A Year in Review: Key Insights and Sponsorship Opportunities for 2024
- December 29, 2023
- SponsorPulse Staff
From unexpected expansions to breakout stars, let's take a victory lap through some key highlights and peek ahead at what promises to be another action-packed year.
MLB Expansion: A League of Its Own
The buzz around Major League Baseball's potential expansion has kept fans and cities on the edge of their seats.
While the final verdict and timeline are still in the air, cities like Charlotte, Nashville, Portland, and Montreal are actively vying to host a new MLB team.
The decision will undoubtedly be a game-changer, but while the final call and timeline remain shrouded in mystery, one thing's for sure: 2024 could see some exciting cities joining the MLB Expansion conversation.
WNBA Growth: An Ode to the Rising Women’s Sports
Women’s sports are as hot as ever, with the WNBA leading the charge.
The WNBA has been a trailblazer in engagement growth over the past five years, with a remarkable 10% surge in 2022 compared to 2019.
The women's basketball league now stands as one of the most engaging properties, trailing only the WTA in women's sports engagement.
SponsorPulse's data reveals the WNBA's remarkable journey, proving that women's sports are gaining strength and captivating audiences in unprecedented ways — something to monitor closely as these continue to rise in 2024 and beyond.
NBA Expansion: More Than Meets the Eye
Remember the last time the NBA welcomed a new team? You might need to dust off your old VHS tapes.
The good news is NBA expansion talks have reignited, with Seattle and Las Vegas taking center stage. However, don't be surprised if other cities throw their hats into the ring at the last minute.
But here's the curveball: other cities like Mexico City, Montreal, and Vancouver could pull a surprise three-pointer at the buzzer.
With demographics, economics, and that ever-important "it factor" all playing a role, the NBA's decision promises to be a nail-biter.
Venue Activation and Naming Rights in the Spotlight
Remember the days of empty arenas? Yeah, neither do we.
With fans flooding back to stadiums and attendance records shattering like glass backboards, naming rights have become a hotter ticket than ever.
SponsorPulse's data shows that while the cost of acquiring naming rights might be steep, the returns can be substantial, especially regarding local and national recognition.
2024 will undoubtedly bring more naming rights opportunities, making it a strategic investment for companies looking to make a home run in the hearts of fans.
Cricket's Quiet Surge in North America
Who knew crickets could be so captivating? While some might have written off cricket's chances in the competitive North American sports scene, the data tells a different story.
SponsorPulse's data reveals a growth of at least 4% in engagement for major cricket properties like the Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League, and ICC Cricket World Cup in North America since 2019.
This steady growth, particularly in a region not traditionally associated with the sport, suggests that cricket's boundaries are likely to continue to expand faster in 2024.
Pickleball: A Smash Hit
On a lighter note, the unlikely star of the show in 2023 was Pickleball. The global market for pickleball could be worth $2 billion by 2027, with a steady CAGR of 10.32%.
The success of Pickleball’s growth can be attributed to USA Pickleball's forward-facing initiatives, strategic partnerships, and commitment to providing opportunities for players at all levels.
If the sport continues to garner attention in 2024, it will further establish itself as a lasting presence in the sports and sponsorships scene.
2024: A Year Ahead
As we embark on the journey into 2024, SponsorPulse remains your trusted companion for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of sponsorship opportunities.
To learn more and stay ahead of the game, create a free SponsorPulse account today.
Cheers to another year of exciting developments in the world of sponsorships!
