prepares them for future success.
Well-known athletes can also draw attention to networks. The infamous trio of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith – who all had stints in the NBA – have helped viewership for the show Inside the NBA on TNT.
Some listeners tune in because they idolize the newer broadcasters as players. Now, they want to hear the insights of former professionals, who can offer their thoughts and honest reactions based on their understanding of team dynamics.
No one knows the game better than those who played it. Commentators’ tactical analyses or breakdowns of plays enhance viewing experiences.
Fans can only see all the action centered around where the ball is since that’s what the networks show. The athletes, however, explain the strategic positioning needed to ensure the team benefits, as they were once in those same situations.
NFL broadcasters are notorious for using multicam angles to draw how plays resulted in touchdowns or interceptions. Retired football players and now analysts Troy Aikman and Tony Romo, for example, share their perspectives on the tiny details regular commentators may miss.
Even if everyone is not a fan of their work, the former professionals are skilled at handling criticism. Their ability to focus on the next play translates seamlessly into their roles as broadcasters.
Sports are taxing, and the traditional 9-5 job might not suit athletes for many reasons. Once the professionals officially retire, they never leave the world of sports because it consumes much of their lives.
Traditional networks are looking to freshen up content. They want to take advantage of the player-to-broadcaster pipeline, and players want to become more involved.
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The world of sports broadcasting is constantly evolving. Although NBA ratings are down and the NFL faces criticism for its officiating, the need for broadcasters remains vital as long as sports are televised.
With platforms gaining more access to live events, fan favorites will likely turn to analysts.
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