How Brands are Scoring Big in this Season of NFL Advertising
NFL season is back in action, and with it, 42 brands from the NFL advertising list are pulling out all the stops to captivate fans. The NFL itself tells a beautiful story: how sports and brands can come together to keeping audiences engaged and hyped up from kickoff to final whistle.
What makes the NFL a hot ticket event for brands? It’s the magic of savvy marketing, bold partnerships, and immersive fan experiences. This season, the NFL has truly set the stage for an unforgettable spectacle. So, what’s brewing for 2024? Which brands are stealing the spotlight, and how are they redefining fan engagement? Let’s dive into the juicy details and get a behind-the-scenes look at how brands are aiming to hit new highs this season.
NFL advertising sponsor list for the 2024-5 season
Here’s the scoop on the NFL Sponsor List for 2024. Forty-two brands have snagged deals this year, including four first-time sponsors: Toyota, Sony, Applebee’s, and Accenture.
Toyota is kicking things off as the league’s first mixed car-and-truck sponsor in over a decade. Sony made a bold entrance with a corporate branding deal after Bose left the scene two seasons back. Applebee joined as the first dining chain sponsor since IHOP’s brief partnership in 2009. And then there’s Accenture, offering its AI and data expertise to streamline football operations, finances, and HR decisions.
Legacy heavyweights are still in the game, too. Brands like PepsiCo, VISA, Verizon, Marriott, FedEx, Amazon Web Services, and Intuit are back to reinforce their long-standing NFL partnerships.
NFL 2024 slated to be a marketing triumph for brands
Through innovative tech, big-name partnerships, and a touch of star power, this season has become an immersive, engaging experience — proving that it’s far more than just a game when it comes to the NFL.
Digital Streaming and Expanded Reach
Digital streaming rights have been a game-changer, broadening the NFL’s reach to younger, tech-savvy audiences worldwide. Platforms like ESPN+, Amazon, and FOX bring the game to a global audience, giving fans seamless access to the action.
The Taylor Swift Effect
Taylor Swift’s appearances at games have fueled skyrocketing viewership. The Chiefs vs. Jets game drew a record-breaking 29.4 million viewers. Her presence at games has increased female viewership by 53% for ages 12-17 and 34% for ages 35+, creating a new segment of NFL fans.
Immersive Fan Engagement
VR and AR tech have taken fan engagement to a new level. Fans can now explore stadiums virtually, get behind-the-scenes locker room tours, and even feel like they’re in the game from a player’s perspective. This real-time experience is a massive draw for remote fans, keeping them as connected as those in the stands.
Gamification and Interactivity
Real-time betting platforms and interactive AR features let fans engage with the game on a personal level. From in-game stats to live predictions, fans are more involved in the action than ever, and brands are right there to meet them with interactive ad experiences.
Performance rundown of the season’s first game week
Week 1 of the NFL season saw Toyota lead ad-driven online engagement with a campaign that hit all the right notes. Launching its “Every Fan, Every Season” campaign during the kickoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, Toyota stole the spotlight, accounting for a whopping 14.9% of all ad-driven online interactions. The campaign resonated across the board, celebrating the diverse fanbase and making Toyota a standout.
Following Toyota, Pepsi secured a solid 7.9% engagement, riding high on its legacy as an NFL sponsor with tailored content that appeals to game-day audiences. Applebee’s also impressed, bringing in 5.9% of the engagement with relatable, game-themed ads for the ultimate dining experience.
Many brands on the NFL 2024 sponsor list are teaming up with pop culture icons from TV, radio, and the music world to captivate the younger crowd. Today’s fans are tuned into the lives of their favorite stars, and over 70% of hip-hop fans follow their favorite artists on social media for updates. This influence is unparalleled, and the reach is vast, with artists sharing authentic endorsements that resonate with fans.
For brands, partnering with these influential figures is a golden opportunity. The digital world thrives on star power, where just a few words from the right voice can drive a campaign to new heights. With social media following in the millions, this tactic puts brands in front of a captivated, engaged audience, building connections beyond traditional ads. So, why not weave this pop culture trends into your strategy? It’s a winning formula to keep your game strong in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
Cut to the chase
The NFL 2024 season is in full swing, entertaining and engaging a global audience. As always, it’s a prime stage for brand marketing, with a packed NFL sponsor list for 2024. The impact of the NFL on branding is phenomenal, and this year, brands are maximizing it with a strategic approach
