As part of a semester-long team project, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of FC Cincinnati’s role and growth potential within the local sports market. Our objective was to better understand the organization’s current market position and identify opportunities for fan base expansion and increased community engagement. We began by researching the club’s history, front office structure, and player investments to gain a clearer picture of its internal operations and long-term vision. We then compared FC Cincinnati to other major sports franchises in the city—specifically the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds—to assess how FC Cincinnati fits into the broader landscape of local sports entertainment.

We used industry data to evaluate several key factors, including average attendance figures, fan demographics, marketing strategies, and financial performance. We also explored the role of fan engagement and loyalty, drawing insights from Deloitte’s stadium experience reports and other fan behavior research. Our analysis showed that while FC Cincinnati had made impressive strides since joining Major League Soccer, there were clear opportunities to deepen connections with the community—particularly among families and younger fans. As a result, we recommended targeted outreach strategies such as enhancing youth soccer programs, expanding family zone seating, and leveraging social media to increase brand visibility and drive game attendance.

This project gave me hands-on experience in organizational analysis, competitive benchmarking, and market research. I also developed stronger strategic thinking skills by translating data and qualitative insights into actionable recommendations for a real-world organization. Overall, the experience deepened my interest in the intersection of sports, business, and community engagement.