How long does it take to organize a partnership with an Athlete?

1. Partnering with an athlete for User Generated Content (UGC) takes 3-4 weeks.

2. Partnering with an athlete to have them make content and share a social post takes 4-5 weeks.

3. Partnering with an athlete to make an appearance at a physical or virtual event takes 6-8 weeks to organize and negotiate. 

4. Partnering with an athlete to have them become a long-term brand ambassador takes 8-10 weeks to finalize the sourcing and negotiation.

How Long Does It Take To Complete An Athlete Sponsorship Deal-1

Introduction:

In the ever-evolving world of marketing, brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to reach their target audiences. One powerful strategy that has gained significant traction in recent years is athlete sponsorship and influencer marketing. As a platform that connects brands with athletes and influencers, OpenSponsorship offers a wide array of opportunities for businesses to collaborate with sports professionals and social media influencers. However, understanding the time frames for different types of deals can be crucial for brands looking to maximize their marketing efforts. In this blog post, we'll explore the typical durations for various deal types on OpenSponsorship, providing valuable insights for brands planning their sponsorship campaigns.

4. UGC Content Development Deals (3-4 Weeks):

User-Generated Content (UGC) has become an integral part of brand marketing strategies due to its authenticity and relatability. When brands engage athletes on OpenSponsorship for UGC content development deals, they can expect the entire process to take between 3 to 4 weeks. During this period, athletes will work closely with brands to create content that showcases the products or services in a genuine and personalized manner. This quick turnaround makes UGC deals an ideal choice for brands seeking to boost their visibility with engaging, athlete-driven content.

2. Social Media Posts Deals (5-6 Weeks):

Social media is a powerful medium for brand promotion, and collaborations with athletes can significantly amplify reach and engagement. Deals involving social media posts typically take between 5 to 6 weeks to complete on OpenSponsorship. During this time, brands and athletes negotiate the terms, develop the content, and schedule the posts across the athlete's social media platforms. Patience during this period is essential, as crafting compelling social media posts requires meticulous planning and creativity.

3. Event Appearances Deals (6-8 Weeks):

Event appearances present unique opportunities for brands to generate excitement and buzz around their products or services. Whether it's an in-person or virtual event, the deal duration for event appearances on OpenSponsorship typically ranges from 6 to 8 weeks. This extended timeframe accounts for the logistics involved in planning and coordinating the athlete's participation, ensuring a seamless and impactful brand presence during the event.

4. Long-Term Brand Ambassador Partnerships (8-10 Weeks):

Long-term brand ambassador partnerships are the most substantial and strategic collaborations available on OpenSponsorship. These deals involve a deeper commitment between the brand and the athlete, extending beyond a single campaign. Finalizing and getting started with long-term brand ambassador partnerships can take between 8 to 10 weeks. This duration accounts for comprehensive negotiations, contract formalities, and establishing a strong working relationship that aligns the brand's values with the athlete's image.

Tight timelines: 

Have a tight timeline? OpenSponsorship can help! Working with Hydrow, our team was able to secure 9 athletes for an in-person event appearance with only two weeks notice. On another tight timeline, our team of Account Managers was able to organize a social media post with only a weekend's notice for Boxbollen!

Campaign Timeline Examples:

1. Black Friday:
Have 10 athletes make social posts about your product for Black Friday. Your campaign should be listed on OpenSponsorship by the start of November

2. New Years: 
To have a new brand ambassador lined up for the new year, your campaign should be live on OpenSPonsroship by the start of October. 

3. Halloween:
In order to have athletes develop UGC to help your brand sell candy and costumes, you should have your campaign on OpenSponsorship live by early September.

Conclusion:

OpenSponsorship has revolutionized the way brands and athletes collaborate, making athlete sponsorships more accessible and effective for businesses of all sizes. Understanding the typical durations for various deal types is essential for brands looking to plan their marketing campaigns effectively. From the agility of UGC content development deals to the strategic potential of long-term brand ambassador partnerships, OpenSponsorship offers a diverse range of opportunities for brands to engage with athletes and influencers. By considering these deal durations, brands can leverage the platform's capabilities to connect with their target audiences authentically and achieve remarkable marketing success.

Jeff

Jeff is OpenSponsorship's Director of Marketing. He typically writes about sports sponsorship, marketing, and tips & tricks for brands.