In 1905, Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Honus Wagner became the first athlete to publicly endorse a sports product. The company paid Wagner $75 to use their signature bat in games. Recently, there has been a significant shift in how brands approach sponsorship marketing. Rather than relying solely on traditional advertising methods, many brands have begun to focus on social media influencers to promote their products or services. This trend has been particularly prevalent in industries where influencers have a large following and significant sway over their followers’ purchasing decisions.
Just last month, the clothing brand Eddie Bauer laid off its entire team of professional athletes in favor of social media influencers with large followings. While this may make it seem more difficult for athletes to secure sponsorships, there are many strategies athletes can employ to ensure they are eliciting results that will entice brands. Here are some tips:
Develop a unique brand identity
Athletes can build a strong personal brand by developing a unique identity that distinguishes them from their peers. This could involve identifying a particular style or aesthetic, creating a signature catchphrase or hashtag, or leveraging their personal story to create a compelling narrative. Through personal brand development, athletes’ personas transcend beyond their sport and create longevity for brand deals.
Build a strong social media presence
Social media is a powerful tool for developing a personal brand and connecting with fans. Athletes can use social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to share their stories, showcase their skills, and engage with their followers. By building a large following, athletes possess more currency in potential sponsorship deals.
Showcase their athletic achievements
While some social media influencers may have a large following, they typically don’t have the same athletic prowess as professional athletes. Athletes can leverage their athletic achievements to demonstrate their dedication, discipline, and skill, and appeal to sponsors who value those qualities. Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, has leveraged his success on the court to become one of the most lucrative athlete endorsers in history. His most successful deal was with Nike in 1984 to launch the Air Jordan sneaker brand. The brand continues to succeed: it generated over $2B in revenue last year alone.
Collaborating with the right brands
Athletes can leverage their platform to collaborate with brands that align with their personal brand. This could involve partnering with a clothing or equipment brand, promoting a health and wellness product, or supporting a local business or charity. Finding the right brands with the same values can lead to winning long-term partnerships over traditional influencers. Professional surfer, Brisa Hennessy, recently became a UNICEF Costa Rica Ambassador. This partnership builds Brisa’s brand by showing the world her passion for bringing awareness to children’s rights and her love for her home country, Costa Rica.
Create innovative content
Athletes can also build their personal brand by creating original content such as videos, podcasts, or blog posts that showcase their personality and expertise. This content can help athletes grow a loyal following and attract potential sponsors who value their unique perspectives and voice. Amber Torrealba, for example, is a professional skimboarder with her own unique style of content creation. Her action-packed drone and GoPro shots have landed her brand deals companies like Blenders Eyewear.
Work with a sports marketing team
Athletes can benefit from working with a sports marketing team specializing in building personal brands and securing sponsorship opportunities. While general marketing agencies provide some value for athletes, an agency specializing in sports can provide athletes with meaningful industry connections and help construct sports-centric storylines. These agencies often already share relationships with brands already embedded in sports. By investing in a sports marketing team, athletes can better identify potential sponsors, negotiate contracts, and manage their personal brand to maximize their earning potential and combat the influencer marketing trends.
After a six-year pandemic-induced hiatus, baseball’s international championship returns this March. The 2023 World Baseball Classic is baseball’s version of the World Cup with 20 countries competing to be crowned world champions. The 20 qualifying countries will begin in competition in pool play. There are four pools consisting of five teams each, where the top two from each pool advance to the bracket stage of the tournament. The differentiating factor between the WBC and baseball’s Olympic event is the talent pool. The Olympics are played during the MLB season, meaning that MLB players do not participate in the event. Since the WBC occurs just before the MLB season starts, many of the MLB’s biggest stars will leave spring training early with the goal of helping their country become world champions. This year’s classic has a plethora of storylines to follow as the sport looks to make waves around the globe.
Sponsors Capitalizing on Global Exposure
WBC’s global popularity presents a unique opportunity for brands to gain exposure worldwide. According to Sports Business Journal, “Sponsorship revenue is up 31% from the 2017 event, with 52 sponsors across 10 countries for the WBC, including four with global marketing rights: Kowa, Konami, THK, and NX Nippon Express.” The 2023 MLB season will see teams wearing jersey patch sponsors for the first time ever and the WBC will follow suit. Team USA will display DirecTV jersey patches and T-Mobile advertising on their batting helmets. Many sponsors expect this to be a breakout year for the competition because of the amount of superstar talent participating. Viewership should surge as Fox Sports takes over for MLB Network as the exclusive broadcasting home of the 2023 WBC.
USA Looking to Defend Their Title
The United States are the most recent WBC champions after capturing their first title back in 2017. They enter this year’s competition with a loaded roster consisting of 19 MLB all-stars and 4 MVPs. Such a concentration of talent will create many tough decisions for manager Mark Derosa, as he is forced to decide which stars do not crack the starting lineup. One lock for the starting lineup is Center Fielder Mike Trout, a 3-time American League Most Valuable Player and one of the top hitters in the world. Pitching poses more of an unknown as two of the USA’s top starting pitchers, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Clayton Kershaw, had to withdraw from the competition due to injury concerns. The USA will not have an easy road to a championship repeat, as there is MLB talent stacked across the competition. The U.S. does, however, have a home-field advantage: they are the only squad that will not have to leave their country to play a game.
The Dominican Republic enters the tournament as the odds-on favorite, and rightfully so. The D.R. has assembled a powerhouse team with all-stars at nearly every position, but the separating factor is reigning National League Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara is the best pitcher in the tournament and the Dominican squad will lean on him heavily to shut down opponents. Another major threat to the title is team Japan, who are led by phenom Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, the reigning AL MVP, is widely regarded as the best player in the world because he is both a superstar hitter and pitcher. Japan has won the first two World Baseball Classics in 2006 and 2009 and are looking to regain their title as world champions. While these are the three most talented teams in the tournament on paper, anything can happen once they get out on the field.
Czech Republic’s Unlikely Journey
The Czech Republic enters the tournament as one of the few teams without major league talent on their roster. In fact, there has not been a Czech-born major league player since 1952. They earned their spot in the tournament with a stunning victory over Spain in the qualifying round. A recent social media video featured members of the Czech Republic team discussing their day jobs as high school teachers, sales managers, and financial traders among other professions. The team’s schedule is more akin to a high school team than a major league squad. Each member works their job during the day and then heads to the field at 5:30 PM for practice. It is truly remarkable what this team has been able to accomplish so far, and they will have a chance to continue their Cinderella run as they match up with teams such as Japan and Korea in pool play.
With MLB viewership on the decline in recent years, the sport is in desperate need of a bounceback season. Changes to the game have been made to increase audiences. Through new pitch clock implementation and the infield shift ban, viewers should expect a quicker, more aesthetic game. The WBC provides an opportunity to prepare fans worldwide for the upcoming season’s developments, with two full weeks of ultra-competitive international play as an alternative to the typically mundane spring training. The global exposure the sport receives could prove invaluable as the game looks to evolve for a younger generation. Fans from across the globe will watch in hopes that their country has what it takes to bring home the gold.
WWE has been around since 1953 and has experienced nearly as many eras as America itself. In the ’80s, WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan ushered in its Golden Era. Figureheads like Stone Cold Steve Austin led its late ’90s Attitude Era. Ruthless Aggression followed in the early 2000s with tragic figure Chris Benoit at the helm. As WWE emerges from the pandemic with a revised strategy, the historic organization has reinvented itself once more. Emerging talent, new leadership, and potential new deals fill WWE’s New Era with both promise and uncertainty. Is there longevity? Let’s take a closer look at the factors at play:
WWE Created New Content
As WWE begins its new chapter, the organization has filtered in exciting new talent and content shifts to match. After the harshness of its Attitude Era, WWE overcorrected in 2008 with a move towards family-friendly programming. CEO Vince Mcmahon told reporters that this 2008 shift would remove Attitude Era’s “excess” and create a platform for more “refined and compelling storytelling.” The end result was a miss for many fans who felt political correctness had no place in the WWE universe. In the summer of 2022, WWE was set to learn from this decision, announcing its intention to switch to TV-14 programming. A new rating change would satisfy older generations of fans who share nostalgic ties to the former WWE eras. Fast forward to present day, and talks of a new rating have screeched to a halt.
With Paul “Triple H” Levesque as WWE’s new head of creative, the lack of rating change may not matter. Triple H is a former wrestler himself with over thirty years of experience and 14 WWE titles under his belt. After just 5 months into his new role, Triple H saw double-digit increases in WWE’s social media engagement and a 15% larger audience for “Monday Night Raw.” His fresh perspective and content shifts have positively impacted the organization in a short amount of time. He’s placed a greater focus on the women’s division, highlighting stars like Shotzi Blackheart, Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, and Racquel Rodriguez. He’s also incorporated longer matches, which allows storylines to stretch across entire episodes. In addition, Triple H enhanced WWE championships by restoring tough, unpredictable match-ups.
WWE’s New Talent
WWE’s interesting talent acquisitions have also helped WWE gain new audiences. YouTube star, Logan Paul, made his WWE television debut on Smackdown in 2021. While WWE is no stranger to adding celebrities to its roster, Logan Paul is a special case. His appeal to Gen X and Gen Z is unmatched, boasting a combined 47M followers on Instagram and YouTube. Even older fans gained respect for the social media star as he proved himself as both a competitor and entertainer in the ring. WWE confirmed his success by inking an extended, multi-event appearance deal with Paul just last year.
In addition to Paul, WWE launched a NIL program to groom future talent. The first of its kind, WWE’s “Next in Line” aims to develop college athletes by providing resources for brand building, media training, and live event promotion. At the end of the program, certain athletes are offered a WWE contract.
Potential New Media + Sponsorship Deals in the WWE
Over the course of 2022, WWE’s viewership reached new heights with a 70% audience increase on Peacock. Greater audiences means greater media value, and WWE is looking to capitalize. As its exclusive broadcasting deals with Fox and NBCUniversal end next year, WWE announced new strategies to maximize content licensing opportunities. These new deals would open other media outlets to opportunities while still respecting the current agreements with Fox and NBC. Hulu, for example, has Day 2 rights to WWE’s “RAW” program. After “RAW” broadcasts live on USA Network, Hulu users can watch the program the next day. Through new alternative licensing options, new rights buyers could add this content to their library after Fox and NBC’s contracts expire.
In addition to media rights, WWE wants to expand their sponsorships using an approach similar to UFC. UFC currently rakes in around $100 million in sponsorships a year. WWE makes significantly less at $35 million. Where the organization lacks in dollars, it makes up for in influence: 67% of WWE viewers are more likely to consume brands partnered with WWE. This value is higher than any of the top sports organizations in the world– even the NFL. WWE plans to use this momentum going forward, forging more deals and utilizing the ring as a blank canvas for ad space.
Vince McMahon’s Influence in WWE
Vince McMahon bought WWE from his father in 1982 and grew the organization into the global entity it is today. Despite all the success McMahon has brought to WWE, he still remains a controversial figure. Reports erupted last summer that McMahon paid $12M+ over the last two decades to shut down sexual misconduct allegations. As a result of the reports, McMahon stepped down from his role as WWE’s chairman and CEO. His retirement didn’t last long, however, as he returned to his position just 6 months later. The company’s stock soared over 22% upon McMahon’s return. While some members of the board believe McMahon should have remained in the shadows, his presence is undoubtedly valuable to the company. Fans and stockholders still find solace in a figure who built WWE’s expansion from the ground up.
With company valuations at record highs, Vince McMahon is now in talks to sell. Potential suitors include UFC owners, Endeavor Holdings, and Saudi Arabian investors. A drastic change in leadership is sure to shake up the organization’s future and pose questions about its long-term success.
AEW Is On The Rise
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is by no means eclipsing WWE, but it has become a fierce industry competitor. AEW was founded in 2019 with a sports-centric approach. WWE, in contrast, prioritizes entertainment above all. Where WWE matches comprise 20 minutes per hour of programming, AEW matches comprise 28. The small difference is palpable, as viewers find AEW programming more heightened and fast-paced. Even so, there is a predictability to AEW that WWE has managed to shake. Where AEW believes their biggest stars should maintain a winning record, WWE is more interested in close match-ups with less obvious endings.
AEW still has changes to make if it wants to compete head-to-head with WWE. To truly close the gap, AEW must surpass WWE’s women’s division efforts and fine-tune its “Rampage” programming. WWE programs like “Raw” and “Smackdown” have had decades to evolve, establish storylines, and create a proven formula for success. AEW’s “Rampage” and “Dynamite” still need more time. If CEO Tony Khan continues to push AEW forward, WWE should keep AEW on their radar as a competing sports property and threat to longevity.
As the WWE moves forward, older fans look to its past with nostalgia and to its future with hope. It’s unknown how long Vince McMahon will remain as a chairman, but with Triple H in creative control, the company is enjoying substantial boosts in viewership and engagement. New talent, content, and media rights structuring all bolster its longevity. The potential sale has not hurt returns, either.
Despite current success, WWE must continue to evolve. The organization is deeply ingrained in American culture, but it’s not too big to fail. Competing sports properties like AEW will continue to keep WWE on its toes, fighting for a share of WWE’s large viewership and fanbase. Key decisions made in the next year should help us better understand WWE’s future trajectory, but in the meantime, it’s “so far so good” for the WWE.
If you’ve watched a sports game recently, you’ve probably watched a sportsbook advertisement, too. What started with sportsbooks running commercials during games has evolved into massive partnerships with leagues, teams, and even players. The sports betting industry is changing the sports landscape by bringing fans new ways to watch the game. As these companies continue to challenge traditional marketing, more and more athletes want in on the action. From NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski to sports media personality Pat McAfee, let’s take a closer look at some of the sportsbooks’ most innovative partnerships.
Super Bowl Promotion
One player that everyone will be rooting for in this weekend’s Super Bowl is Rob Gronkowski. While Gronk isn’t playing in the actual game this year, he’s still giving fans something to cheer for. FanDuel sportsbook and Gronk have teamed up for a one-of-a-kind, live Super Bowl advertisement. During a third quarter commercial break, Gronk will attempt a 25-yard field goal to win fans around the country a share of $10 million. Any mobile FanDuel user who bets $5 or more on the Super Bowl will be eligible to split the $10 million pot in free bets. Gronk inked his exclusive partnership with Fanduel back in December, and now they are poised to create one of the most anticipated Super Bowl ads of all time.
Partnering with Active Athletes
Last March, BetMGM joined forces with Connor McDavid, becoming the first sportsbook to partner with an active athlete in a major North American sports league. Other active athletes soon followed, with MLB player Charlie Blackmon and NFL player Davante Adams also becoming sportsbook brand ambassadors. While some fans find the new deals exciting, others question if they are detrimental to the integrity of the game.
If a player is partnered with a sportsbook, their league contract prohibits them from betting on games, but several leagues have had to take disciplinary action against their own players for violating those contract terms. For example, in 1989, the MLB banned the all-time hits leader Pete Rose from the league and declared him ineligible for the Hall of Fame after he was found guilty of betting on games he played and managed in. In 2022, NFL wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire season after placing bets on NFL games he was not participating in. Pro sports leagues take pride in maintaining the integrity of their game, so any contract violations come with harsh punishment. With zero-tolerance policies in place, fans can rest assured that many of the benefits of sportsbooks, including viewership increases and revenue generation, outweigh the cons.
Pat McAfee Partnership
Former NFL punter, Pat McAfee, is currently one of the most popular media personalities in the world. After retiring from the NFL in 2017, McAfee joined sports media company Barstool Sports to help them expand their reach into the midwest. He has since moved on from the company and held roles within the WWE, ESPN, Fox, and his own brand, Pat McAfee Inc. The Pat McAfee Show broadcasts daily via Youtube live stream and Sirius XM radio, with each episode averaging 300K views. In April of 2022, McAfee and Fanduel Sportsbook struck a 4-year partnership deal totaling $120 million. A deal of this magnitude is unprecedented considering McAfee collected only $15 million during his 8-year NFL career and does not broadcast his show on a major television network. After the deal, the show moved to its new “Fanduel Igloo” headquarters and began incorporating Fanduel advertising into its broadcasts. McAfee even promotes his own Fanduel bets as part of the sports betting company’s push to influence fans.
Sportsbooks continue to go all-in spending millions of dollars on high-profile brand ambassadors, and this trend will continue as the industry further expands. According to Forbes, an estimated $1.8 billion was spent on sportsbook advertising in 2022. This number is projected to reach close to $3 billion by 2024, as there are hopes California will open its doors to mobile sports betting in the upcoming year. With the integration of sportsbook advertisements into nearly every broadcast and arena around the world, sports betting has changed the way sports are consumed. This trend will only continue as more states legalize and the sportsbooks continue to rake in the cash.
Before the NCAA’s 2021 NIL ruling, elite gymnasts were forced to choose between training for the Olympics and competing at a collegiate level. Now that athletes can be compensated for their name, image, and likeness, talented athletes who have dedicated most of their lives to gymnastics can finally partake in both.
In addition to eliminating a tough choice for many gymnasts, the ruling has also transformed the sport’s college recruitment process. College coaches now pick new assets from a much wider pool of candidates, and some schools have even hired in-house NIL staff to provide their student-athletes with the education and resources needed to maximize profitable opportunities. In the past year and a half, fans and former gymnasts have marveled at the options now in front of current athletes, who can chase their dreams of becoming an Olympian, without worrying about giving up continuing their sport in college.
Grace McCallum
Grace McCallum grew up in Cambridge, Minnesota as one of seven children, and fell in love with gymnastics when she was five years old. She trained at Twin City Twisters in Champlin, Minnesota, and homeschooled through Connections Academy to focus on her athletic endeavors. McCallum turned elite at age fifteen and competed at the 2017 U.S Classic, where she placed first on vault and third in the all-around. In 2018, she became a member of the Senior National Team. Over the next two years, she worked her way to the top, medaling multiple times at Pacific Rim, Pan American, Nationals, and Worlds.
In 2021, she earned a spot on the postponed 2020 United States Summer Olympic Team alongside Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, and Jordan Chiles. At the Tokyo Olympic games, McCallum competed on floor, bars, vault, and beam during the team final, and helped USA earn their silver medal. The moment was surreal for McCaullum, who later told Olympics.com: “I achieved the goal of mine that I’ve had since I was like four or five years old. So it’s just crazy to think about.”
McCallum’s lasting impact on the sport was far from over after Tokyo. Thanks to the new NIL rule, she signed her National Letter of Intent with the University of Utah in November of 2020. When her season with the Utes began in 2021, she made history as one of the first Olympic gymnasts to compete in college. McCallum has had great success so far, scoring a perfect 10 as a freshman in a meet against UCLA, and helping Utah clinch their second Pac-12 title.
McCallum told Olympics.com that she’s now “gained a different kind of love” for the sport. She explains that “elite can be really hard on you emotionally, mentally and physically, but in college, it’s just always so fun having a team that’s there to support you and wants you to do your best.” Four out of five of her Olympic teammates also compete collegiately: Sunisa Lee at Auburn University, Jordan Chiles at UCLA, Jade Carey at Oregon State, and current teammate MyKayla Skinner at the University of Utah.
Olivia Dunne
Olivia Dunne was raised in Hillsdale, New Jersey and started gymnastics when she was three years old at the Eastern Academy of Paramus. Her elite career began in 2014 when she turned twelve. Before the end of high school, she competed in five U.S. Classics, four American Classics, and four National Championships. Although her standings left the Olympics out of reach, Dunne has found success in her collegiate career. In 2019, she accepted a full athletic scholarship to attend Louisiana State University. Since becoming a tiger, she has helped the team contend for two SEC Championships and the 2021 NCAA Championship.
While many of her performances have earned nearly perfect scores, Dunne’s impeccable uneven bars routine isn’t the only thing that sets her apart from other college gymnasts. Since 2020, she has gained almost 7 million followers on TikTik and over 3 million followers on Instagram, making her one of the most well-known NCAA athletes on social media. As a result of the NIL ruling, Dunne is now able to profit from her persona through brand sponsorship and collaboration deals.
After making almost $2M last year, Dunne became the biggest NIL earner in women’s collegiate sports. Working with major brands like Vuori, American Eagle, BodyArmour, and GrubHub is a dream-come-true for Dunne, who told Today: “It’s hard to wrap my head around at times, but it’s very cool that someone in college has the opportunity to do that now.” Now a junior at LSU, Dunne continues to polish her gymnastics skills and grow her brand, hoping to turn it into a business after graduation.
Many other collegiate gymnasts have also been leaning into their social media platforms to boost their NIL earnings. Including Dunne, four of the top ten female NIL earners are at school for gymnastics, and each of the other three were Olympians at Tokyo. Sunisa Lee (#2), Jordan Chiles (#9) and Jade Carey (#10) utilize their Instagram and TikTok accounts in a similar way to Dunne, getting creative to connect with fans and grow their engagement rates.
Compared to Dunne and McCallum, Pre-NIL gymnasts have had a far different experience. Jenny Rowland, head gymnastics coach at the University of Florida and former Arizona State University gymnast, competed decades before the NIL ruling was passed. Despite winning the 1988 American Classic, she chose to go the college route. Rowland told ESPN: “The majority of the past Olympic team is in college and still doing international competitions. I get goosebumps just thinking of it. There is a new path being carved out by these young women.” And Rowland is right – since the passing of NIL, collegiate gymnasts all over the United States can finally gain both financial security and an education without the pressures of deciding between NCAA and the Olympics.
Athlete Social Media Strategy Starts With Performance
Much has changed since the 80s, when John McEnroe never lost sleep over internet trolls, and Michael Jordan never agonized over an unflattering Instagram Reel. It’s 2023 now, and for better or worse, the media landscape has changed dramatically. With social media pressure at an all-time high, athletes must now juggle both their performances on the field andonline. Some athletes greet social media’s explosivity with open arms, while others set boundaries to maintain steadiness on the field. Let’s explore different ways athletes tackle social media branding and its impact on their careers.
How Naomi Osaka Redefined Athlete Authenticity Online
After experiencing negativity online, athletes like Naomi Osaka now strike a balance between cultivating an inspirational brand identity and keeping social media at a distance. Osaka is an Australian Open and U.S. Open champion who shares a complicated relationship with the press. Osaka describes herself as “naturally introverted,” and admits she does not “court the spotlight.” Given these traits, fame can prove challenging, especially if the spotlight draws negative attention. After pulling out of the 2021 French Open to focus on her mental health, Osaka received backlash from sports fans around the world. Hundreds spammed Osaka’s Twitter and Instagram pages with hateful, abusive comments. In response, Osaka shut them out and temporarily deleted all her social media accounts. Naomi would later write an op-ed piece for Time, admitting to the world that in that moment, she “was not okay.” Naomi’s words highlighted her vulnerability and courage after enduring such a difficult experience. Her candidness transformed her image from a gifted tennis player into a relatable figure willing to speak the unspeakable. Her since-reopened Instagram profile encapsulates this reclaimed image.
Osaka’s new chapter on Instagram is an authentic one. She utilizes the platform to showcase her personality and style, highlighting important projects and brand partnerships that matter. One post features her new children’s book, The Way Champs Play, and another depicts her modeling for Victoria’s Secret’s new body-positive rebrand. And, of course, there are photos of her dominating on the tennis court. Through Instagram, Osaka shows the world she’s multifaceted and the author of her own story. Her brand can’t be boxed in. As a result, Osaka’s 2.7 million followers– spanning across a wide range of demographics– all find various reasons to identify and relate to her experience on a human level.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi: Turning Global Fame Into Digital Fortune
For world soccer icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Instagram is about expanding their fan base and elevating their image. Both opt to capitalize on their social media presences, creating ultra-lucrative brand deals along the way. Cristiano Ronaldo’s 536 million followers makes him the most followed man in the world. At 421 million, Messi is not far behind. Brands recognize that a partnership with these athletes is a worthy investment that maximizes exposure and reach.
Before the World Cup, Ronaldo possessed the greatest worldwide reach. He used Instagram to monetize this influence, making more money on the platform in 2022 than he did on the field. His sponsorships span far and wide: from the Free Fire mobile game and the LiveScore app to Herbalife, Therabody, Nike, and Binance. Compared to Ronaldo, the World Cup catalyzed Messi’s follower count the most; it made him Ronaldo’s contender both on and off the field. With the game’s worldwide exposure, Messi saw his followers jump by over 25M across the globe. His Instagram is more monetizable than ever with his Adidas-sponsored posts generating 150 million impressions and nearly $7 million in ad value. And while both players’ Instagrams let fans in on personal moments with family and friends, it’s not their main objective on the platform. Depicting brand deals and career achievements like Messi’s most-liked World Cup post are priority #1.
How Dani Speegle Turned #GirlsWhoEat Into a Movement of Empowerment
Athletes like Dani Speegle use social media unapologetically, sending followers a message that promotes female empowerment and authenticity. Speegle is one of the top CrossFit athletes in the world and has competed in 4 CrossFit World Games. With over 2M Instagram followers, she’s built a platform to express herself and market her #GirlsWhoEat brand. Speegle’s Instagram experienced a boom last year through a viral moment at the Rogue Invitational. Wearing her signature Girls Who Eat tee, she successfully lifted a 215 pound log overhead and smiled for the camera. Her Instagram following grew overnight from its already impressive status. Since then, she’s gained enough social media momentum to launch her #GirlsWhoEat clothing line.
Despite her broadening fanbase, Dani curates her Instagram with the same attitude she’s held from the start. She tells others: “you can’t please everybody,” and that when creating a brand, “you have to go on and be authentic and be happy with what you produce.” Speegle’s mindset has led to Instagram success, and brands are taking notice. She currently promotes protein brand Dymatize and meal-prep service, Trifecta. One Dymatize post garnered over 100K impressions. Like other athletes in the branding world, when Dani wins, the brands she partners with win, too.
No matter what route athletes take on Instagram, their performance on the field is paramount. They first set out to dominate in their respective sport, not necessarily to become a social media star. But as social media becomes the new norm, the value of an Instagram following is undeniable. Athletes recognize this changing landscape and find ways to capitalize. They channel their career success into an Instagram brand that boosts sponsorships and name recognition. And if you take a look at their sponsorship deals, one thing’s for sure. . . brands love to see it.
The college football season came to an end this past week, allowing football fans to turn their focus to the upcoming NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LVII. Fans may notice something different about the big game this year, as Apple Music will replace Pepsi as the sponsor of the Super Bowl halftime show. Pepsi has sponsored the highly sought-after show for the past 10 years, with last year’s show garnering over 120 million viewers. Another shock to fans was when Anheuser-Busch ended their 33-year-long exclusive deal with the Super Bowl, meaning that for the first time since 1989, other alcoholic brands will be able to advertise during the game.
The NFL has also implemented a supplier diversity initiative program to help meet the needs of Super Bowl LVII. This program, called “Business Connect,” aims to connect local businesses that are minority, women, LGBTQ+, and veteran-owned to contract opportunities as a Super Bowl supplier. These businesses will be essential in the functionality of operations on gameday, supplying things such as food and beverages, staffing, transportation, security, and more. The NFL has a history of supporting its host cities, and this program shows progress in its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
As the 2022-2023 NFL regular season concludes, 14 teams advance to the playoffs in hopes of winning Super Bowl LVII. Among these 14 teams, 7 return from last season’s playoffs, while the other 7 hope to make it a recurring theme. This year’s Super Bowl takes place in State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona for the first time since 2015. While there’s no shoo-in for a winner this year, the teams competing to take home the Lombardi Trophy are all strong contenders and we have our eyes on a few to go all the way.
NFC Playoff Participants
The Philadelphia Eagles enter the playoffs as the NFC’s number-one seed, boasting a record of 14-3. The Eagles dominated the league for much of the season, winning their first 8 games and 13 of 14 to start the year. However, an injury to star quarterback Jalen Hurts in week 15 halted the team’s momentum and spurred back-to-back losses. Hurts’ healthy return into the playoffs is a huge boost for the Eagles offense, as Hurts has accounted for 35 TDs – 13 of those coming via his legs. The Eagles also possess two of the league’s strongest units in the trenches. The offensive line has powered the Eagles rushing attack, ranking number five in yards and number one in TDs. The defensive line has wrecked opposing quarterbacks all season with a league-leading 70 sacks, 15 more than the next-best team. The Eagles will rely on a first-round bye, dominant play in the trenches, and Jalen Hurts’ dynamic playmaking to propel them on a deep playoff run. All eyes are on the Super Bowl in South Philly.
The number two seed in the NFC belongs to the San Francisco 49ers, winners of their last ten games. There is perhaps no roster in the entire league with more talent across the board than the Niners. A loaded offense secured even more ammo when they acquired running back Christian McCaffrey from Carolina, who has scored 10 TDs since coming over in week 7. The one looming question for the Niners is whether rookie Quarterback Brock Purdy, “Mr. Irrelevant”, can handle the pressure of the playoffs. With their top two QBs getting hurt in the regular season, the Niners turned to Purdy in week 13, and they haven’t missed a beat. On the defensive side of the ball, San Francisco has the top-scoring defense. Their pass rush is led by defensive end Nick Bosa, who is in the conversation to be the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. If the Niners’ defense can limit their opponent’s scoring and keep the pressure off rookie QB Brock Purdy, they should be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl.
The number 3 seed Minnesota Vikings may have one of the most deceiving records in NFL history. Minnesota enters the playoffs with a 13-4 record despite having a point differential of -3. When Minnesota wins, it’s almost always close, as 11 of their 13 victories have come in one-score games. But when Minnesota loses, they tend to get dismantled with their 4 losses coming by a combined 89 points! Additionally, two of those losses have come to the Eagles and Cowboys, who block Minnesota’s path to the Super Bowl. Minnesota has playmakers on offense headlined by QB Kirk Cousins, RB Dalvin Cook, and WR Justin Jefferson. However, Cousins has a perceived inability to win big games, and the numbers back it up. Cousins has a career 1-3 record in the playoffs and a startling 10-40 career record against teams that finished the season with a winning record. The Viking defense doesn’t provide much hope either, as their pass defense ranks 31st in passing yards allowed. The Vikings have a good record, but their luck will likely run out in the playoffs.
Tom Brady’s Buccaneers are back in the playoffs in 2023. The team secured a number 4 seed by winning the feeble NFC South division despite an unimpressive 8-9 record. It was a challenging season for the Bucs. Until their clinched week 17 win against the Panthers, they struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Although Brady was able to connect with receiver Mike Evans for 3 TDs in that game, it’s hard to believe an offense ranking 25th in points scored has miraculously figured it out. The Bucs have been an average team, but if the defense can keep the game close, Brady can’t be counted out as he chases ring number eight.
The first wild card spot and number five seed in the NFC belongs to the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have been led this season by a high-powered offense that ranks 2nd in the conference in total points scored. They have home run hitters on offense with receiver CeeDee Lamb and running back Tony Pollard. QB Dak Prescott tied for a league-worst 15 interceptions, but the Cowboys have maintained enough talent on both sides of the ball to overcome his turnovers. The Cowboy defense is led by outside linebacker Micah Parsons who has a knack for making impact plays. The defense leads the league with 33 takeaways, which prove valuable come playoff time. Dallas hasn’t lived up to the reputation of “Americas Team” in recent history, winning only 3 playoff games in the last 25 years. But that could change this year as their talent-packed roster faces a juicy first-round matchup with Tom Brady’s Buccaneers.
Perhaps the most unexpected team to qualify for this year’s playoffs is the New York Giants. After failing to win more than 6 games in any of the previous 5 seasons, first-year head coach Brian Daboll has seemingly resurrected the franchise. He’s now led the team to a 9-7-1 record and their first playoff berth in six years. Quarterback Daniel Jones, also known as “Danny Dimes”, played the best season of his career, accounting for 22 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions, while throwing to receivers most fans have never heard of. Jones’ evolution into a dual-threat option has given the Giants’ offense a much-needed boost. After battling injury the past two years, running back Saquon Barkley rebounded this season with a career-high in rushing yards. The Giants have also secured the ball, as they have the lowest turnover percentage in the league. On the defensive side of the ball, the Giants’ game plan is defined by one word: BLITZ! They have the highest blitz percentage of any team in the league and are led by a ferocious defensive line which is the best unit on the entire team. Big Blue may not possess as much talent as the other playoff teams, but their toughness and ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes may be enough for them to surprise some people and go on a run.
After trading away franchise quarterback Russell Wilson and releasing linebacker Bobby Wagner, many believed the tank was on in Seattle. The Seattle Seahawks, a team many predicted to be one of the worst in the league, now holds the final playoff spot in the NFC with a little help from the Detroit Lions. The Lions defeated the Packers in the NFL’s regular-season finale, allowing the Seahawks to retain their wild card spot. QB Geno Smith surprised fans when he earned Pro Bowl honors in his first season as a full-time starter since 2014. Similarly, the defense has relied on several players outperforming their expectations. Fifth-round draft pick Tariq Woolen tied for the league lead in interceptions in his rookie campaign, providing a much-needed spark in the secondary after veteran Jamal Adams’ week 1 injury. The Seahawks are playing with house money at this point in the season, which makes them a dangerous opponent. They will need the defense to create turnovers and allow Geno Smith to air it out to continue their storybook season.
AFC Playoff Participants
The first-round bye on the AFC side belongs to the odds-on favorite to win the Super Bowl and the AFC’s number-one seed, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs finish the regular season 14-3 behind the right arm of likely MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes had another stellar season leading the league in both passing yards (5,250) and passing touchdowns (41). His favorite target, tight end Travis Kelce, is the premier player at the position and makes the duo nearly unstoppable. Kansas City’s defense is a middle-of-the-pack unit, but there are question marks on that side of the ball. The Chiefs have allowed the most passing touchdowns in the entire league, which is cause for concern when competing in a conference that is loaded with QB talent. A Super Bowl will be the expectation every season that Mahomes lines up under center, but a deep playoff run depends on the defense’s ability to defend the pass.
The last two weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster for the number two seed Buffalo Bills. Week 17’s game was canceled after safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field. Thankfully, Hamlin’s health continues to improve, which gives Buffalo a chance to refocus on their playoff goals. It was unknown how such a traumatic event would impact Buffalo on the field, but that question was answered in week 18 with an emotional victory over the Patriots. The Bills are led by physically gifted quarterback Josh Allen, who has totaled 42 touchdowns this season. As good as the Bills’ offense is, the defense may be even better. The defense ranks 2nd in points allowed per game and 4th in takeaways per game, giving their potent offense even more opportunity to capitalize. Buffalo is one of the most complete teams in the league and should be making a deep playoff run as long as Allen can limit red zone turnovers, which have haunted him of late.
An eight-game winning streak accompanies the number three seed Cincinnati Bengals into the playoffs. Cincinnati is looking to avenge last season’s Super Bowl loss and prove to everyone that it was no fluke. Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase maintain chemistry from their days together at LSU to power the Bengals’ offense to 26.1 points per game. The Bengals’ stellar defense in last season’s Super Bowl run carries momentum into this season. They rank 6th in points allowed per game but have struggled to rush the passer this season, tallying only 30 sacks, which ranks last among all playoff teams. The Bengals will rely on Burrows’ right arm and a strong red zone defense to try and represent the AFC in the big game once again.
AFC South champion Jacksonville Jaguars claimed the number four seed after defeating the Titans in a week 18 thriller. The defense propelled them to victory after scoring a late touchdown to give the team their first lead of the game. The Jags needed to win each of their final five games to have any chance of winning the division, and they did just that. Second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence has proven why he was the first overall pick in 2021, amassing 25 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions with an almost entirely new receiving core. The defense relies on their pass rush which generates the 5th highest hurry percentage while only blitzing on 21% of plays. Jacksonville is a young team with a lot of momentum, making them a dangerous opponent despite a less-than-stellar 9-8 record.
Many people selected the Los Angeles Chargers as a Super Bowl sleeper before the season, but a rocky start caused the Chargers to settle for the first wild card spot with a 10-7 record. Injuries were a common theme early on as the Chargers seemed to battle them at nearly every position. However, as the team got healthy down the stretch, they were able to win four straight games before dropping a meaningless game to the Broncos in week 18. Young stud QB Justin Herbert powered through a rib injury while leaning on running back Austin Ekeler to supply much of the scoring. Ekeler accounted for 18 total touchdowns this season, the most of any player in the league. The defense relies on veterans across the field, headlined by pass rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. The Chargers have the talent to go on a run, but it will be difficult given the premier teams at the top of the conference hold the home-field advantage over Los Angeles.
The second wild card on the AFC side belongs to the 10-7 Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens come into the playoffs with a huge question mark surrounding their most valuable player. Former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a knee injury in week 13 that has kept him out ever since. The team has gone 2-3 in his absence and failed to find any rhythm on the offensive side of the ball. It is still unknown if Jackson will be ready to play in the first round of the playoffs, and if he is, how effective he will be running the football. The Ravens’ outstanding defense has been the main reason behind their winning record. They held opponents to 18.5 points per game and the least rushing yards of any AFC playoff team. For the Ravens to go on a run, they will need Jackson to be explosive with his legs and lean on the defense to smother their opponents, which seems like a longshot considering the uncertainty surrounding Jackson.
The Miami Dolphins claimed the final playoff spot in the AFC after an ugly week 18 victory over the Jets. Miami was without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after multiple concussions cast doubt on the future of his career. The Dolphins have an elite receiving duo in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but 3rd string QB Skylar Thompson has not been able to get them the ball consistently. The defense does not provide much hope either, as they allow more points than any other AFC team in the playoffs. Of all the teams in the playoffs, Miami is the least likely to advance past the first round as they await a brutal first-round matchup with the Bills.
Many professional sports leagues now allow athletes to develop and wear custom athletic footwear to convey a message. Thanks to rule changes in recent years, the NFL, NBA, and MLB are giving their players a chance to express what they are passionate about. This shift in approach to self-expression began during the 2018 NBA season when rulebook adjustments allowed players to wear any color sneakers during games. Prior to this change, players were required to wear shoes that matched their team colors. Moves like these have become instrumental in giving players more freedom to express themselves and their flair for style and impact market demand for these custom pieces.
Athletes now have another platform to boost their image and showcase their love for art, design, and passions off the court. Collaborating with sneaker professionals, these players can bring their wildest imaginations to fruition. In essence, players are able to wear their hearts on their shoes. This type of visual communication fosters a pure and authentic form of self-expression. Today, we’re exploring some recent examples of players using custom footwear to define and capitalize on their personal brand.
When William Contreras was a member of the Atlanta Braves, he used his playoff cleats to support his home country of Venezuela and the city of Atlanta. Contreras’ cleats became a canvas to express his love, respect, and passion for his country. The design broadcasted a deeper story about his personal life to the entire world.
Julio Jones, an NFL Wide Receiver, once broke out a custom-printed pair of Waffle House cleats during practice. When asked about his cleats, Jones told reporters, “I wear these cleats because, like Waffle House, I’m open 24/7.” This clever play on words showcased Julio Jones’ playful side and strong work ethic. His creative nod to Waffle House defined his personal brand as an athlete on and off the field.
Langston Galloway, a Detroit Pistons player, created a pair of custom sneakers to voice his support for a greater cause. Galloway reminded fans that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month by debuting his eye-catching, pink sneakers. Galloway used customization to spread awareness about breast cancer and display his solidarity for those affected. His inclusion of the infamous Minnie Mouse also added a light-heartedness to his brand. Through his unique design, Galloway has been able to show his true colors and make a positive impact.
Providing the ability for athletes to showcase their passion points on the court or field is a powerful tool of expression via a global platform. This flexibility affords players the opportunity to not only be creative but to share a message of activism that can ultimately effect greater, positive change beyond just their sport. Whether for artistic purposes or beyond, fans and brands alike are taking notice of all of the unique footwear out there, and we expect to see more ways that brands collaborate with athletes in future campaigns through this custom avenue.
Born in North Carolina, Brittany Weiss spent much of her young life as a gymnast. Weiss fell in love with the sport at a young age and enjoyed 16 years of competitive gymnastics, but after high school, she knew that it wasn’t something she truly wanted to continue. Brittany did know that she wanted to keep that competitive spirit and love for fitness going. Fast forward 10 years later, she is now a 2x CrossFit Games athlete and trains full time chasing her dreams in San Diego, California. In this interview with Brittany Weiss, we will take a deeper dive into the mindset and workout regimen that has fueled so much of her success as a female athlete in the CrossFit industry.
Can you share with us an interesting story from the beginning of your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘takeaways’ you learned from it?
As I was first starting CrossFit, it really took me some time to understand that being strong is beautiful. I always loved the thought of having muscles and being defined, but coming from a sport where everyone wanted to be as skinny as possible, it was definitely difficult for me to be able to push all I’ve ever known off to the side. I now look at being strong as such a powerful beauty; it recognizes courage, strength, diligence, and grit. I want girls to know and encourage others that strong is the new beautiful.
Now let’s shift to the main focus of our interview about the workout routines of professional athletes. Can you share with our readers a few of the workout routines that you use to help you perform at peak levels? Can you help articulate what each of those workouts achieves?
My workout routine stays relatively the same on a day to day basis. The training day consists of two sessions: Morning and Afternoon.
Morning Session: Machine work (running, rowing, assault bike, etc), followed by an accessory piece that’s normally a specific focus. This off season for me has been all about getting stronger so most of my accessory has been focused on lower body; posterior chain and legs.
Afternoon Session: Lifting (snatch, clean, squats, upper body pressing etc. This changes everyday), followed by a CrossFit style workout (more skill workout) and more accessory.
My training is pretty straight forward and there really isn’t a certain workout I do everyday which is why I love what I do. It’s constantly varied and there’s always something new to do.
What do you do to prevent injuries during your workouts or during your competitions?
Warm-ups and cool downs are so important. I try to pay attention to every detail on how I’m feeling inside and out to make sure I’m doing all the things to keep my body feeling good.
My warm-up normally starts with an easy 10 minute bike to get some blood flow going. I then start firing the muscles that are being used in the session at that time so I can make sure they are awake and ready to get to work.
My cool down normally starts with an easy 10 minute bike to destress the body from all the intensity. I follow it with lots of stretching. My stretching sessions have a different focus depending on what I did each day.
What type of workout regime has helped you to rehabilitate from injury?
Thankfully I haven’t had many injuries in my life but I do try to destress my body through sauna and ice. I’m a firm believer of hot/cold therapy and it always leaves me feeling refreshed mentally and physically. As professional athletes, our bodies go through so much and what you put into it is what you get out of it. Giving your body love is important and this is what I do to help mine perform at its best.
What exercises do you do to strengthen your core?
Fun fact: Your core is what provides your body with the most strength. A strong core enhances balance and stability. I add a core piece into my training everyday. An example of a circuit I would do:
3 Sets
30 Russian Twists (each side)
30 Alternating Leg V-Ups
30 Flutter Kicks (each leg)
Rest 30 seconds
As a successful athlete, which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Hard Working: Work hard and you can achieve anything. Nothing beats one’s work ethic. I have never been a naturally gifted athlete. I have had to work really hard to get to where I am today. Sometimes it’s very difficult to see things come so easy to other athletes, especially if it took me years to accomplish. But the more I sit back and think, everyone’s path to success will be different and unique, and at the end of the day we can only pave the path of our story and it shouldn’t be through comparing ourselves to others.
Confidence: One of my favorite quotes; “It all begins and ends in your mind. What you give power to has power over you, if you allow it.” Your mind is such a powerful tool and your belief in your ability is so important. I lacked this for so long and it’s been hard to wrap my finger around why until I started spending my nights journaling and digging deeper and picking myself apart as an athlete. The belief is what I was missing and once I turned that around, I truly felt like my athletic performance took off. Every time I step out on the competition floor I remind myself that I don’t HAVE to do this but I GET to do this.
Trust in the process: I feel as an athlete, I am always wanting to do more and be more. I constantly feel like I’m not doing enough to get to where I want to be. It feels like the journey to the top is so far away. There are times I take 3 steps forward and then life throws me a curve and I take 5 steps backwards. It’s hard to understand in the moment, but everything happens for a reason. With every set back comes a learning opportunity. To learn is to grow, and growing is the point of life. There is beauty in the journey and no one becomes the best by taking the shortcuts.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your sports career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
Sports are competitive. When you are out there grinding and working hard every single day, I can promise you that other people are out there doing the same exact thing. One of the hardest things that has happened to me throughout my career was not getting picked for the Games Team. I always felt like I was the hardest worker in the room that just never got picked. I used this as fuel going into every season after that. I put my head down, stopped looking for validation from my coaches, and just worked. Each day I continued to remind myself that my time was coming, I just wasn’t there… YET. But I would be for every other season after that.
Can you please share ‘5 Things You Need To Create A Successful Career As A Professional Athlete?‘
Write down your goals and never lose sight of them
Hard Work and Consistency
Confidence and Self Belief
Lean on your support system
Get enough sleep
As a person of influence in your community, if you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
If I could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people it would be to help educate and inspire women to appreciate their bodies and to understand what it is truly capable of. I feel so many women struggle with body image and keep so much inside. So being able to have a platform and create a safe space for people to share their stories and support one another through their struggles would be amazing.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
If you are eager to see what secret projects Brittany is working on now, keep an eye out for her new YouTube content. On this platform Brittany plans to give viewers more insight on what her day-to-day looks like with training, food, life, and everything in between. Weiss is excited to start sharing her story and life in different ways, on top of finding more ways to help and guide others.
When thinking of NASCAR, the brain doesn’t immediately associate it with environmental efforts or being a sport that focuses on sustainability; it may seem like it is amassing quite a carbon footprint.
Why NASCAR’s Carbon Footprint Matters
A single race car takes between 65 and 75 gallons of gas for a Saturday race; multiply that number by 40 and you have about 2,600 to 3,000 gallons of gas used in one day’s race. In a single day and on one track, NASCAR vehicles have the potential to release 120,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. Though these numbers may seem alarming, NASCAR takes the steps necessary to become a more sustainable sport and leave less of a carbon footprint one race at a time with NASCAR Green.
NASCAR Green: Racing Toward a Sustainable Future
NASCAR Green is an industry effort and initiative that is working to minimize NASCAR’s environmental impact while bringing value and inspiration to the motorsports industry, its partners, employees, and fans. NASCAR had always wanted to influence, educate and inspire our fans on fuel efficiency, reforestation, sustainability, etc., and with that, the beginning of this journey involved with is automotive fluid recycling which safely recycles and transports oils, is in every NASCAR garage as well as many team shops
This initiative takes place at NASCAR events throughout the racing season. It incorporates racing on a blended biofuel called Sunoco Green E15 that assists with in-venue recycling efforts, food diversion, solar-powered tracks, and lighting fixtures.
One early initiative involved promoting the use of high-MPG vehicles, for which they partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency and in 2009, a NASCAR team called Hall of Fame Racing purchased carbon credits to offset half of its emissions per race, practice session, and even travel.
In another NASCAR division, one driver even purchased and tended to an acre of rainforest to offset their carbon emissions.
Sustainability in Action Across NASCAR Tracks
In addition, NASCAR efforts made through the ‘NASCAR Tree Planting Program’ have resulted in more than 500,000 trees being planted across the country, specifically in areas affected by climate-related natural disasters.
Sustainability in NASCAR is more than what is being put into the vehicles and how it affects the environment, but also how to give back to help and improve the environment and its well-being. Many NASCAR tracks and teams are also implementing renewable energies as well as more energy-efficient options in their day-to-day operations. Things like aluminum, plastic, and cardboard recycling have now become an operational function for many NASCAR venues and a normal part of their business operations.
Similarly, initiatives like this are taking place at venues all over the country, Daytona International Speedway, for example, has created the Daytona Rising project and partnered with Florida Power and Light Company to create the FPL Solar Pavilion and Solar Canopy to provide shade for fans along with the FPL Solar Park. Collectively, all three consist of over 7,000 solar panels that generate zero-emissions energy.
The Broader Impact on Motorsport’s Green Revolution
So why is this important? These days, environmental awareness is at an all-time high, and looking for ways to become more sustainable and environmentally safe is a top goal for many companies, organizations, and industries all across the globe and NASCAR is no exception. It may be easy for NASCAR fans to feel uneasy about supporting a sport that may seem like it is impacting the environment negatively, but that is simply not the case anymore.
While it is true NASCAR cars burn more fuel than their street-legal cars and vehicles, some of what they burn is ethanol. Fuel that includes ethanol, like NASCAR’s E15, is cleaner than the type of fuel some road vehicles burn derived from plants and it is a renewable resource. And to make things environmentally friendlier, NASCAR cars convert heat into power better than many road cars.
Though these initiatives are new and NASCAR wasn’t always considered environmentally safe, they are turning things around. And while most of NASCAR’s fuel blend remains gasoline, adding 15 percent ethanol to the mix allows for far cleaner fuel than you might find at your local gas station.
Not only do the initiatives taken by the NASCAR industry implement big changes within, but other industries, for example, Indy Car is implementing a new initiative within their day-to-day racing with eco-friendly tires announced earlier this year. All tires delivered are relayed by electric vehicles and all electricity consumed at the speedway is purchased through 100% renewable energy credits.
We are seeing sustainable and environmental efforts across various aspects of motorsport that will only continue to grow. These initiatives are only about a decade old and the direction of sustainability in NASCAR and all motorsports for that matter will only continue to grow from here.
Join us in making a difference. Tell us a bit about yourself and we’ll be in touch with sponsorship details.
By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by the Athelo Group team regarding sponsorship opportunities.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
