Soccer Marketing News - Q1 2021
Mike Koeshartanto

Top Soccer Marketing News Q1 2021

It’s hard to believe we’ve already surpassed the first quarter of 2021. Between new sponsors and partners, digital initiatives, and emerging social platforms, a lot happened in the first few months of the year. To bring you up to speed we’ve gathered all the soccer marketing news you need to know as a primer for the months to come.

GESM editorials

Four future uses for soccer NFTs

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are all the rage right now. In their current existence, NFTs are almost exclusively limited to digital experiences like art and trading card collecting. However, as NFT and blockchain popularity grow, more and more use cases for soccer NFTs will arise.

Austin FC social media impact on MLS opening weekend

After years of anticipation, Austin FC finally played their first game in Major League Soccer. We dove into the social conversation surrounding the debutants and the #AustinFC hashtag. From impressions and mentions to sentiment and growth, we examined hashtag usage on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

2021 MLS jersey and sleeve partners

There are 27 teams that will compete in the 2021 MLS regular season, including debutant Austin FC. All but two, Inter Miami and the Colorado Rapids, will dawn a front-of-jersey sponsor to start the season. Additionally, there are 12 brands featured on the sleeves of 10 teams.

Chelsea FC showcases fans in New York City

We’re elated to tell a small chapter of the American soccer novel through the lens of one of our clients, Chelsea FC. In partnership with famous music and social justice photographer Mel D. Cole and his photography agency Charcoal Pitch FC, we documented the story of five Chelsea fans in New York City.

For the right brand partner the U.S. Open Cup is calling

Like many soccer fans, we admittedly have a soft spot for the nostalgia of the U.S. Open Cup. But as marketers, we also recognize the unique position of the tournament. For the U.S. Open Cup, soccer authenticity equals brand equity.

The future of soccer broadcasting

One of the compelling trends to watch over the next few years is the multi-dimensional disruption of the soccer broadcast industry in America. What is the future of soccer broadcasting? How will broadcasters utilize soccer to address linear and OTT platform needs? How will properties view this evolution and balance exposure desires with maximizing rights fees? What new opportunities will technological advances open up? How will the industry adapt to changing consumer viewing habits?

Value of Clubhouse for brands, marketers, teams

Over the past few months there’s been increased attention given to Clubhouse. What is the platform? What value does Clubhouse have for brands and marketers? Should you be on it? We answer all those questions and more in our deep dive into Clubhouse.

Value of TikTok for brands, marketers, teams

Several years ago we published a piece discussing how brands and teams can utilize Snapchat, the rising social platform at the time, to increase fan engagement. Fast forward to 2021 and there’s another platform taking the world by storm, which raises the question: what is the value of TikTok for leagues, teams, and brands?

Top news stories

There’s a lot of soccer marketing news we haven’t covered in-depth, instead opting to include as a news link in our weekly newsletter. We haven’t included all links below, but here’s a sampling of the top newsworthy items of 2021, to date.

Sponsorship, partnerships, branding
Miscellaneous

Soccer resources

Last but not least, we’ve compiled a host of information on our website to help you, the soccer fan or soccer marketer, be easier in-tune with sport. We have resources for everything from news, to soccer viewing, to the 2022 FIFA World Cup… because it’s never soon enough to think about the greatest sporting event in the world!

Looking for more details than the above compiled list? Every news story included in our newsletter can be found on this page. Let it serve as your one-stop-shop for all the major soccer marketing stories.

Where to watch soccer games

The good news? American soccer fans have more options to view the sport on TV or streaming than anywhere else in the world. The bad news? American soccer fans have more options to view the sport on TV or streaming than anywhere else in the world.

We’ve built a list of what networks and streaming platforms you can find almost every soccer league available to fans.

Most-watched soccer games in 2021

Do you like checking to see how many viewers the MLS broadcast got over the weekend and how it compared to the Premier League? Thanks to our friends at ShowBuzz Daily, we highlight the ten most-watched broadcasts of the previous week.

Most-watched soccer games in U.S. history

Curious which individual soccer games are the most-watched games in U.S. TV history? We’ve got you covered.

Categories: Feature, Featured, Just For Fun