NASCAR SHAKES UP SPORTS SPONSORSHIP WITH MONSTER ENERGY DEAL

Word is out! Although there is no confirmed price tag, Monster Beverage Corp. has purchased the sponsorship title rights to the NASCAR Cup Series. Monster has become just the third sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series following RJ Reynolds, as well as most recently, Sprint.

The sponsorship deal between the two powerhouse companies is rumored to be valued at around $20 million a year. The deal is said to be a multi-year agreement that has options for extension. This may seem like a pretty penny, however, if the numbers are accurate, NASCAR signed a deal worth about 40% of their previous sponsorship deal. That can’t be a good sign for the NASCAR Cup Series right?

Not the case. Even though NASCAR executives will be cashing a more modest check from Monster Energy, it’s a strategic play for the motorsport company to reach a new demographic. "Monster Energy is a brand built on excitement and enthusiasm, qualities that align with NASCAR," said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO. NASCAR for the last 10 years has seen dwindling attendance and viewing volumes. On the flip side, the company continues to remain THE most lucrative sport in America. NASCAR pulls in roughly $3 billion in sponsorship monies, which is 2 times the amount raked in by runner up, the NFL. Sorry Mr. Goodell!!

Why it will work:

1. Monster's brand has long been involved in motorsports, holding sponsorship with both large action sport events, and athletes. Monster Energy backing NASCAR as a sponsor is not a step outside of the energy drinks business comfort zone as they have been a driving force in the world of motorsports.

2. NASCAR’s viewership and attendance has fallen as a result of fans discontent with constant rule changes, and the obvious round and round style race many find dull. NASCAR is hopeful as well as confident that Monster’s edgy brand geared primarily towards Millennials will aid in the reversal of the recent decline. Monster has solidified itself as a life style brand with a following that trumps Sprint by huge margins making them the perfect brand for NASCAR.

3. Monster’s social media reach is monstrous compared to Sprint. When preparing a nation wide marketing campaign to try to attract new consumers this is huge. Specifically, NASCAR’s target demographic, the almighty millennial.

Monster       Sprint

Facebook Likes                 25 Mil           2.2 Mil

Twitter Followers             3.3 Mil          387K

Instagram Followers        3.7 Mil          67.2K

Look out Red Bull; Monster is working on a motorsport monopoly, all thanks to smart sport sponsorship.