Dr. Dan Kaufmann’s Post

I wanted to share a story with everyone. While working with brands, I'm seeing a trend I want to share with all of you.... I've been negotiating for brands and their sports & entertainment partnerships, and I'm seeing a trend with rights holders and brands. Partnerships are not just about slapping a logo on a jersey or stadium. To truly maximize the value of partnerships between brands and sports teams, there needs to be a deeper, more strategic approach. Here are three key principles for brands to consider: - Aligning with Core Values: It is not just a suggestion; it's a crucial step for brands. Partnering with sports teams and entertainment properties that share their values and resonate with their target audience ensures authenticity and fosters a stronger emotional connection with fans. This alignment is a source of confidence and reassurance for brands. - Leverage Data-Driven Insights: Use data to understand fan behavior, preferences, and engagement. Tailoring activations and content based on these insights enhances the fan experience and drives measurable ROI for the brand. - Create Solutions, Not Assets: Think beyond the immediate campaign. Consider how the partnership can contribute to long-term brand equity, differentiation, generating revenue, and internal customers. Whether through community initiatives, sustainability efforts, or unique fan experiences, creating a lasting impact should be at the forefront of any partnership strategy. The results are compelling when brands and sports teams collaborate with a shared vision and a focus on mutual growth. We're here to help. #sportsbiz #partnerships #heretohelp 

Our CMO, Andres Cardenas, was featured in Brand Innovators' 2025 Sports Outlook, sharing his thoughts on one of the biggest challenges in sports today: driving stadium attendance. Andrés explained, “Just like the film industry works to draw moviegoers, teams and leagues need to create experiences that fans simply can’t miss. For me, it comes down to quality entertainment, a sense of community, connectivity to athletes, and a comfortable environment. When those elements come together, fans will show up and make unforgettable memories.” Read more in the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/g6qzZJie

In the dynamic world of CPG retail, certain brands are staples in sports team partnerships. We see this in stadiums across the country that feature a select brand of drinks, food, even merchandise. It's because they're partners! Companies consistently invest in these collaborations time and time again, making them the obvious targets for new deals. What about the brands that have never ventured into this arena? Should we simply ignore them? 🤔 ❌ Absolutely not! ❌ These untapped brands represent a goldmine of potential revenue with minimal competition. How do we convince these brands that sports partnerships are a smart investment for their advertising dollars? 💡⬇️ Check out this SQWAD article [🔗: https://loom.ly/6c7Wi2k] that dives into the nitty gritty of convincing brands that have never invested in sports partnerships to collaborate with your team! 🤝 There's a podcast episode, too! At Thrive-X Agency, we specialize in bridging the gap between CPG retail and sports team partnerships, creating impactful connections that drive brand growth and consumer engagement. Are you ready to think outside the box and unlock new potential for your brand? Let's explore these opportunities together! Visit our website [💻: www.thrive-xagency.com] to learn more. --- #sportspartnerships #sports #sportspartnership #CPG #CPGretail #ThriveXAgency #ThriveX

💡 Ready to discover the game-changing strategies shaping sponsorships in 2024? As sponsorships continue to evolve, the latest insights from the SponsorUnited State of the Market Report 2024 are a goldmine for brands and sports property rights holders. I'm a massive proponent of what SponsorUnited does. I find it to be one of the most valuable tools on the market and when they give you data like this, it's a must-read. Whether you're in combat sports like me or any other industry, understanding these trends is crucial for staying ahead. I went deep into this 72-page report last night. Here's what if found: 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 💰 Major brands like Ticketmaster, Toyota Motor Corporation, Bud Light, and Verizon are leading with substantial investments. 🏙️ Community-focused sponsorships in cities like Austin showcase local engagement. 👩🎤 Women's sports sponsorships are on the rise, especially in London. 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 📊 Average deal size across major pro sports in North America is $935K. 🌍 Local vs. multinational sponsorship strategies highlighted by teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Vegas Golden Knights. 𝑬𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 🎲 Las Vegas (my stomping grounds now) and Charlotte are showing unique sponsorship trends with local and multinational dynamics. 🌐 Sphere Entertainment Co. in Las Vegas is redefining OOH advertising with significant social media impact. 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔 ⚽ Apparel brands in Madrid leverage soccer players for impactful OOH advertising. 🏦 Bank of Americo gained significant exposure during the Chelsea vs. Real Madrid match in Charlotte. 🔗 Combat Sports Relevance: As we explore these sponsorship strategies, it's clear that community engagement and leveraging local heroes can create a substantial impact. This aligns with my work at Fight Capital, where connecting athletes with brands in authentic and engaging ways can drive both visibility and loyalty. Just like how MrBeast’s partnership with the Charlotte Hornets leverages his massive social media following, my takeaway is that combat sports can benefit from digital marketing and influencer partnerships. I think Dana White and the Ultimate Fighting Championship do an amazing job of this, especially seeing how Power Slap is growing so much. 💡 Broad Perspective: The report underscores the importance of understanding local market dynamics and the rising trend of women’s sports. As combat sports continue to grow, incorporating these insights can help tailor marketing strategies to maximize impact and engagement. #sportsbusiness #marketreport #linkedinsports #sponsorships

🏀[Sports Biz News] 🇺🇸 Timberwolves and Sezzle Forge a Strategic Partnership: Redefining Sports Marketing 🎉 The Minnesota Timberwolves have embarked on a multi-year strategic partnership with Minneapolis-based fintech company Sezzle, signaling a groundbreaking collaboration at the intersection of sports and financial technology. This partnership is poised to enhance both brands by leveraging their shared commitment to innovation, financial empowerment, and community engagement. Sezzle, renowned for its "Pay in 4" platform, offers consumers financial flexibility with interest-free installment plans, aligning seamlessly with the Timberwolves' vision to elevate the fan experience by providing more accessible financial solutions. As the official jersey patch partner for both the Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx, Sezzle will enjoy significant visibility across NBA and WNBA platforms, tapping into a broad and diverse audience that includes both local and international fans. This exposure not only enhances Sezzle’s brand presence but also underscores its role in the evolving landscape of sports sponsorships, where fintech is becoming increasingly influential. This partnership also highlights the Timberwolves' dedication to fostering strong local partnerships while simultaneously embracing the broader trends in digital transformation. By integrating Sezzle’s financial solutions with the Timberwolves’ fan engagement strategies, both entities stand to expand their consumer base, enhance brand loyalty, and deepen ties within the community. This is particularly relevant as the Timberwolves seek to connect more deeply with younger, tech-savvy fans who value both innovation and community impact. As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, this partnership is set to be closely watched, offering a new blueprint for how sports teams and fintech companies can collaborate to create mutual value. The Timberwolves and Sezzle are not just partnering; they are pioneering a new era in sports marketing that could reshape the future of fan engagement and business collaboration in the digital age. This alliance could very well become a model for other teams and companies looking to harness the power of technology and community in their marketing strategies. #glocalsportsnews #sportsmarketing #sportsnews #sportsbusiness #marketing #branding #pr #brandingstrategy #marketingstrategy #prstrategy #businessstrategy #advertising #timberwolves #sezzle #nba #wnba #basketball #fintech #basketballfan

https://lnkd.in/dKmrHxwV "Sports fans are extremely passionate. The process of rooting for a team or specific player creates a deeply emotional bond—one that’s well past logical. From a brand perspective, that’s important because we know people buy with their hearts and justify with their heads. When we embed our brand into a sport people love, and into teams and athletes they root for, that emotional allegiance trickles into our brand—this is a great thing! Television commercials or social advertising just don’t garner that same emotional bond." This is why the intersection of sport and brand partnerships is such a powerful platform for growth. Unlike traditional advertising, embedding a brand within the fabric of a sport that people love – whether through teams or individual athletes – taps into an emotional allegiance that can elevate a brand beyond mere awareness. It’s not just about visibility, it’s about becoming part of the story.

Did you know? Red Bull invests over $2 billion annually in sports marketing, making it one of the most recognized brands in the world of extreme sports. At UNPAUZED, we’re all about bridging the gap between brands that want to make a mark and sports teams or events that need the right partnerships to thrive. Recently, we’ve been inspired by how Red Bull has seamlessly blended sports sponsorship with brand identity, and it got us thinking—how can we help others do the same? Let’s talk about the genius behind Red Bull’s success—Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull’s co-founder. Mateschitz didn’t just sponsor events; he created experiences that embodied the brand’s spirit of adventure and daring. From owning a Formula 1 team to launching the Red Bull Air Race, he turned Red Bull into a brand synonymous with excitement and extreme sports. 🏎️💨 But here’s the thing—Mateschitz’s vision was all about authenticity. He knew that to resonate with audiences, Red Bull had to be more than just a logo at an event. It had to be part of the story, part of the thrill. And that’s exactly what we’re aiming to do at UNPAUZED. We’re not just stepping into the world of sports sponsorships; we’re becoming the connector—the bridge between brands that want to engage with passionate sports fans and the teams or events that can bring that connection to life. So, what do you think? How do you see the future of sports sponsorships evolving? Let’s discuss how brands can create meaningful, authentic connections in this space. Looking forward to your thoughts! 👇 #SportsSponsorship #BrandPartnerships #Unpauzed #MarketingInnovation

How Much #Money Does #Sports Sponsorship Entail? Ever wondered why countless businesses dive into sports sponsorships? It's not just about #marketing but forging connections with a wide audience and showcasing a brand's passion for sports. Key Expenses in Sports #Sponsorship: 📜 Sponsorship #Deals and Endorsements: These are financial agreements between #brands and sports entities, be it teams, leagues or individual athletes. These deals can range from modest sums to substantial #investments, depending upon the sport's popularity, reach and the profile of the sponsored entity. High-profile athletes often command hefty endorsement #fees, amplifying the investment further. 📱 #Advertising Costs: This encompasses both traditional #media advertising like TV commercials, billboards and print #ads and digital marketing efforts, including #socialmedia promotions and #content creation. The expenditure varies based on the campaign's scale and duration. 💸 Return on Investment (ROI): Brands aim to measure the impact of their sponsorship across metrics such as brand awareness, consumer perception and ultimately, #sales. While direct revenue from the sponsorship is one aspect, increased brand visibility and enhanced brand equity also contribute. Though quantifying intangible #benefits remains a challenge, market research, surveys and data analysis are instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of sports sponsorship. Factors Affecting #Financial Implications: 🏀Sports Popularity: The broader the viewership a sport garners, the greater the potential returns for the sponsoring brand. Popular sports like football and #cricket draw larger audiences and command higher sponsorship fees. 🏀Brand Exposure: Factors such as prominent logo placement, product integrations and media coverage all play into the visibility and reach of the brand. 🏀Sponsorship Duration: Long-term sponsorships often foster stronger associations between the brand and the sport or team, potentially yielding greater returns. Conversely, short-term sponsorships may offer event-specific benefits. In Conclusion: Sports sponsorship involves substantial financial commitments, encompassing sponsorship deals, endorsement fees, advertising costs and more. Nevertheless, the potential returns are equally substantial, with increased brand exposure, heightened consumer engagement and enhanced brand equity among the benefits. Brands must meticulously evaluate the financial implications and potential ROI before venturing into sports sponsorship. By leveraging market research, data analysis and strategic planning, #businesses can make informed decisions aligned with their marketing objectives, tapping into the formidable power of sports to connect with audiences worldwide.

Certainly the most significant post to have come out of Eleven Sports Media on this channel. I’m delighted to announce that Eleven has attracted a multi-million pound investment from one of the leading private equity houses in the UK and Ireland, BGF. On 31st March 2021, Eleven became under single ownership for the first time. We unveiled a three-year plan internally that was ambitious by anyone’s standards, but to outsiders it understandably could have been viewed as unrealistic. In addition to hitting all the centrally important financial milestones, the plan included: ·      Doubling the size of Eleven’s team from 30-60. ·      Launching Eleven’s business model in the US and mainland Europe.  ·      Enhancing Eleven's technology offering to enable global expansion with multilingual capabilities. ·      Opening a second office in a UK city. ·      Work with all four major US sports leagues suited to the Eleven model. ·      Achieve 50% of all revenue from outside of the UK. We delivered on all objectives, including many more beyond those listed. The final objective for the three-year plan was to attract third-party investment that would support the business’ ambition in becoming one of the leading specialist sponsorship agencies in the world. So almost three-years to the day since unveiling the plan, I’m delighted that’s exactly where we find ourselves. I would like to say thank you to BGF, who have proven themselves over a lengthy process to carry all the attributes we want from a partner. Diligent, considered, transparent and fair being among those qualities. Special thanks to Rhys Davenport and Josh Bean at BGF. A huge thank you to the dozens of sports organisations around the world that have placed their trust in Eleven over the years and to the thousands of small independent businesses that have put their faith in us to deliver a best-in-class service. The biggest thank you today goes to all the staff that continue to apply their passion and dedication at Eleven. Whilst instilling the three-year plan, one of the key things we did was to introduce a company-wide share/incentive scheme to reward the staff that are so important to the business. That shared sense of success is a big part of our progress. I’d Encourage any early-stage entrepreneur to consider this in their planning. As we set off on this new chapter in Eleven’s history, we do so with a greater sense of ambition and purpose than ever before. There will be more news to follow in the coming weeks, but for today at least everyone at Eleven will be enjoying a well-deserved moment of reflection, on what is a tremendous collective achievement. See details below 👇

The Power of Sports Partnerships: Elevating Brands and Communities In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, sports partnerships offer a unique platform for brands to connect with passionate audiences and build lasting relationships. Beyond the traditional advertising model, sports partnerships create an emotional connection between the brand, the team, and its supporters. Here’s how these collaborations can transform both brands and communities: 🌟 Enhanced Brand Visibility: With thousands of fans engaging at live events and across media platforms, a well-placed partnership ensures consistent visibility in front of highly engaged audiences. 🌟 Stronger Community Connections: Aligning with sports organizations allows brands to actively contribute to local communities through charitable initiatives, youth programs, and grassroots efforts. 🌟 Authentic Engagement: Sports evoke strong emotions and loyalty. Brands that tap into this experience build authentic relationships, enhancing customer trust and loyalty. 🌟 Innovative Co-Marketing Opportunities: Partnerships open the door to creative and integrated marketing efforts that go beyond traditional advertising—think collaborative content, unique fan experiences, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. At HLP, we’ve seen firsthand how strategic partnerships can drive growth, increase brand awareness, and foster meaningful connections. Let’s continue to explore how these opportunities can elevate your brand while strengthening the community! #SportsMarketing #Partnerships #BrandAwareness #CommunityEngagement #Sponsorships #GrowthOpportunities