Gaining sport sponsorship from a company can be a major boost to the success of an athlete or sports team. Not only can sponsorship provide financial support, but it can also increase visibility and credibility for the athlete or team.
When looking for companies offering sponsorship for sport, you should consider many things to improve your chances of becoming sponsored.
Securing sponsorship can be a challenging and competitive process. In this article, we will discuss some key strategies for gaining sport sponsorship from a company.
Table of Contents
1. Identify potential sponsors
The first step in gaining sport sponsorship is to identify potential sponsors. This can include companies that are related to the athlete or team’s sport, such as sports equipment manufacturers or sports nutrition companies. It can also include companies that share similar values or target markets as the athlete or team. For example, a health and wellness company may be interested in sponsoring a sports team that promotes healthy lifestyles.
Companies Offering Sponsorship for Sport
To identify potential sponsors, athletes and teams can research companies that have sponsored similar athletes or teams in the past. They can also attend industry events and network with professionals in their field to learn about potential sponsorships. Social media can also be a valuable tool for identifying potential sponsors, as athletes and teams can reach out to companies directly through platforms like LinkedIn.
2. Develop a sponsorship proposal
Once potential sponsors have been identified, athletes and teams should develop a sponsorship proposal that outlines what they can offer the sponsor in return for financial support. This proposal should include information about the athlete or team’s accomplishments and goals, as well as the benefits of sponsoring them.
Benefits of Companies Offering Sponsorship for Sport
Some potential benefits of sponsorship can include:
Exposure: Athletes and teams can offer sponsors exposure through social media, website, and event promotions.
Brand association: Sponsors can benefit from being associated with successful athletes and teams, which can increase their credibility and brand recognition.
Hospitality: Athletes and teams can offer sponsors VIP treatment at events, such as tickets and access to exclusive areas.
The sponsorship proposal should also include a budget that outlines how the sponsorship funds will be used and what the expected return on investment (ROI) will be for the sponsor.
3. Build relationships with potential sponsors
Building relationships with potential sponsors is key to gaining their support. Athletes and teams can start by reaching out to potential sponsors through email or social media to introduce themselves and their proposal. They can then follow up with a phone call or in-person meeting to discuss the sponsorship in more detail.
It’s important to remember that sponsors receive many sponsorship proposals and may be hesitant to commit to a new sponsorship without first building a relationship with the athlete or team. Athletes and teams should take the time to understand the sponsor’s needs and goals and tailor their proposal accordingly.
Be professional and responsive
Throughout the sponsorship process, it’s important to maintain a professional and responsive attitude. This includes responding promptly to emails and phone calls, being prepared for meetings and presentations, and following up after meetings to express gratitude and reinforce the benefits of the sponsorship.
Athletes and teams should also be mindful of their image and reputation, as sponsors will want to be associated with individuals and teams that are professional and responsible both on and off the field.
4. Deliver on promises
Once a sponsorship has been secured, it’s important to deliver on the promises outlined in the sponsorship proposal. This includes providing the agreed-upon exposure, hospitality, and other benefits to the sponsor. Athletes and teams should also keep sponsors updated on their progress and achievements throughout the sponsorship period.
By delivering on promises, athletes and teams can strengthen their relationship with the sponsor and increase the likelihood of securing future sponsorships.
In conclusion, gaining sport sponsorship from a company can be a challenging process, but it can also be a major boost to the success of an athlete or sports team.
By identifying potential sponsors, developing a sponsorship proposal, building relationships with sponsors, maintaining a professional attitude, and delivering on promises, athletes and teams can increase their chances of securing sponsorship.
Use a Sponsorship Proposal Template to save time and money and increase the chances of being successful in gaining sponsorship.
