You know what I’ve seen time and time again? The most powerful brand connections often left on the table, are when retailers and athletes can cut out the middleman and work directly together. After more than a decade at Nike, bringing to life industry leading innovation, and leveraging everything from World Cups to Olympic Games for deeper brand engagement, I’ve learned that these direct relationships are potentially where some real magic could happen. And not because the partnership is with retailers but because of the freedom with which athletes and the retailers are allowed to create and engage together. I’m a big believer in this approach, and I’ve written a blog on why it works and how retailers can tap into this potential. If you’re a retailer, agent, or athlete who wants to explore how to build stronger, more authentic partnerships, I’d love to chat. Check out the blog here: https://lnkd.in/g5TNvecH First Five Marketing Ltd Let’s talk about how we can make some real impact together. #sport #marketing #brand #brandmarketing #athletebranding #brandstrategy #personalbranding #strategicdirection #brandpurpose #athletesponsorship #sportsmarketing #athlete #sports #athletemarketing #smallbusinessmarketing #startups
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Tiger Woods' New Venture: A Paradigm Shift in Athlete Brand Endorsements? 🚀 In the ever-evolving world of athlete endorsements, the recent deal involving golf legend Tiger Woods has sparked discussions about the future trajectory of brand partnerships. Traditionally, athletes have lent their names to established brands, serving more as faces of the product rather than integral parts of the brand's creative and strategic direction. However, the landscape is shifting. The emergence of creator-led brands, such as Prime Hydration by Logan Paul and KSI 🥤, and NoTwoWays, the sneaker brand co-founded by YouTuber Callux 👟, represents a new era where influencers and athletes are not just ambassadors but co-creators and business strategists. This transition begs the question: Are traditional endorsement deals on the decline? Tiger Woods' latest venture might provide some answers. Instead of a conventional endorsement, Woods is entering into a partnership that allows him more creative control and a substantial stake in the business. This move reflects a broader trend where athletes and creators seek to endorse, innovate, and lead 🌟. Takeaway 📌 For businesses and brands, the shift towards more collaborative and equitable partnerships with athletes and creators signals a need to reassess how they approach endorsements. For athletes and influencers, it presents an opportunity to leverage their personal brand beyond the playing field or screen, venturing into entrepreneurship and brand-building. The question is, will other athletes follow in Woods' footsteps, choosing to invest in or create brands rather than endorse them? And how will this reshape the dynamics of future athlete endorsements and brand collaborations? 🤔 As the line between creator and athlete continues to blur, the implications for marketing, branding, and fan engagement are vast. The evolution is underway, and the industry must adapt to keep pace with these transformative trends. What are your thoughts on this new era of athlete and creator-led brand partnerships? Do you think this will become the new norm in athlete endorsements? Let's discuss below! 👇 #BrandEndorsement #AthleteBranding #CreatorEconomy #SportsMarketing
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𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗲’𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 - 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 Nike has mastered the art of digital marketing, transforming a sportswear brand into an enduring global icon. Through a powerful mix of @𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, @𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 @𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, Nike’s strategy sets an inspiring example for marketers and entrepreneurs alike. From the legendary "𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁" campaign to bold stances in social justice with "𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘇𝘆" Campaign, Nike doesn’t just sell products—it sells stories. Their digital marketing success shines on platforms like Instagram & x (Twitter), where millions engage with 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, and on their 𝗲-𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘀, where 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 drive deeper connections. Nike’s journey shows the unparalleled value of 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. If you’re looking to learn from a digital marketing powerhouse, Nike’s approach is worth studying. It’s a case study in how to elevate a brand to iconic status by staying true to core values and adapting to the digital age. #DigitalMarketing #NikeSuccess #BrandStrategy #EmotionalBranding #MarketingInnovation #Ecommerce #Nike #branding #Rebranding #Entrepreneurs #BrandLoyalty #CrisisResponse #MarketingStrategy #CustomerEngagement #SocialmediaMarketing #Startup #startups #Casestudies #Digitalmarketinginnovation #Contentmarketing #growthhacking #Digitalmarketingcasestudies
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👟 New Balance is proving that when it comes to athlete partnerships, less is truly more, according to Tuesday's discussion at the 2024 CEO Summit hosted by the Jay H. Baker Retailing Center - The Wharton School - US. Their "fewer, bigger, better" approach focuses on deep collaboration and authentic storytelling, and it's paying off. 🏀 By carefully selecting top athletes like Cameron Brink and Coco Gauff, New Balance is building genuine connections with Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers. Their strategic approach includes: 📊 In-depth athlete analysis: Two years of watching Brink play and analyzing her social media impact before signing. 📈 Data-driven results: A 22% lift in engagement on posts featuring Brink, and valuable product feedback. 📣 Amplification through leagues: Leveraging athlete partnerships to secure broader deals like their recent multiyear partnership with the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association). 💡 This "athlete-first" strategy highlights the power of authentic storytelling and strategic partnerships in reaching new audiences and driving brand growth. Read all about it in Shoshy Ciment's insightful Footwear News article here: https://lnkd.in/epGD9gUv #NewBalance #AthletePartnerships #MarketingStrategy #Authenticity #WNBA #CameronBrink #CocoGauff #GenZ
How New Balance’s Cameron Brink Signing Paved the Way For a Bigger Deal With the WNBA
https://footwearnews.com
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Why sports must be key to your brand strategy? Our CMO, Sumit Virmani, explores how aligning your brand with the right sport can go beyond sponsorships and build deeper connections with key stakeholders in a recent Storyboard18 column. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d-rH3Vtf #sportsmarketing #stakeholderengagement #branding
Brand Breakthroughs: Why sports must be key to your brand strategy
storyboard18.com
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Mark the Moment: How Athletes Are Turning Celebrations into Trade Marks A winning celebration is no longer just for the highlight reel - it’s a golden ticket to brand power. Athletes are transforming their iconic gestures into registered trade marks, turning fleeting moments of victory into lasting commercial assets. From Mbappé’s arm-cross to Bellingham’s signature outstretched arms, these gestures are becoming as memorable as their names, with the potential to unlock substantial revenue. So why are goal celebrations becoming brands? Every unique gesture on the field is an opportunity waiting to be played out in the commercial world. A raised arm, a leap in the air - these aren’t just expressions of joy, they’re gateways to endorsements, merchandise, and licensing deals. However, trade marking a celebration isn’t always a slam dunk. The move must be distinctive and graphically representable (like Michael Jordan’s famous ‘Jumpman’ logo). Career-defining moments, such as Usain Bolt’s lightning bolt pose or Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’, can shape an athlete’s brand identity for years to come, turning personal celebrations into worldwide trade marks. This growing trend signals a new era in sports branding, where every move on the pitch can have a game-changing impact off it. For athletes, brands, and sports agencies, the playbook is clear: pay attention to your gestures - because your next trade mark might be just one celebration away. #IntellectualProperty #TradeMarks
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Champs Sports Reimagines Its Brand with 'Sport For Life' Platform Foot Locker's effort to reinvigorate the Champs Sports brand through the "Sport For Life" platform is likely driven by several strategic marketing reasons. By repositioning Champs Sports with the "Sport For Life" platform, the brand can differentiate itself in the competitive sports retail market. Emphasizing the role of sports in everyday life helps Champs create a unique identity that resonates with consumers on a deeper level, beyond just selling sports gear. The campaign aims to build an emotional connection with customers by highlighting how sports can positively impact their lives. This narrative fosters a sense of community and loyalty among customers who identify with the values and benefits of sports. READ ARTICLE: https://conta.cc/3zQTjef #ChampsSports #SportForLife #BrandRevamp #AthletePartnerships #SportsLifestyle #CustomerEngagement #RetailInnovation #FootLocker #BrandStorytelling #AthleteInfluence
Champs Sports launches brand platform as it works to reposition itself
marketingdive.com
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Champs Sports Reimagines Its Brand with 'Sport For Life' Platform Foot Locker's effort to reinvigorate the Champs Sports brand through the "Sport For Life" platform is likely driven by several strategic marketing reasons. By repositioning Champs Sports with the "Sport For Life" platform, the brand can differentiate itself in the competitive sports retail market. Emphasizing the role of sports in everyday life helps Champs create a unique identity that resonates with consumers on a deeper level, beyond just selling sports gear. The campaign aims to build an emotional connection with customers by highlighting how sports can positively impact their lives. This narrative fosters a sense of community and loyalty among customers who identify with the values and benefits of sports. READ ARTICLE: https://conta.cc/3zQTjef #ChampsSports #SportForLife #BrandRevamp #AthletePartnerships #SportsLifestyle #CustomerEngagement #RetailInnovation #FootLocker #BrandStorytelling #AthleteInfluence
Champs Sports launches brand platform as it works to reposition itself
marketingdive.com
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Customers are curious on how we choose the brands we carry in our store. We have limited space and dollars and build our seasonal buys considering many factors. When a brand outwardly and aggressively identifies a shift to DTC -AND- a focus away from US markets, it’s a good indicator that you will not see those products in our store. Amer Sports owns Salomon and Arcteryx among other brands. From the CEO: “We believe we are unique in our ability to shift our business model from wholesale to DTC while driving higher operating profitability,” Zheng said in the report. “In 2023, DTC accounted for 36% of total company revenue, up from 22% in 2020. Amer owns 326 company stores globally. When it comes to the Greater China market, that region now accounts for 19% of total company revenue. Amer has direct ties to China – China’s Anta Sports acquired the company in 2019 and, after the recent IPO, Anta Sports remains Amer Sports’ largest shareholder.”
Amer Sports CEO Comments on Shift to DTC Model
https://thedaily.outdoorretailer.com
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f Vertimax Camp is seeking brands to partner with for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for athletes, here’s a targeted approach to attract and secure these partnerships: 1. Understand the NIL Landscape Know the Rules: Ensure you're familiar with the latest NIL regulations and how they impact athlete endorsements and partnerships. Identify Trends: Stay updated on trends in NIL deals and popular brands working with athletes. 2. Define Your Camp’s Value Proposition Athlete Profiles: Highlight the athletes who participate in the camp. Showcase their social media following, performance stats, and potential marketability. Camp Benefits: Emphasize what makes Vertimax Camp unique and valuable for brands, such as exposure, athlete development, and networking opportunities. 3. Create a Compelling Proposal Media Kit: Develop a professional media kit that includes athlete profiles, camp highlights, audience demographics, and potential partnership benefits. Sponsorship Packages: Offer various levels of sponsorship with clear deliverables, such as branded gear, social media mentions, or event appearances. 4. Identify and Approach Potential Brands Relevant Brands: Focus on brands in sports apparel, fitness equipment, health and nutrition, and lifestyle products that align with the camp’s and athletes’ image. Personalized Outreach: Tailor your pitch to each brand, highlighting why a partnership with Vertimax Camp would be mutually beneficial. 5. Leverage Athlete Influence Athlete Endorsements: Use the athletes themselves to reach out to brands. Their personal connections and social media influence can be powerful. Success Stories: Share testimonials and success stories from athletes who have benefitted from past NIL deals. 6. Utilize Digital and Social Media Social Media Campaigns: Promote the camp and its athletes through social media channels. Create content that brands would find appealing, such as highlight reels or behind-the-scenes footage. Website and Blog: Maintain an updated website and blog with information about the camp, athletes, and partnership opportunities. 7. Network and Build Relationships Industry Events: Attend sports, fitness, and marketing events to network with brand representatives and discuss potential partnerships. Follow-Up: Keep in touch with brands you’ve approached and provide regular updates on the camp’s success and athlete progress. 8. Measure and Report Success Track Metrics: Monitor the effectiveness of partnerships, including social media engagement, athlete performance, and brand visibility. Report Results: Provide brands with reports on the impact of their partnership, showing return on investment and positive outcomes. By demonstrating the value that Vertimax Camp and its athletes can bring to potential brand partners, you’ll be better positioned to secure successful NIL deals. If you need help with specific outreach strategies or crafting proposals, feel free to ask!
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Athletes are no longer just athletes; they are brands. In this digital age, performance alone is no longer enough to determine an athlete’s success. Developing a personal brand has become essential in any sporting career, directly impacting marketability, sponsorships and overall influence in the industry. It goes beyond athletic talent—it’s about creating a distinct identity that resonates with fans and potential sponsors. A strong personal brand sets you apart, increasing visibility and opening up lucrative opportunities far beyond sport. At Brand Athlete, we help athletes harness the power of their influence, turning their image into sustainable digital brands. Whether it’s through securing sponsorship deals or preparing for life beyond sports, we guide athletes on a journey of authenticity and long-term success far beyond the field. Read more insights here: https://lnkd.in/di_YDTa5 via Medium #AthleteBranding #PersonalBranding #ElevateYourGame #BuildYourBrand #BrandAthlete
Athlete Branding: How Athletes Build Their Personal Brands in Sports
medium.com
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