The Digital Athlete: Unlocking Value in the Digital Era
| Tuesday, April 29, 2025 |
| 4:05 PM - 4:35 PM |
Details
In a world where athletes are more than just competitors, their digital presence has become a powerful asset. This engaging panel discussion will explore how athletes are leveraging digital platforms to shape their brands, connect with fans, and generate new revenue streams.
Featuring Beau Busch, Chief Executive of Professional Footballers Australia; Thomas van Schaik, CEO of The Athlete Brand; and Sarah Rowe, Collingwood athlete and multi-sport star, the panel will uncover how athletes are balancing their professional careers with personal branding, the commercial potential of their online influence, and the challenges of navigating this digital-first landscape.
From social media to sponsorships and direct-to-fan engagement, this conversation will highlight the strategies and opportunities that are redefining the value of athletes in the digital age.
This thought-provoking discussion will uncover the untapped potential of athletes in the digital world and provide actionable insights into how organisations and individuals can unlock and maximise this value.
Speaker
Beau Busch
Chief Executive
Professional Footballers Australia
Panellist
Biography
Sarah Rowe
Collingwood and Central Coast Mariners
Professional Athlete
Panellist
Biography
Thomas van Schaik
Co-Founder
The Athlete Brand
Panellist
Biography
Thomas van Schaik, CEO The Athlete Brand, Author, The Athlete Brand Book.
Thomas van Schaik is a global leader in athlete branding, commercial strategy, and digital transformation. As the CEO of The Athlete Brand and author of The Athlete Brand Book, he helps elite athletes and their partners build powerful brands that drive independence, influence, impact, and income.
With over 25 years in the sports industry, Thomas has worked with icons like Leo Messi and David Beckham, spearheading Team Messi, which generated $150M in revenue. He has led large-scale digital activations and secured $25M in sponsorships as CCO of the Dutch Olympic Committee.
Passionate about the evolving role of athletes in the digital era, he empowers them to maximize brand value, connect with fans, and create new revenue streams through strategic digital engagement.
Chair
Sion de Jong
Founder
Sports Cloud Australia
