Brand Innovators’ Post

In the fast-paced world of athletics and marketing, collaborations between iconic figures and brands have the power to transcend mere sponsorship agreements. The recent partnership between track and field sensation Sha’Carri Richardson and global beverage brand Sprite is a testament to this transformative potential, inspiring a new generation of trailblazers. At the heart of this collaboration lies a shared commitment to authenticity, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression. Sha’Carri Richardson, known for her electrifying speed on the track and her unapologetic embrace of individuality, embodies the spirit of breaking barriers and defying expectations. Her journey, marked by triumphs and challenges alike, serves as a powerful narrative of perseverance in the face of adversity. Likewise, Sprite, with its legacy of championing authenticity and celebrating diverse voices, emerges as the perfect partner to amplify Richardson's message of empowerment. Joining forces allows them to spark meaningful conversations and drive positive change on and off the track. In today's world, consumers crave authenticity. They seek brands and personalities that are genuine, transparent, and unafraid to speak their truth. As authenticity continues to reign supreme, partnerships should be built on shared values in order to be more impactful than ever. #marketingstrategy #empowerment #brandpartnerships #shacarririchardson #spritecampaign #authenticmarketing #brandcollaboration

Hot Take: The Game Has Changed - Fans Are the New MVPs 🌀 Gone are the days when a team's brand was built solely on its star athletes or championship titles. It's time to shift the focus from merely assembling superstar rosters to creating unforgettable fan experiences, fostering deep community engagement, and embodying a brand that stands for something more. 🌀 Picture a team celebrated for its off-field contributions to society and its ability to bring people together as it is for its on-field prowess. That's where the future lies. 🌀 To the traditionalists who might scoff at this notion, consider this: In a digital age where every game is at our fingertips, why do fans still flock to stadiums? It's for the experience—the communal euphoria of cheering together, the ritual of game-day traditions, and the sense of belonging to something greater than oneself. It's high time we recognized and capitalized on this shift. 🌀 Teams that understand this evolving landscape and pivot their strategies to prioritize fan experience, community engagement, and meaningful branding will not only lead the charge into the new era of sports but also secure their legacy for future generations. So, let's stop playing the old game and start building the future of sports, one experience at a time. #FutureOfSports #FanFirstExperience #Businessoperations

Just FYI... Kickstart your brand's success with a winning sponsorship move! Here's why sponsoring the front of shirts for football teams is a total game-changer: Score Big Visibility: Your brand steals the spotlight with prime real estate on the players' jerseys, guaranteeing maximum exposure on and off the field! Team Spirit Boost: Become part of the team's journey, igniting fan excitement and creating unforgettable memories for supporters worldwide. Goal-Getter Brand Awareness: Watch your brand reach new heights as it's showcased to millions of passionate fans during thrilling matches and TV broadcasts. Fan-tastic Engagement: Dive into the action with exclusive fan interactions, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes access, turning supporters into lifelong brand ambassadors! Ready to kick off an epic partnership? Let's make magic happen on the pitch together! ⚽ #SponsorshipSuccess #FootballFever #BrandWin #GameChanger

How many moments in time become brands? And ones that can be commercialized decades after the event took place? The Miracle on Ice is apparently one of those moments/brands. (For the uninitiated: Lake Placid 1980 Olympics Games; the US beats USSR in the gold medal ice hockey game, widely considered one of the greatest sports upsets in history.) This phrase “Miracle on Ice” has meaning for likely every American born in the mid-70s on. I am Gen X and was just a kid when the game took place. But I remember the victory - and the emotion - VERY vividly. The captain of the team, Mike Eruzione, recently opened up a shop in the heart of Lake Placid that focuses solely on that team, and really on that one game. What’s remarkable to me is that the event took place 40+ years ago and he is just opening this store NOW. Gen Y and Gen Z ( and some of Gen X) didn’t personally experience this moment in time. Do these individuals have an emotional connection to the brand? Can they get one? And what are other similar iconic moments with such lasting emotion that can be commercialized? #branding #brandrecognition #marketing

We made it! We're taking names and making dates. Ready to talk shop, or check out partnership insights related to your brand and investments? Reach out to chat with AJ Sheth, Cole Cook, or find us at one of the events you're attending. See you around #brandweek2023 #sportsbiz #dataanalytics #sportmarketing

How @Champion shifted its brand name from a noun to a verb with new campaign. The launch of a new global campaign, #ChampionWhatMovesYou focuses on people who champion causes — not just those who become champions in sports. #BrandStrategy #Campaigns #Creativity #Brand https://buff.ly/44PeeIr

If you aren't learning from the Savannah Bananas and their incredible fan experience, you're missing out. How does a team and a city that could barely draw 100 fans in 2015, draw sellout crowds all across the country in 2023? Because they had to. And because they could accomplish it differently, not being beholden to the model of an MLB team or a high-minor league team. The first few chapters of Jesse Cole's book Fans First are a love letter to sports, and to creativity. Starting in a run-down office with a folding table, no sponsors, barely any season-ticket holders... With all these constraints, a completely creative solution was the only way to make the team work. And the current state of that creative solution, Banana Ball World Tour, each appearance sells out within minutes. Excited to dig into the rest of the book and see how the journey unfolded! Incredible experiences drive brand affinity. No better example than the Bananas 🍌 #Branding #Marketing #CustomerExperience #Sports

⚽ Behind every memorable football club is a powerful brand story that resonates with fans and players alike. But why is branding such a critical investment for football clubs today? From forging a unique identity to nurturing unwavering loyalty, the right branding strategy can set your club apart in a crowded field. 🌟 I've put together a series of insights on why and how strategic branding can not only elevate the perception of your club but can significantly impact revenue, attract top-tier talent, and amplify your visibility both on and off the pitch. Swipe through to discover the compelling reasons why your football club should place branding at the heart of your growth strategy. Whether you're on the board of a heritage club or at the helm of a rising local team, these insights are for you. 🚀 #FootballBranding #BrandStrategy #SportsMarketing #ClubIdentity"

Surprisingly, in the UK, about 70% of the 14,600(statista, 2024) professional athletes are overlooked in terms of using their brand to drive growth and marketing. In an area, where talent off the field frequently mirrors excellence on it, unrealized potential remains a frontier just waiting to be discovered. Imagine the effect of these players harnessing the power of their personal brand to inspire the next generation of sports stars.⭐️ And that’s where we come in. At Virtus Impressio, our mission is clear: to unite athletes and brands for mutual success.✅ Through strategic collaborations and innovative marketing, we empower athletes to shine and elevate their brands. In the realm of sports marketing, we specialize in creating authentic connections between businesses and enthusiastic consumers, leaving a memorable impression every time. So, shall we?🚀🚀🚀

It's a showdown between the US and the UK 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 How does the traditional UK sports culture compare to a commercially focused U.S. market? Our Global Head of Marketing Callum Chambers dissects how the game day experience differs between the two nations, speaking to those in the know at the San Antonio Spurs and The Oval in London. Check it out 👇 #sportsbusiness #sportstech