Future of Sports Marketing

Technology is advancing and leaving modern day accessories become obsolete more every day. With the latest mobile devices people are able to access limitless information and entertainment by a touch of the screen. Many sports oraganizations are keeping up with the movement and developing applications for their fans to access on the phone. These applications allow the fan to obtain post game reports, trading news and rumors, statistics, apparel, and ticketing. By creating these applications fans are not required to use a computer to have access to their favorite teams news and information. Also phone users are able to access their social networking sites where the same information is obtainable for individuals without the applications. As technology continues to advance so will the ability for sports markets to attract their target market.

Some phones have the ability to provide X-Ray photographs

Here is a link to a Los Angeles Lakers Forum Application:  http://www.clublakers.com/announces/new-club-lakers-iphone-app-t115083-20.html

Getting Dropped By Sponsors

Micheal Phelps is a classic example of how personal life of a sports superstar can effect their business life. Phelps was discovered to be a marijuana user when a photo was released of him smoking out of a cannabis pipe. After the release of the photo Phelps was suspended from any racing action, and dropped by a few sponsors but kept by many as well. Kelloggs a cereal company whose target market is children dropped their sponsorship with Phelps to dispatch any connection between them and the "weed smoker." But individuals such as Speedo kept the endorsement because their target market was not children who are incorruptible by what their "heroes" are involved in. Similar situation was when Tiger Woods was discovered of having multiple affairs with numerous women. Because of the image these athletes have anything done wrong could be seen as a cancer to the endorcing company. With a tarnished image the company feels that they will be included with supporting the athletes wrong doings. Many companies have dropped enforcement contracts due to unrelated actions by the athletes and will continue to do so if the feel their company will be effected or their name tanished by the outcome.

Honda Center Partnership Opportunities

When it comes to the signage of a stadium or event, from the perspective of the sponsor its an opportunity to promote your company and getting your name out. Also additional promotions such as half court shots or eating contests hosted by the company help with advertising. From a generic view the signage becomes a chance to advertise and promote your company as mush as the company wants depending on sponsorship agreements. Downsides or over-commercialization comes when the company has displayed their name too much and are no longer to obtain the interest of their consumers by their once entertaining gimmicks and promotions. Also including media coverage with too many advertising pitches in commercials on television or radio.Even though promoting your name is a great opportunity for the company, over doing it could be less effective and costly.


















Honda Center- Home of the Mighty Ducks

What sponsors really want

Most sports teams collegiate and professional have some sort of sponsor for their teams. But these sponsorships are not just handed out by companies, many of these businesses have strict policies and guidelines for the teams. For example, Adolph Coors Company has a few requirements for teams such as; national media coverage, sponsored teams must be leaders in their sport, and previous of any sponsorships teams are required to rank highly on beer drinker index surveys, and scoring highly on sports calculus scale. Also for sponsored events they require that the event cost is less than 1,000 to be considered for funding. Companies such as FedEx believe in spending the appropriate amount of money to sponsor a team rather than a good amount. Their goals for sponsorships are drive revenue, providing opportunity to entertain customers, sales platform for developing relationships, create benefits for employees, and drive the brand. As a sponsor they are more focused on achieving objectives than the price or cost of the sponsorship. But when it comes down to both companies they are looking for a high revenue, popular event that is likely televised and the teams fan base will appeal to their company's target market.

2012 London Olympic Sponsors

The Olympic Games are a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition. The Games are currently held every two years, with summer and Winter Olympic Games alternating, although they occur every four years within their respective seasonal games. These magnificent event would not be possible without the efforts and contributions from their growing list of fifty (50) sponsors. Most of the contributors are family oriented companies such as McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Visa, and General Electric along with many others. Other companies such as Holiday Inn and Ticket Master are offering their help with the operations handled outside from the Olympic committee like rooming and admittance to the events. Certain companies like Visa have endorsement rights to the Olympics, so rival credit businesses such as Master Card or Discover are unable to advertise with the Olympics. This years games will be held in London, England starting July 27th and finishing on August 12th.
For additional Sponsorship information visit: http://www.london2012.com/about-us/the-people-delivering-the-games/london-2012-olympic-games-partners.php

Social networking is becoming social marketing?

Social networking sites are used heavily by many of athletic teams target markets, ages 14 to 25. These site are even becoming popular and easy to use for individuals ages 30 and up. Sites such as MySpace, Lbibo Twitter, Zoppa, and the most used being Facebook. Sports Teams have begun to use these sites to promote events for their games, advertise apparel and tickets. Also athletes are able to communicate with their fans, friends, and family using these sites. These sites stand as a medium between the organizations and their consumers, giving them a chance to reach individuals who are unable to attend games or events. Also helping fans staying updated with current news of the organization such as trades, signings, injuries, and post game updates. Professional sports are not the only one doing this, many collegiate teams have their own accounts and update the site regularly.  The Big Ten especially has a Facebook and Twitter page. The opportunity's these pages offer extend the publicity and recognition that the teams and athletes are getting from their fans. As long these sites exist and there is a great success they will be continued to be used by athletes, sporting teams, and conferences.

THE GAME is to big for a name??

 When it comes to being sponsored its mainly a necessity for the professionals. When a collegiate team is sponsored by a company they will wear their apparel, but that's as far as it goes.  While professional teams have various sponsors for their games, arenas, and facilities. There are teams, both professional and collegiate, that will take on sponsors to obtain additional funding for their own purposes. Every year The Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines football teams play and this event is considered one of the greatest rivalry games in all of sports. But is has no specific name, only called The Game. Because of the prestigious tradition behind both of progams no name is needed to promote or endorse the event. Many companies would love to have rights to the event because of all the potential publicity but the tradition is more respected and the event is left alone. Similar situations with many collegiate arenas, such as the Big House, are unnamed and hold no sponsorships to preserve the history and tradition of the institution.