Nürnberg Ice Tigers have launched a new digital fan ecosystem in partnership with Beyond by RS2, an innovation brand of RS2 Financial Services GmbH, and multidisciplinary agency network Mediengruppe Deutschland. This connected platform integrates payments, loyalty rewards, exclusive club content, and fan engagement tools into a unified experience.
Anchoring the initiative are co-branded Visa credit and debit cards, powered by the Beyond by RS2 platform. The ecosystem aims to offer fans a more connected and convenient way to interact with the club, whether through transactions, accessing exclusive content, or benefiting from targeted promotions and rewards. The mobile application allows fans to manage payments, loyalty rewards, view club content, and receive real-time updates and offers, with the co-branded card serving as the entry point to these benefits.
The collaboration leverages secure, scalable infrastructure to provide clubs with new methods for supporter engagement and to create personalized experiences for fans. Mediengruppe Deutschland is responsible for app development, user experience, content strategy, and communications, while Beyond by RS2 manages the financial operations, regulatory compliance, and technical infrastructure for the platform.
Oliver Winkler, CEO of Mediengruppe Nürnberg, stated, “This partnership brought together agency creativity, financial technology expertise, and a forward-thinking sports organization – and that combination made it possible to create something truly integrated and scalable. The result is more than a fan product – it’s a flexible platform that connects people and adds lasting value.”
Jens Mahlke, CEO of Beyond by RS2, added, “The strength of this collaboration lies in how quickly and effectively we aligned around a shared goal. Together with Mediengruppe and the Ice Tigers, we’ve built a secure and adaptable digital ecosystem that enhances the fan experience and creates new opportunities for clubs and sponsors. As Beyond by RS2, we see this as a model that’s not only relevant for professional sports, but one that could be applied across different industries where engagement and loyalty matter.”
Wolfgang Gastner, Managing Director of the Nürnberg Ice Tigers, commented, “This partnership with Mediengruppe and Beyond by RS2 gave us a tailored solution that brings multiple benefits together in one place – from payments and rewards to direct communication with our fans. It’s a forward-looking project, and we’re proud to be the first club to bring it to life.”
Following its initial launch with the Ice Tigers, there are plans to extend the platform to other professional sports clubs. This project signifies an evolving approach to sponsorships and fan engagement strategies, emphasizing long-term loyalty, digital touchpoints, and mutual value for all stakeholders.
Beyond by RS2, part of the global RS2 Group, provides cloud-based payment solutions that combine issuing and acquiring services with real-time insights. Mediengruppe Deutschland is a multidisciplinary agency network specializing in artificial intelligence, immersive brand environments, and data-driven communication. The Nürnberg Ice Tigers are a founding member of the German Ice Hockey League (PENNY DEL) and have consistently played at the top level since 1994.
