In recent years, esports have significantly grown in popularity, leading to the creation of numerous professional teams across the globe. As with any professional sports venture, securing sponsorships is a crucial aspect of running an esports team. This is because sponsors provide the funds necessary to pay players, manage the team, organize events, and upgrade equipment. However, getting sponsors can be a daunting task, especially when you’re just starting out. This article provides invaluable insights on how to understand the basics of esports sponsorship and create an effective pitch deck, two crucial elements for attracting sponsors.
Understanding the Basics of Esports Sponsorship
Esports sponsorship is no different from traditional sports sponsorship. In both cases, companies provide financial support in return for advertisement benefits. Esports sponsors benefit from exposure to the team’s fans, either through logo placements, mentions during live streams, or promotional content. Understanding this dynamic is the first step towards securing sponsors for your esports team.
While many traditional sports sponsors are beginning to take notice of esports, it’s essential to identify sponsors who are a great fit for your team and its audience. Look for companies whose products or services align with the interests of your team and its fans. This can be tech companies, gaming hardware manufacturers, or even snack brands popular among gamers.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to understand the value your esports team brings to potential sponsors. This could be a large fan base, a particular demographic, or a unique branding aspect. It’s imperative to quantify this value in terms that a potential sponsor would understand, such as potential impressions, reach, or engagement rates.
Essential Steps to Create an Effective Pitch Deck
A pitch deck is a presentation that provides potential sponsors with an overview of your esports team and the sponsorship opportunity. It’s your chance to make a compelling case for why a company should sponsor your team. The first step in creating an effective pitch deck is doing your homework. Understand the potential sponsor’s business, its target audience, and how their goals align with your team’s.
Once you have a thorough understanding of the potential sponsor, tailoring your pitch to their needs is the next step. Highlight how your team’s fan base matches their target demographic, showcase past successes or achievements of your team, and explain how their brand can benefit from being associated with your team.
Lastly, your pitch deck needs to be visually appealing and easy to digest. Use infographics to represent data, images of your team and its events, and clear, concise language. Remember that the people reading your pitch might not be familiar with esports, so avoid jargon where possible. Also, clearly outline the sponsorship packages you’re offering and what the sponsor stands to gain in return.
Securing sponsorship for your esports team requires a good understanding of the sponsorship landscape and a well-crafted pitch deck. By researching potential sponsors and demonstrating the value your team can bring them, you increase the likelihood of securing a partnership. Remember, success doesn’t necessarily come from getting the most sponsors, but from building meaningful relationships with the right ones. With a compelling pitch deck and a clear value proposition, your esports team will be well-positioned to attract the sponsors it needs to thrive.
