Ally
Ally
After announcing in 2022 a five-year goal to reach equal spending on women’s and men’s sports, Ally is on track to accomplish the mark this year. A major sponsor of the NWSL, it executed two unique “SportsCenter” takeovers highlighting only women’s sports and featuring an all-female cast and crew. Ally added sponsorship of a women’s college basketball tipoff game in Charlotte, and became the official retail banking partner of the USGA and presenting partner for the U.S. Women’s Open.
Jenna Fernandez Photography for American Express
American Express
American Express launched major activations across Formula 1 as a sponsor for the Americas, the racing circuit’s first regional sponsorship. From Race Radios in Austin and Mexico to a three-story fan experience trackside space and the F1 Hub at Las Vegas, the payment card brand offered exclusive activations at every stop to reward card members, with effective results. AmEx’s efforts also included activations at Wimbledon and U.S. Open tennis, U.S. Open men’s and women’s golf championships, the NBA and WNBA.
Diageo North America
Diageo
Sponsorship efforts around the spirits company’s numerous brands were huge and captivating. Through Captain Morgan, Diageo offered fans lifetime experiences through NFL Fan of the Year and Follow the Captain initiatives. Crown Royal continued to recognize military and community contributors in efforts across the NBA and NFL with its That Deserves A Crown promotion. Johnnie Walker advocated for equity in women’s sports through Angel City FC and Gotham FC partnerships.
Greater Orlando Sports Commission
Kia America
Kia America’s finalist status is anchored in the company’s efforts across the NBA and WNBA. Now reaching a 16-year partnership, Kia has 15 NBA team deals and is a major sponsor of the NBA All-Star Game, including the Skills Challenge and Crossover Activation Space. In the WNBA, Kia pioneered the sponsorship of the Skills Challenge and its W Live activation. The carmaker also signed for naming rights to the Kia Forum in Inglewood and Kia Center in Orlando.
MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts
It was an epic sports year in Las Vegas, and MGM Resorts took full advantage of the major opportunities in its hometown. Highlights included the F1 Las Vegas race, and WNBA and NHL titles for Vegas teams, bringing the international spotlight on the desert city. MGM created exclusive hospitality for the F1 race and was a big part of the inaugural All-MLB weekend in December. MGM Resorts has a large portfolio of 90 teams, leagues, associations and events.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile
T-Mobile focused its efforts with 5G in 2023, both in using its 5G network for activations as well as using it to provide solutions for its partners. Major activations for the brand in the past year included the MLB All-Star Game in Seattle, at T-Mobile Park in the company’s hometown; the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix; and the annual SEC Football Championship in Atlanta.
