How to Get a Sports Sponsorship that Secures Your Career

Learn tactics for successful sports sponsorships. Get expert advice, engage sponsors, and craft compelling proposals for strong partnerships.

Hadar Peretz

6 minute read

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How to Get a Sports Sponsorship?

Identify Your Value: Showcase unique attributes that set you apart.
Research Potential Sponsors: Align with their goals and values.
Craft a Clear Proposal: Highlight benefits and mutual growth.
Network Actively: Attend events, and use online platforms.
Maintain Professionalism: Uphold high standards in all dealings.

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Sport Sponsorship is Not About Ability, but Market Understanding

Ever felt your sporting prowess alone should land you a sponsorship? Think again.

It's a harsh truth, but raw talent without market acumen can lead to missed opportunities.

Don't let your potential go unnoticed; unlock the strategies to navigate this intricate realm.

4 Benefits of Sports Sponsorship

Financial Support: Sponsors provide the necessary funds for equipment, training, and tournaments, ensuring the team's ongoing success and growth.
Increased Visibility: Sponsorship often comes with promotional activities that elevate the team's profile, attracting more fans and potential opportunities.
Validation and Credibility: Association with reputable brands or companies can enhance a team's professional image and credibility in their respective sport.
Mutual Growth: As the team performs and gains recognition, sponsors benefit from the association, creating a symbiotic relationship that fosters shared success.

5 Effective Strategies to Get Sports Sponsorship

Navigating the sports sponsorship realm can be intricate. In 2019, the global sports sponsorship market reached an impressive $55 billion, emphasizing its vast potential.

Delve into these expert insights to get sports sponsorship:

1) Evaluate and Present Value

Analyze Engagement: Use Sprout Social or Hootsuite to gauge the quality of your engagement, not just follower count.
Highlight Authentic Connection: Emphasize real interactions, like Roger Federer's genuine rapport with fans.

2) Develop a Comprehensive Proposal

Craft Your Story: Detail achievements and aspirations, making your offering unique.
Find the Right Match: Use OpenSponsorship to align your story with sponsors looking for someone just like you.

3) Expand and Leverage Networks

Connect with Insiders: Attend events or use LinkedIn to forge relationships.
Maximize Platforms: Use LinkedIn's Sales Navigator tool to pinpoint potential sponsors.

4) Strengthen Online Presence

Streamline Posts: Utilize tools like Buffer or Later for a consistent online posting schedule.
Boost Authentic Engagement: Host live sessions or behind-the-scenes glimpses on platforms like Twitch or YouTube.

5) Keep the Brand Aligned

Monitor Brand Consistency: Utilize Brandwatch to track brand mentions and sentiments.
Regular Check-ins: Establish frequent meetings using platforms like Zoom or Teams to reinforce the athlete-sponsor bond.

Create a Persuasive Interactive Sports Sponsorship Proposal

Storydoc's sports sponsorship proposal templates offer interactive, easy-to-customize slides that effectively communicate plans to stakeholders.

These templates are versatile, covering various types of Sponsorship Proposal Templates, and are more engaging than traditional PowerPoint slides. A 14-day free trial lets you explore their full potential.

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8 Pro Tips to Ensure a Successful Sponsorship Deal

Research the Sponsor: Know their history, values, and previous sponsorships. This helps in tailoring your pitch and understanding their expectations.
Define Clear Objectives: Both parties should have clear, measurable objectives for the sponsorship. Whether it's brand visibility, audience engagement, or something else, clarity ensures alignment.
Be Transparent: Open communication fosters trust. Always be straightforward about any potential issues or concerns that might arise.
Offer Exclusivity: Consider providing exclusive rights or first-look privileges to the sponsor, making the deal more attractive.
Include Exit Clauses: While it's essential to enter agreements with a positive mindset, having a clear exit strategy provides security for both parties.
Demonstrate Value Continuously: Regularly update the sponsor on how the partnership is meeting or exceeding the set objectives.
Stay Adaptable: Markets change, and trends evolve. Be prepared to adapt the sponsorship terms if required, ensuring it remains beneficial.
Nurture the Relationship: Beyond the formalities, building a genuine relationship with the sponsor can lead to more prolonged and fruitful collaborations.

Where to Find Sports Sponsors?

Local Businesses: Many local businesses are keen on supporting local sports teams or athletes as it helps them connect with the community. Approach cafes, shops, and other establishments in your area.
Sports Equipment Manufacturers: Brands that produce sports gear often sponsor teams or athletes to promote their products.
Corporate Companies: Larger corporations may have CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programs or marketing budgets dedicated to sports sponsorships.
Online Platforms: Websites such as Sponsorship.com or OpenSponsorship connect athletes and teams with potential sponsors.
Sports Events and Conferences: These events often attract brands and businesses looking to get involved in sports sponsorship. Networking at these events can lead to potential deals.
Alumni Networks: Former members of a sports team, especially in schools or colleges, may be interested in giving back as sponsors.
Social Media: Actively promote your sports journey on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Brands often scout for budding talent or teams with a significant following for sponsorships.

Hadar Peretz

I am a Marketing Specialist at Storydoc, I research, analyze and write on our core topics of business presentations, sales, and fundraising. I love talking to clients about their successes and failures so I can get a rounded understanding of their world.

Table of contents

How to get a sports sponsorship? Benefits of Sports Sponsorship Effective strategies to get sports sponsorship Create a persuasive sports sponsorship proposal Pro tips to ensure a successful sponsorship deal Where to find sports sponsors?