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MarketingTeam Decision Making2 members

STDM

Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making

Two competitors analyze a marketing strategy case in the sports or entertainment space. Teams must develop a cohesive marketing solution addressing sponsorship, fan engagement, media, or event revenue challenges.

Prep Time

30 min

With Judge

15 min

PI Source

Marketing + BA Core

Team Size

2 members

Format

Team Case + Objective Test

Who Should Compete

Students passionate about sports or entertainment business who also enjoy team-based strategic analysis.

The Judge's Role

Panel of sports/entertainment executives evaluating a strategic marketing plan

Competition Format

Event structure.

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Preparation

30 min

Both team members receive the case study. Divide the analysis, identify the key problem and sub-issues, and build a cohesive recommendation. You may use the printed case and scratch paper provided.

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Presentation

15 min

Present your analysis and solution to the judges panel. Split delivery evenly. Use clear structure: situation overview, alternatives considered, recommended solution, and implementation steps.

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Q&A

5 min

Judges ask clarifying or challenge questions. Both members should be ready to answer any aspect of the case. Stay composed and defend your recommendations with data from the case.

Performance Indicators

What you'll be tested on.

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Sports sponsorship and event marketing

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Fan engagement and digital communities

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Broadcast and streaming rights strategy

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Athlete endorsement and brand partnerships

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Ticket sales and dynamic pricing

Browse all performance indicators

How to Prepare

Preparation framework.

01

Master PI lists for your cluster + BA Core

Both members should know all relevant PIs cold. Questions from judges often test PI knowledge directly.

02

Develop a team case-cracking framework

Agree on a shared structure: problem statement → root causes → alternatives (at least 2) → recommendation → implementation → metrics for success.

03

Practice splitting the presentation evenly

Each member must speak substantially. Assign sections, but both must understand the full case, judges direct questions to either member.

04

Work through past cases

Request sample cases from your advisor or use DECA's official resources. Time the 30-min prep and 15-min presentation.

05

Study together, take the objective test seriously

The objective test score is averaged, so a weak score from one member pulls both scores down.

Sample Scenario Themes

Representative topics.

Not official DECA scenarios, representative themes based on past competitions.

Reviving a declining sports franchise's brand

Developing a streaming-era media rights strategy

Managing an athlete scandal's marketing fallout

Designing a concert tour marketing campaign

Building a youth fan engagement program

Competition Tips

Notes from experienced competitors.

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Know current issues in sports business: NIL, streaming fragmentation, sports betting integration.

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Cases often have PR/crisis elements, have a framework for public response strategy.

Ready to prep for STDM?

Practice exams for Marketing · Review Marketing + BA Core performance indicators · Roleplay framework.