FC Manchester City

Manchester City Football Club, part of the City Football Group (CFG), has become a global brand with a successful business strategy and innovation ecosystem. CFG's approach involves acquiring under-performing clubs worldwide, investing in high-profile players, and improving team performances. The group also focuses on developing young players and funneling them to Manchester City, its highest-performing team, once they mature[5].

👀 Key Takeaways

• Manchester City topped Deloitte's Football Money League in 2020-21 with a revenue of $698.2 million[1].
• The club has a strong local and global fan base, engaging with them through innovative marketing strategies and digital platforms[2].
• CFG's management strategy involves consistent leadership, strategic recruitment, and a focus on long-term success[7].
• Manchester City has been named the most innovative sports team in the world by Sports Innovation Lab[12].
• CFG's business model includes multiple revenue streams, such as ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise[3].

📣 Marketing Strategy

• Manchester City engages with its local and global fan base through innovative marketing strategies and digital platforms[2].
• The club has a strong social media presence and a self-developed Over-the-Top (OTT) platform launched in 2019[14].
• Cityzens, Manchester City's digital membership program, aims to connect with fans who cannot attend live games at the Etihad Stadium[2].
• The club's marketing efforts focus on fan engagement, expanding its digital footprint globally, and embracing new strategies to achieve its objectives[14].

🏆 Management Strategy

• Manchester City's management strategy involves consistent leadership, which enables the team to develop and execute long-term strategies effectively[7].
• The club focuses on strategic recruitment, considering factors beyond individual talents, such as chemistry and teamwork[7].
• CFG's approach involves acquiring under-performing clubs worldwide, investing in high-profile players, and improving team performances[5].

💡 Innovation Strategy

• Manchester City has been named the most innovative sports team in the world by Sports Innovation Lab[12].
• The club is a leader in European football in terms of content creation, producing live shows, inside access docu-style series, and a wealth of social content[11].
• Manchester City's innovation strategy includes embracing the latest technology and utilizing it for fan engagement and club operations[14].

🧩 Business Model

• CFG's business model includes multiple revenue streams, such as ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise[3].
• The group focuses on developing young players and funneling them to Manchester City, its highest-performing team, once they mature[5].
• CFG's strategy involves acquiring under-performing clubs worldwide, investing in high-profile players, and improving team performances[5].
• Manchester City's digital platforms, such as its OTT platform and Cityzens membership program, contribute to its revenue generation[2].

🦋 What is Unique

• Manchester City's success on and off the field has made it a global brand with a strong fan base[1].
• The club's innovative marketing strategies and digital platforms set it apart from other football clubs[2].
• CFG's unique approach to acquiring and improving clubs worldwide has led to its global expansion and success[5].
• Manchester City's commitment to innovation and content creation has made it a leader in European football[11].

Manchester City's business strategy and innovation ecosystem have made it a global powerhouse in the world of football. The club's unique approach to marketing, management, and innovation sets it apart from its competitors and offers valuable lessons for other organizations looking to achieve similar success.