Fan Engagement, Sports Tech 2 min read

NFL Star Austin Ekeler Launches App ‘Eksperience’ to Bridge the Gap Between Athletes and Fans

Written by MOS Editorial Team

Published on 13 September 2024

One of the most common questions athletes hear is, “Can I have your autograph?” But unless fans attend rare signing events or open practices, it’s unlikely they’ll get that prized signature. Recognising this gap, Austin Ekeler, NFL running back for the Washington Commanders, created Eksperience, a platform designed to transform fan-athlete interactions. The app gives fans direct access to Ekeler through personalised experiences like autographs, training tips, and virtual meet-and-greet sessions—all while providing athletes a way to monetise these engagements.

Through Eksperience, fans can purchase a variety of experiences, including video messages, autographed memorabilia, and live virtual sessions. For example, the “Fan Mail” feature allows fans to send in items,like jerseys, to be signed. The app ensures verification and safe return, giving fans the connection they crave while making the process scalable for athletes. Previously reserved for exclusive events, these interactions are now available at the touch of a button, offering fans easier access and providing athletes with a sustainable revenue stream.

What’s available:

Personalised video messages
Autographed jerseys and memorabilia
One-on-one virtual training tips
Fantasy football requests
Gaming sessions and live Q&A

Developing the platform wasn’t easy. Over three years, Ekeler invested more than $800,000, facing setbacks that cost him nearly $600,000 before finding success. In its first six months, Eksperience generated $20,000 from around 500 fan engagements, showcasing its potential for athletes to engage their fanbases and create new income opportunities.

Ekeler’s partnership with Western Colorado University (WCU), his alma mater, has been integral to Ekperience’s growth. WCU allows its student-athletes to use the app to monetise their personal brands, offering fans unique experiences while taking a 20% cut of each transaction. This partnership highlights how the platform supports both professional and collegiate athletes, offering a new way to engage with fans and generate income.

His vision is to make fan-athlete connections more meaningful and scalable, bridging the gap between personal interaction and brand monetisation, and potentially setting a precedent for future athlete engagement models.

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