Bandit Running's Unsponsored Project: Shining a Light on Unsponsored Athletes

I have recently become aware of a brand that has impressed me with their strategy and I wanted to share.

Bandit Running, an athletic apparel brand from New York City, has been making waves in the athletics community with its innovative Unsponsored Project.

The initiative, which debuted at the 2023 US Outdoor National Track and Field Championships, had garnered significant attention and support for unsponsored athletes, and it returned for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.

The concept behind the Unsponsored Project is straightforward yet revolutionary. Bandit Running recognizes a significant issue in the sports sponsorship model: many elite and sub-elite athletes are forced to don branded gear without receiving any financial support from those brands. These athletes often juggle multiple jobs to support their training and competition expenses while giving free advertising to major companies on race day.

To address this imbalance, Bandit Running has provided unsponsored athletes with custom, unbranded apparel. This move allows athletes to stand out and declare their unsponsored status, highlighting the sponsorship disparity and potentially attracting paid sponsors. The unbranded apparel is designed to draw attention to the athletes' talents rather than the logos they wear.

In 2023, nine athletes participated in the Unsponsored Project at the US Outdoor Championships, and the initiative proved successful. One athlete secured a full-time sponsorship deal with a major footwear brand post-event, validating Bandit Running's approach.

This year, the project has expanded to include over 30 athletes at the Olympic Trials, each receiving cash compensation to help cover training and competition expenses. Additionally, Bandit Running has introduced release clauses in their agreements, ensuring athletes remain free to accept traditional sponsorship offers during the competition.

The Unsponsored Project is more than just an innovative marketing strategy; it's a statement about the value and recognition of athletes. By providing support and visibility, Bandit Running empowers athletes to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial instability. This initiative also fosters a sense of community, encouraging fans to rally behind these athletes and support them in their endeavours.

Bandit Running's commitment to the sport and its athletes is evident in its approach. They have created an inflexion point in the sponsorship model, challenging the status quo and advocating for fairer compensation and recognition for all athletes. The Unsponsored Project is a testament to Bandit's dedication to uplifting the running community while simultaneously building brand recognition and goodwill.

As the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials continue in Eugene, Oregon, keep an eye out for the athletes in black, unbranded kits of Bandit. It’s great to see some creative new ideas that benefit young athletes while also being a genius marketing strategy.

Thanks for reading, David Skilling.

#sponsorship #sportsbiz