Sports sponsorship is a big deal. Yearly, the top sports sponsors invest millions of dollars out of their marketing budget in sponsoring clubs, athletes, events and leagues to associate their business with triumph. The bulk of a team or athlete’s income sometimes come from sponsorships than from prize money and salaries. Sportswear companies supply company-branded kits and gears to sportsmen to encourage people to buy their products. Some companies advertise on sports teams because they are often featured on TV due to their achievements and fame. The following are the top sports sponsors around the world.
Pepsi
Pepsi, carbonated soft drink produced by PepsiCo Inc. is the
biggest investor in the sports world. Pepsi currently collaborates with the football association with the intention of investing in the rising stars of the game. At least three major North American professional sports leagues have official sponsorship deal with Pepsi. It also has sponsorships with the Indian premier League and Pakistan Cricket Team.
Red Bull
Sold by the Austrian company, Red Bull GmbH, Red Bull is a popular energy drink. Red Bull sponsors Sports Team like Scuderia Toro Rosso, FC Red Bull Salzburg, Red Bull Brasil, R B Leipzip, Red Bull New York, and Red Bull Racing. These sporting activities are branded with the slogan of Red Bull, “gives you wings”.
Coca Cola
Coca Cola is another big spender in terms of sports sponsorship. It is a carbonated soft drink manufactured by The Coca Cola Company in the United States. Coca Cola has long-standing history in sports (hockey, cricket, football leagues) sponsorships. Back in 1928, Coca-Cola was the first commercial sponsor of the Olympic Games. In 1978, it sponsored the FIFA World Cup. The ICC Cricket World Cup held in 1996 also had Coca Cola has one of its official sponsors. The brand also has sponsorship deal with Delhi Daredevils in IPL.
Adidas
Adidas is popularly known as a sportswear, footwear, toiletries, and sport equipment manufacturer. The brand of the German company Adidas AG was one of the sponsors of the 2006 and 2010 FIFA world cup games. It has sponsorship deals in different sports like tennis, baseball, gymnastics, rugby, golf, field hockey and hockey.
Reebok
Reebok is the brand of Reebok International Ltd which manufactures apparels, accessories, and athletic shoes. Reebok currently sponsors FC Köln in Germany, St. George Illawarra Dragons in NRL and many others. In 2004, it was the official sponsor of the National Hockey League
Puma
Puma produces clothing and consumer goods, and is a subsidiary of Puma SE, a company based in Germany. It has sponsorship deals with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League and with many athletes, with the most popular being the Olympian, Usain Bolt. It also sponsors sporting events in Germany. You can read more on branded sport equipment on the
blog.
