#5 Athlete + Sports Drink

Author

Grant Sapkin
October 13, 2024

Interested in signing an NIL deal with a sports drink company?

Here is how Juju Watkins signed with Gatorade:

1️⃣ Played hard from a young age.

2️⃣ Won Gatorade's Player of the Year awards.

3️⃣ Built a strong connection with the brand.

4️⃣ Joined an elite team of athletes.

Watkins called the deal a "surreal dream." She feels thrilled to stand beside legends like Michael Jordan and Candace Parker.

Once you have established yourself as a talented and dedicated athlete, the next step is to seek out potential NIL deals with sports drink companies.

Research the market for sports drink companies that align with your values. Below is a list of 10 sports drink brands.

Look at their previous partnerships and determine which ones align with your personal brand.

Next, start building a strong social media presence. In today's digital age, having a strong social media presence is crucial to land NIL deals. Companies want athletes who can help expand their reach and promote their products on social media platforms.

Example - post training content daily drinking the product and how it helps you perform as an athlete in your sport.

Put together a portfolio that showcases your athletic achievements, personal brand, and social media following. This will help companies see the VALUE you can bring to their brand.

Reach out directly to the sports drink companies on social media or email. Be professional and make sure to highlight why you would be a great fit for their brand.

“Hi {SPORTS DRINK NAME}, my name is {FULL NAME} and I compete in {SPORT} at {SCHOOL NAME}. I want to discuss a partnership to help expand your reach with the sports drink products you offer.

In the example below I promoted your {PRODUCT NAME} to my audience and received {NUMBER} engagement. Are you available to schedule a call this week to discuss a partnership?

Link your social post below.”

When negotiating the NIL deal, make sure you have a clear understanding of what is expected from both parties. It's important to consider your value and not undersell yourself.

As an athlete, it is a perfect combination to partner up with a sports drink brand.

Let’s make it happen. 🚀🚀

Best,

GS