While we work with several music and entertainment clients, I feel its important to address other businesses too.  This week I’m reaching out to the sports folks with 4 ideas for new online revenue.

1.  Virtual Trading Cards

Some of you may have been around during the golden age of sports trading cards, which occurred in the early-mid 90s.  While the fervor has diminished since then, the concept has not.  Why not give it an ipod-era makeover and create interactive, virtual trading cards?

The new mobile devices with high quality screens are the perfect platform for a resurgence in sports cards.  Each card could be a digital representation of the classic but with interactive features embedded: video clips, interviews, even hidden easter eggs to increase a card’s particular value.  The static pictures could also be replaced by a live action shot (imagine one of Michael Jordon’s rookie card updated with the full action of him doing a classic dunk).

Having been an avid collector back in the day, I would personally love to see this happen.  As of yet, Fleer or Upper Deck haven’t made any big announcements.

2.  Mafia Wars – Sports Edition

If you haven’t heard of Mafia Wars, then you’re not familiar with one of 2009′s most popular online trends.  Quit reading this post and go get up to speed.

The game is one of the simplest and most effective uses of micropayments to ever come along, and is a model the sports world should completely embrace.  Trading real money for “experience points” or some virtual status symbol has become commonplace among teenagers and young adults, and the highly narcissistic nature of social networks only adds fuel to the fire.

Sure we’ve had Fantasy Football for years, but what if we combined it with a highly addicting game format that anyone could play on facebook or a mobile device.  We have yet to see any major sports entity try it, and the opportunity is ripe for the picking.

3.  Integration into gaming platforms

The video game platform has long been a lucrative part of the sports equation.  Since the 1980s, teams, players and leagues have been licensing their brands to various games.  While you need to play with the big boys to get in on a major release, lesser known teams and athletes can develop any number of smaller level game, specifically for devices like the iPod Touch.

Once you’ve got your game, its all about add-ons.  Sites like the X-Box Marketplace have evolved into the iTunes of digital gaming goods – players are able to purchase games, videos and apparel for avatars.  New games should continue developing better virtual goods to purchase:  old-school uniforms, classic players, previous arenas and stadiums, old video interviews…there really is no limit.

The real profit is in creating a branded destination where all of this can be browsed and bought, and where user demographics are tracked every step of the way.

4.  High-res photos

And just for good measure, here’s a super easy idea that can go a long way.

Fans love a good photo of their favorite things, but you’d be surprised how many players or teams DON’T actually sell quality digital photos online.  As a Green Bay Packers fan, I would even pay to have a few good shots of Lambeau Field in different settings.

It has never been easier to sell digital content on your website or even off of 3rd party sites like flickr.  This should be top of the list for any athlete on any level.