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Jul 30, 2024
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Corey Bruno
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Evaluating Athlete-Influencers
As the Olympic flame dims and athletes return to their campuses, a golden opportunity arises for brands in the world of Athlete Influencer Marketing. The intersection of Olympic glory and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) partnerships creates a unique landscape for innovative marketing strategies. Let's explore why now is the perfect time to forge connections with college Olympic athletes and how to maximize these partnerships.
The Post-Olympic NIL Opportunity
The Olympics provide a global stage that significantly boosts an athlete's profile. As these college stars return to campus, they bring with them increased visibility and engagement. This presents an ideal moment for brands to establish NIL partnerships, leveraging the athletes' Olympic experiences and their upcoming college seasons.
Top College Olympians to Watch
Out2Win's Olympic Athlete Marketability Report has identified several standout college Olympians who present excellent partnership potential:
Sunisa Lee - Minnesota
Hailey Van Lith - TCU
Frederick Richard - Michigan
Parker Valby - UF
Khoi Young - Stanford
Jade Carey - Oregon State
Amit Elor - Diablo Valley College
Kennedy Blades - ASU
Rachel Glenn - Arkansas
Phia Gladieux - Penn State
These athletes represent a diverse range of sports and have demonstrated both athletic excellence and social media savvy.
Maximizing Social Media Engagement in Sports
Olympic athletes often see a surge in social media following during the Games. By partnering with them immediately after, brands can tap into this expanded, highly engaged audience. Strategies to consider include:
Behind-the-scenes content of the athlete's return to campus life
Q&A sessions about their Olympic experience
Challenges that incorporate the brand and the athlete's sport
Video SEO: A Key Component
With the rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels, video content is more crucial than ever in Athlete Influencer Marketing. Brands should focus on creating shareable, engaging video content with their athlete partners. This not only boosts engagement but also improves search engine visibility through video SEO.
Olympic Marketing Strategies for the College Season
As athletes transition back to college competition, brands can create campaigns that bridge their Olympic achievements with their collegiate goals. This could include:
"Road from Paris 2024" content series
Showcasing how the athlete applies Olympic-level training to college sports
Highlighting the athlete's leadership role on their college team
The Long-Term Value of Early Partnerships
By establishing NIL partnerships now, brands position themselves for long-term success. These athletes will likely continue to grow in prominence, potentially becoming professional athletes or influential figures in their sports. Early partnerships can lead to enduring relationships that evolve with the athlete's career.
Navigating NIL Regulations
It's crucial for brands to understand and comply with NIL regulations, which can vary by state and institution. While navigating platforms like Out2Win, make sure to research these complexities to ensure compliant, effective partnerships.
Take Advantage Now
The post-Olympic period offers a unique window for brands to establish meaningful NIL partnerships with college athletes. By acting now, companies can leverage the increased visibility of these Olympic stars, create engaging content across social media platforms, and set the foundation for long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
Ready to elevate your brand with Olympic athlete partnerships? Contact Out2Win today to learn how our Athlete-Marketing Intelligence Platform can help you identify and connect with the perfect college Olympic athletes for your brand.