The 2024-2025 NFL season is approaching, and brands are searching for opportunities to find and sponsor athletes. Different factors affecting the cost of sponsoring an NFL player include the athlete’s popularity, the specific terms of the agreement, and the scope of the deal. In this blog post, we will analyze the various costs associated with sponsoring NFL players, using different tiers of NFL athletes as examples. Each athlete represents different levels of popularity, from world-renowned veterans to exciting new rookies, providing perspective on sponsorship costs. The prices listed below are drawn from averages across OpenSponsorship’s database of over 20,000 athletes doing brand deals.

 

Understanding Sponsorship Costs for NFL players and the Benefits for Your Business 

Sponsoring an NFL player is more than just the financial aspect; the key is finding an athlete who aligns with your brand and resonates with your target audience. Costs can range from a few thousand dollars for emerging athletes to significantly more for top-tier athletes. Factors that influence the cost include the athlete’s expected success, media visibility, social media following, and personal branding. 

Understanding the cost to work with an NFL player comes along with understanding why sports sponsorship should be integrated into your brand marketing strategy. Working with athletes to promote your brand builds brand awareness, drives excitement and engagement, increases sales, helps launch new products, expands market reach, drives traffic, and reaches a highly appealing target audience. To understand more of why partnering with athletes is a smart financial decision, learn more about the benefits of using athletes for sponsorships. 

 

Examples of NFL players and their Starting Costs for Sponsorship

 

How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor an NFL Player During the 2024-2025 Season?

To directly answer the question, “How much does it cost to sponsor an NFL player during the 2024-2025 season?” it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Sponsorship deals are highly customized and can vary significantly based on the athlete’s current status, the structure of the sponsorship, and the duration of the agreement. We have provided the starting costs above to give an idea of starting budgets 

 

Want to browse NFL players to sponsor?

OpenSponsorship showcases a diverse roster of over 85% of NFL players on our platform, offering brands a unique opportunity to find the perfect match for their sponsorship objectives. Whether you're interested in partnering with a globally recognized veteran or a rookie just beginning their career in the league, OpenSponsorship provides direct access to athletes across all tiers. Our platform simplifies the search for the right NFL player and offers expert assistance in negotiating deals, ensuring that brands can secure partnerships that fit their budget and marketing goals. Check out our featured collection of NFL players!

Conclusion

Sponsoring an NFL player offers brands a special chance to increase their visibility and connect with their audience. The cost of such sponsorships depends on the athlete's popularity, the terms of the agreement, and their potential for success. Selecting an athlete who embodies the values and characteristics of your brand will help maximize your investment and achieve marketing success. Whether you opt for a superstar or an emerging talent, the key is to be authentic and support the athlete's journey.

For brands interested in sponsorships, OpenSponsorship serves as a valuable platform to connect with NFL athletes at various levels of popularity. By leveraging OpenSponsorship's extensive network and data-driven insights, brands can navigate the complex landscape of NFL player sponsorships and achieve remarkable results.