The Miniaturization of Sports: A Big Trend in Smaller Games
Sports are fragmenting into smaller games. Here's why (and how to capitalize on it).
Sports are shrinking.
Not in size, but in format.
Across every major sport…faster and more accessible versions are exploding in popularity.
It’s a trend that’s reshaping participation, media, and investment opportunities across the industry (and it’s only getting started).
Let’s Dive In 👇
The Rise of Bite-Sized Sports
Traditional sports have long been dominated by rigid structures, expensive barriers to entry, and long game formats.
But consumer preferences have shifted.
We’re seeing a new wave of sports across both the professional and recreational landscape.
Let’s break down some of the most notable (with a full list below):
1. TGL → The Compact Golf Tour
TGL, the Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy-backed simulator golf league, is redefining what professional golf can look like in a digital-first world.
This condensed version of golf is built for modern sports consumption:
Cuts down an 18-hole game into a 90-minute format
High-tech simulator league with primetime TV appeal
With some of the biggest names in golf involved, TGL is pushing the boundaries of how golf can be played, viewed, and monetized.
I still believe however…
Most fans don’t know how to engage or even properly watch an event like this — emerging leagues face an education gap.
2. Pickleball → The "Fun-Size" Tennis
With lower skill barriers and rapid gameplay, it has become a sport that anyone can pick up quickly, making it ideal for casual and competitive players alike.
Courts have popped up everywhere—from gyms to malls to office parks—further fueling its popularity.
Over 36.5M players in 2023, up 159% from 2020
Now the fastest-growing sport in America for multiple straight years
Professional leagues, celebrity ownership, and $500M+ in VC funding
I’m not sure we’ll ever see a sport explode in popularity as fast as pickleball did.