What makes a soccer sponsors great? Sponsors can range from big brands like Pepsi to small companies like Gazprom. Soccer sponsors can be a great way of increasing revenue and attracting a larger audience. Soccer teams are able to use data from their audience to inform their sponsorship decisions. An active online presence for soccer teams is more likely than not to attract the right audience. The average consumer expects brands' online presence.
PUMA is a soccer sponsor
The PUMA sponsors have come under fire for not just the Italian soccer team. The Israeli occupation authorities are treating Palestinian footballers with utmost cruelty. A petition was started against the sponsor, and it has been signed by thousands. But, the public response hasn't been as vigorous as that for animal cruelty. PUMA is yet to clarify its position.
Pepsi
Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi announced new sponsorships in major league sports. Coca-Cola signed a four-year sponsorship agreement to sponsor Major League Soccer. Pepsi was the last major brand to sponsor Major League Soccer, but it has expanded its sponsorships over the past few years. Pepsi also sponsors several MLS teams including New York City FC and FC Dallas. Pepsi's different brands can also be promoted through the partnership.
FedEx
FedEx has partnered up with UEFA to promote soccer in Europe. The company will sponsor the UEFA Champions League, as well other competitions, over a three-year contract. Other soccer events that FedEx will be involved with include the Uefa Youth League, UEFA Super Cup, and Uefa eChampions League. FedEx has been a supporter of the Europa League ever since 2015 and will continue to do so through the 2020-21 season. It also holds the rights of UEFA EURO 2020 in addition to the Uefa nations league finals.
Gazprom
Gazprom's sponsorship deal with soccer has caused a lot controversy in recent weeks. Gazprom shirt sponsorships have been withdrawn by several European football clubs due to concerns about Russian support. One such team, Schalke 04, pulled its shirt sponsorship from Gazprom, citing UEFA's ethical guidelines. Europe and the entire world have been growing concerned about Russian-backed corporations. Gazprom, a Russian company that produces natural gas, is based in Saint Petersburg. The Russian government controls the majority of the company, which has a significant presence in the world of soccer.
Hisense
As one of the world's largest TV manufacturers, Hisense is no stranger to sponsorship. The company has participated in many major events, including the 2010 World Cup and the recent World Cup in Russia. Hisense has seen a rise in awareness worldwide through sponsorships. Sponsorships not only increase sales but also promote the company's products via global advertising campaigns and engagement on-site. Hisense will also be able to offer video-on-demand programming that is based on previous World Cup content. Hisense customers will be able access this content via VIDAA smartTV platform.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen has announced that it will sponsor Germany's national soccer team. Volkswagen is trying to rebuild its reputation following last year's diesel-emissions scandal. It also wants to shift to electric cars. To achieve this, the Wolfsburg-based automaker is spending big money on a new soccer team in Germany's top division. Experts are questioning the logic behind such an investment given the club’s low revenues and lack of an international fanbase.