top sports advertising agencies 2024

TOP SPORTS ADVERTISING AGENCIES IN 2024

Sports advertising agencies are companies that specialize in creating and placing advertising for sports entities, including teams, leagues, venues, and events. Sports advertising is a significant industry, as sports are one of the most popular forms of entertainment globally. According to a report by Statista, the sports industry was worth approximately $620 billion in 2019. The sports advertising market is a subset of the larger sports industry and is estimated to be worth $32.5 billion annually.

There are a number of reasons why sports entities choose to work with sports advertising agencies. First, sports advertising agencies have extensive experience working with sports brands and understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with marketing sports properties.

Second, sports advertising agencies usually have strong relationships with media outlets and can effectively place advertisements on behalf of their clients. Third, sports advertising agencies often offer comprehensive services that go beyond simply placing ads, such as event planning and sponsorship activation.

Working with a sports advertising agency can help sports entities maximize the impact of their marketing efforts and reach their target audiences effectively. Sports advertising is a complex process, but working with an experienced agency can help simplify the process and ensure that campaigns are executed successfully.

Here are the top 10 sports advertising agencies, along with their services, past clients and collaborations, and their achievements and media mentions.

Below is the curated list of top sports advertising agencies in 2024:

what is a sports advertising agency?

A sports advertising agency is a specialized firm that provides advertising and marketing services tailored specifically to clients within the sports industry. These agencies focus on promoting sports-related products, events, teams, athletes, leagues, and organizations through various advertising channels and strategies.

Services offered by sports advertising agencies may include:

1. Brand Strategy and Positioning: Developing and refining brand identity, messaging, and positioning strategies for sports brands, teams, and organizations to differentiate them in the marketplace and resonate with target audiences.

2. Advertising Campaigns: Creating and executing advertising campaigns across multiple channels, including television, radio, print, digital, out-of-home (OOH), and social media, to increase brand awareness, drive engagement, and generate leads or sales.

3. Sponsorship Activation: Developing and activating sponsorship strategies and campaigns for brands, teams, and events to maximize the value of sponsorship investments, increase brand visibility, and enhance brand association with sports properties.

4.  Athlete Endorsements: Identifying and securing athlete endorsements and partnerships for brands to leverage the credibility, influence, and star power of athletes in marketing campaigns and promotions.

5. Event Marketing: Planning and executing marketing campaigns and activations for sports events, tournaments, championships, and exhibitions to attract attendees, generate excitement, and increase ticket sales and viewership.

6. Merchandising and Licensing: Developing and managing merchandising and licensing programs for sports brands and organizations to monetize their intellectual property rights, including branded apparel, accessories, and merchandise.

7.  Digital Marketing: Implementing digital marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing to reach sports fans, engage audiences, and drive online traffic and conversions.

8. Fan Engagement and Loyalty Programs: Creating fan engagement initiatives, loyalty programs, and interactive experiences to foster deeper connections between sports brands, teams, and fans, increase fan participation, and drive brand loyalty.

9. Data Analytics and Performance Tracking: Utilizing data analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs), measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns, and optimize strategies for better results.

10. Public Relations and Media Relations: Managing media relations, press releases, and publicity efforts to generate positive media coverage, increase brand exposure, and enhance brand reputation within the sports industry.

Sports advertising agencies leverage their expertise in advertising, branding, and sports marketing to help clients within the sports industry achieve their marketing objectives, increase brand visibility, engage fans, and drive revenue. They work closely with sports brands, teams, leagues, sponsors, and other stakeholders to develop and implement customized advertising strategies that align with their brand identity, target audience, and business goals.

how does a sports advertising agency differ from general agencies?

A sports advertising agency differs from a general advertising agency in several key ways:

1. Industry Focus:
Sports Advertising Agency: Specializes exclusively in providing advertising and marketing services tailored to clients within the sports industry. They have in-depth knowledge of the sports landscape, including sports teams, leagues, events, athletes, and fan culture.
General Advertising Agency: Offers advertising services across various industries, serving clients from diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, consumer goods, and more. While they may provide advertising support to sports-related clients, their expertise may not be as specialized in the nuances of the sports industry.

2. Target Audience Understanding:
–  Sports Advertising Agency: Understands the unique characteristics, behaviors, and preferences of sports fans and enthusiasts. They tailor advertising strategies to resonate with sports-oriented audiences and leverage the emotional connection that fans have with sports brands, teams, and athletes.
–  General Advertising Agency: Develops advertising campaigns that cater to broader audience segments, with less specialization in understanding the specific interests and motivations of sports fans.

3. Brand Association and Sponsorship:
Sports Advertising Agency: Often works closely with sports brands, teams, leagues, and sponsors to create advertising campaigns that leverage brand association with sports properties. They may specialize in activating sponsorship deals, integrating brand messaging into sports events, and maximizing the impact of brand partnerships within the sports industry.
General Advertising Agency: May not have the same level of expertise or focus on leveraging brand association with sports properties. While they may work with sponsors across various industries, their approach to sports sponsorship activation may not be as specialized.

4.  Sports Industry Relationships:
–  Sports Advertising Agency: Often has established relationships and networks within the sports industry, including connections with sports brands, teams, leagues, athletes, sponsors, broadcasters, and sports media outlets. These relationships enable them to access industry insights, collaborations, and opportunities tailored to sports-related clients.
–  General Advertising Agency: May not have the same level of industry connections within the sports sector, potentially limiting their ability to leverage specialized resources and partnerships specific to sports brands and properties.

5. Trend Awareness and Industry Insights:
–  Sports Advertising Agency: Stays abreast of the latest trends, developments, and events within the sports industry, allowing them to adapt advertising strategies and campaigns to align with current sports trends and fan interests.
General Advertising Agency: May not have the same level of expertise or focus on staying updated with sports-specific trends and insights, potentially resulting in less targeted or relevant advertising efforts for sports-related clients.

Overall, while both sports advertising agencies and general advertising agencies offer advertising services, sports advertising agencies differentiate themselves through their industry specialization, deep understanding of sports audiences, focus on brand association with sports properties, industry relationships, and expertise in navigating the unique dynamics of the sports industry.

sports advertising agencies
ABOUT

Amra & Elma is a leading sports marketing agency that specializes in a wide range of results-oriented marketing services, including media buying, SEO, influencer marketing, branding, PR, and much more. The agency was formed by two popular social media influencers who were titled by Nasdaq as “top marketers” and recognized by Yahoo News for building a “Digital Empire.”

Their work has been highlighted in numerous media outlets, including Bloomberg, USA Today, Time, Wired, Huff Post, and more. They were designated the “Top Digital Agency” by the Financial Times, and the “Epicenter of Influence” by Forbes. Their clients include top sports brands and Fortune 500 companies, like Puma, Alo, TechnoGym, Orgain, and more.

SPECIALIZES IN
  • Media Buying
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Influencer Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Social Media Management
  • Content Development
  • Branding
  • Events
CLIENTS
  • Power Up
  • Orgain
  • Puma
  • Alo
  • TechnoGym
  • Johnson&Johnson
  • Netflix
  • Nestle
  • Uber
MEDIA MENTIONS
  • Inc. Magazine
  • Financial Times
  • Forbes
  • Marie Claire
  • Huffington Post
  • Business Insider
  • Cosmopolitan
  • Bloomberg
  • ELLE Magazine
  • WSJ
  • USA Today
  • InStyle
  • Nasdaq
  • The Washington Post
  • Yahoo News
sports advertising agencies
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There are many sports advertising agencies out there, but not all of them are created equal. Bespoke is a sports and entertainment consulting and experiential marketing agency that is dedicated to helping brands select the right partnerships and getting the most out of their sponsorship investment. They have a team of experienced sports and entertainment marketers who understand the industry inside and out.

With years of experience and invaluable professional relationships, Bespoke is able to provide brands with thoughtful senior-level counsel and custom marketing solutions that are specifically tailored to their needs. If you’re looking for an agency that can help you navigate the ever-changing world of sports marketing, then Bespoke is a great choice.

SPECIALIZES IN
  • Sponsorship Consulting & Strategy
  • Sponsorship Activation Planning & Execution
  • Experiential Tours
  • Custom Promotional Events
  • Sponsorship Evaluation & Valuation
  • Media Integration
  • VIP Hospitality
  • Digital & Social Amplification
CLIENTS
  • Academy Sports+Outdoors
  • Peet’s Coffee
  • Duke’s
  • Navy Federal Credit Union
  • Credit One Bank
  • Axalta
MEDIA MENTIONS
  • Inc. Magazine
  • Charlotte Business Journal
sports advertising agencies
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PIVOT Agency is one of the popular sports advertising agencies that was founded in 2013. It is a full-service sports marketing agency that has grown into four successful divisions, encompassing brand representation, property sales, team travel, and tennis. The agency has applied unparalleled expertise and data at precisely the right time and place.

As a result, its team of industry-leading executives has helped build PIVOT into a growing influence in the sports and entertainment business. Sports advertising agencies like PIVOT are changing the way businesses think about marketing and sports. In the past, sports were used as an avenue to market other products.

However, sports fans are becoming more sophisticated and they want brands that understand their passions. PIVOT has been able to capitalize on this trend by aligning itself with properties and athletes that share its values. As a result, PIVOT has become one of the most respected sports advertising agencies in the world.

SPECIALIZES IN
  • Valuation
  • Asset Development
  • Sales Strategy
  • Sales Execution
  • Strategic Planning
  • Negotiation
  • Research And Insights
  • Analytics And Measurement
  • Sports Creative Services
  • Athlete Procurement And Management
  • Sponsorship Management
  • Social Media & Influencer Management
  • Event Activation
CLIENTS
  • Clorox
  • Chevron
  • US Open
  • Usta
  • Yes
  • Clippers
  • Binovi
  • NRG
  • Kingsford
  • BNP Paribas Open
MEDIA MENTIONS

Not available.

sports advertising agencies
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Sports Media is a sports brand marketing agency that offers media buying and planning services. They consult with advertising agencies as well as advertisers, planning and placing advertising in stadiums and arenas throughout the Nation. Sports Media has a strategic focus on providing fast, accurate information along with creative new ideas which show the industry how Sports Media products and services meet that need.

As a full-service provider of sports brand marketing services, Sports Media is able to offer its clients a comprehensive solution for all of their sports advertising needs. By partnering with Sports Media, advertisers can be assured that they are working with a team of experts who are dedicated to helping them achieve their marketing goals.

SPECIALIZES IN
  • Traditional And Non-Traditional Advertising
  • Media Planning and Buying
  • Live­ Sports and Sports-Related Creative
CLIENTS

Not available.

MEDIA MENTIONS

Not available.

sports advertising agencies
ABOUT

At 5by5, they understand that sports advertising agencies have a lot of different factors to consider when developing championship-level strategies. They’re sports fanatics themselves, and they have a deep understanding of the different factors at play in both on and off the field.

Whether it’s comprehensive research for one of the NFL’s premier franchises, leveraging athlete brands for strategic partnerships or working with innovative tech companies to assess athletes’ aptitude, they love working alongside champion-caliber organizations. Their goal is to deliver clarity, reach and results to those who work where life change happens.

SPECIALIZES IN
  • Web Design & Development
  • Tech Blueprint
  • Digital Campaigns
  • Website Audit
  • Strategy Session
  • Strategic Plan
  • Clarity & Reach Audit
  • StoryBrand
  • StratOp Planning
  • Quantitative Research
  • Qualitative Research
  • Creative Design
  • Visual Brand Identity
  • Photography & Videography
  • Copywriting
CLIENTS
  • Tennessee Titans
  • S2 Cognition
  • NFLPA
  • Food for the Hungry
MEDIA MENTIONS

Not available.

sports advertising agencies
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KemperLesnik is one of the popular sports advertising agencies that specialize in connecting brands to their audiences in meaningful ways. By leveraging the power of shared interests, common bonds and memorable moments, they enable engagement on a deeper, more personal level.

With content creation at its core, KemperLesnik uses the power of public relations, event marketing, sports marketing and content marketing to drive awareness that delivers real business results. It’s how they help companies create more than an impression, but a lasting impact.

KemperLesnik has worked with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, and they are always looking for new ways to connect brands with their audiences. If you’re looking for a sports marketing agency that can help you make a lasting impact, KemperLesnik is the agency for you.

SPECIALIZES IN
  • Public Relations
  • Event Marketing
  • Sports Marketing
  • Content Marketing
  • Esports Marketing
CLIENTS
  • Restore by Katona
  • Maui Invitational
  • Aon
  • NFL Draft
  • McDonald’s NASCAR
  • Kitchen Aid
  • Ritchie Bros
  • CBS Sports Classic
  • PwC
MEDIA MENTIONS

Not available.

sports advertising agencies
ABOUT

Mongoose is one of the leading sports advertising agencies, with a global footprint and clients in a variety of industries. They specialize in creating and executing communications campaigns and activations that establish a genuine connection with audiences on an emotional level.

In addition to their communications expertise, they also have commercial partnership sales experience and offer consultancy services. Their team of creative content developers and designers are experts at creating engaging experiences that resonate with sports fans around the world.

If you’re looking for an agency that can help you reach your target audience through sports marketing, Mongoose is the perfect partner.

SPECIALIZES IN
  • Communications
  • Commercial
  • Creative
  • Consulting
CLIENTS
  • RAF Sport Federation
  • Army Sport
  • Harlequins
  • UK Challenge
  • Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Merlin Entertainments
  • Harlem Globetrotters
  • Cirque du Soleil
MEDIA MENTIONS

Not available.

sports advertising agencies
ABOUT

As sports advertising agencies continue to grow in popularity, Knight/Eady remains ahead of the curve. The company has years of experience hosting events, getting fans in their seats, and building brand experiences.

Their comprehensive understanding of the sports industry allows them to create a compelling story that resonates with fans and drives results for their clients. In addition to their event management and marketing expertise, Knight/Eady also offers strategic planning and creative services.

This complete suite of offerings makes them one of the most valuable sports marketing partners in the business. As the sports landscape continues to evolve, companies like Knight/Eady will be essential in helping brands stay relevant and connected with their fans.

SPECIALIZES IN
  • Site Selection and Venue Management
  • Ticketing and Registration Operations
  • Budget Development and Oversight
  • Custom Research
  • Insights and Analytics
  • Media Planning and Buying
  • Public Relations
  • Social Media
  • Video Production
  • Photography
  • Graphic Design
  • Brand Development
CLIENTS
  • National Senior Games
  • United States Golf Association (USGA)
  • Junction Fitness
  • Rally the Champs
  • Noah Basketball
MEDIA MENTIONS

Not available.

sports advertising agencies
ABOUT

As one of the leading sports advertising agencies, Two Circles uses its unparalleled understanding of sports fan behavior to help sports properties solve commercial challenges and grow revenue across all key business areas.

Their full-service capabilities enable them to not only develop commercial strategies for their clients but also execute them through proprietary technology solutions and data-driven content, marketing and rights management services.

In doing so, they are able to help their clients tap into new revenue streams and drive growth in all areas of their business. As a result, Two Circles is uniquely positioned to help sports properties unlock their full potential and achieve sustained success.

SPECIALIZES IN
  • Business Strategy
  • Content Strategy
  • Product & Pricing
  • Fan & Audience Research
  • Direct Marketing
  • Paid Media Services
  • Digital Ad Operations
  • Creative & Design
  • Media Syndication
CLIENTS
  • Game Pass
  • Premier League
  • Learfield IMG College
  • The Open
  • Wimbledon
  • Hundred
  • NY Islanders
  • FC Cincinnati
  • ATP Media
  • ASCOT
  • CHL
MEDIA MENTIONS

Not available.

sports advertising agencies
ABOUT

As one of the leading sports advertising agencies, WePlay has a proven track record in delivering high-impact campaigns that generate real results. They work in partnership with the most ambitious brands in sport, entertainment, and lifestyle to help them reach their full potential.

Their unique approach combines modern marketing service provision with partner-led commercial models, enabling brands to take their ambition to the next level. They have a team of experienced professionals who are experts in their field, and they’re passionate about what they do.

They understand the challenges that brands face when trying to connect with consumers, and they are there to help. They are committed to providing the best possible service to their clients, and are always looking for new ways to improve. If you’re looking for a sports advertising agency that can help you achieve your goals, WePlay is a good choice.

SPECIALIZES IN
  • Strategy Development
  • Market Research & Intelligence
  • Health Checks and Audits
  • Social Media (Organic)
  • Influencer Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Email Marketing
  • Platform Management
  • Brand Development
  • Organic and Paid Creative
  • Digital Toolkits
  • Digital Development
  • Media Planning
  • Media Buying
  • SEO
CLIENTS
  • FIFA
  • UFC
  • AC Milan
  • Utah Jazz
  • Yokohama Tyres
  • Red Bull
  • European Club Association
  • NBA
  • Sported
  • European Tour
MEDIA MENTIONS

Not available.

Top Sports Advertising Agencies in 2024 – Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a sports advertising agency?

A sports advertising agency is a company that specializes in creating and placing advertising for sporting events and organizations. Sports advertising agencies work with a variety of clients, including professional sports teams, leagues, stadiums, arenas, event promoters, and television networks.

Sports advertising is a highly specialized field, and sports ad agencies typically have deep knowledge of the industry and how to reach target audiences. In addition to traditional advertising channels such as print, television, and radio, sports advertising agencies also often utilize newer digital channels such as social media and mobile marketing.

There are many different types of sports advertising campaigns that agencies can create, depending on the goals of the client. Some common objectives for sports ad campaigns include raising awareness for a particular team or event, driving ticket sales, increasing viewership for a televised event, or promoting a new product or service.

How much does it cost to hire any of the sports advertising agencies?

It depends on the agency. Some smaller agencies might charge only a few thousand dollars, while larger ones can charge tens of millions of dollars.

Agency fees generally fall into two categories: commission and fee-based. The commission is the percentage of media spending that the agency retains as its commission. Fee-based arrangements are where the client pays an upfront fee to hire the agency, and then pays an additional commission on any media spending generated by the agency.

Some agencies also require a retainer, which is an advance payment against future services. Retainers usually range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year.

Why choose sports advertising agencies?

There are many reasons to choose sports advertising agencies. These agencies have a deep understanding of the sports marketing and sponsorship industry. They know how to create unique and compelling marketing campaigns that resonate with fans and sponsors alike. Additionally, they have the experience and relationships necessary to negotiate and execute lucrative sponsorship deals.

Sports advertising agencies are also experts in digital marketing. They understand how to leverage social media platforms and digital channels to reach fans and consumers in new and innovative ways. And they know how to track and measure campaign results so that brands can optimize their spending and get the most value for their investment.

How much do sports advertising agencies make?

There’s no easy answer to how much sports advertising agencies make. It depends on the size of the agency, the markets they serve, and their billings. The top ten sports advertising agencies in the world (per Ad Age) commanded an average of $137 million in billings in 2018. However, smaller regional agencies may only bill a few million dollars annually.

Most sports advertising agencies are compensated on a commission basis, meaning they take a percentage of the ad spend from their clients. Commissions typically range from 10-20%, but can be as high as 30% for certain services such as media buying. Sports marketing is becoming increasingly complex, so agencies are able to command higher margins by providing comprehensive service packages that include things like event management, athlete endorsements, and social media marketing.

What services do sports advertising agencies offer?

Sports advertising agencies offer a wide range of services, from strategy and planning to creative development and media buying. They work with clients to create effective advertising campaigns that reach and influence the target audience.

Agencies typically have expertise in a particular sport or type of sport, so it’s important to choose one that has experience in the type of advertising you’re looking for. They can help with all aspects of campaign development, from creating initial concepts to negotiating rates and placing ads.

Sports advertising agencies also have a deep understanding of the sports media landscape and the various platforms where ads can be placed. This knowledge can be crucial in developing successful campaigns that reach the intended audience.

Why is advertising in sports important?

Nowadays, it is hard to find a person who has never been exposed to some form of advertising, especially advertising in sports. Advertisers use various means to reach their target audience, and sports are one of the most popular channels for advertising. There are several reasons why advertising in sports is important.

To start with, advertising in sports is a crucial part of any digital marketing strategy because sports are extremely popular. According to a study by Nielsen, nearly half of the world’s population follows at least one sport. This provides specialists in advertising in sports with a large pool of potential customers. Moreover, sports are often watched by people who are engaged and motivated, which makes them an attractive target for advertisers.

In addition, sports provide a unique opportunity to create emotional connections with viewers. Advertisers can use athletes and teams in their advertising in sports campaigns to promote their products and services, and this often results in more effective marketing campaigns. Additionally, televised sports generate a great deal of excitement and anticipation, which can lead to increased sales for the companies that advertise during the broadcasts.

Finally, advertising in sports is affordable and effective. Sports broadcasts reach a large number of viewers, and this allows advertisers to achieve a high level of exposure at a relatively low cost. Additionally, viewers are more likely to remember the advertising in sports that airs during sporting events than those that air during other types of programming. This makes advertising in sports an extremely cost-effective way to reach potential customers.

Why is advertising in sports becoming so popular?

There are a few reasons why advertising in sports has become so popular. To start, sports are watched by a large audience. People are more likely to be engaged while watching sporting events than they are during other forms of programming since advertising in sports is becoming more and more popular through the years. This engaged viewership makes it more likely that people will remember the advertisements that they see during sporting events.

Another reason why advertising in sports is popular is that it is an effective way to create brand awareness. A study by IEG found that sponsorships and advertising during sports telecasts resulted in eighty-one percent of viewers recalling the brand’s advertising message. This high recall rate means that companies can achieve significant brand awareness through advertising in sports. Additionally, sponsorship of major sporting events can create a positive association between the company and the event. For example, when consumers think of the Super Bowl, they may also think of the brands that sponsor it, such as Pepsi and Budweiser.

Lastly, advertising in sports is popular because it is an affordable way to reach a large audience. Sponsoring a major sporting event can be significantly less expensive than running a traditional ad campaign. This low cost makes advertising in sports an appealing option for companies of all sizes.

Overall, there are several reasons why advertising in sports has become so popular. Sports are watched by a large audience, people are more likely to be engaged while watching them, and they are an effective way to create brand awareness. Additionally, sponsorship of major sporting events is often an affordable way to reach a large audience.