The Future of Sports Sponsorship is Tethered to Crypto

As we open a new chapter in life’s book — titled ‘2019’ — it has become quite evident that cryptocurrency is here to stay.

To take that a step further, it is not only going to stay but it is going to be a driving force as technology continues to rapidly evolve in the next decade.

Blockchain technology — the base for cryptocurrency — has seen a quiet adoption from some of the largest companies in the world. From Amazon to Alibaba, and everything in between. IBM has even made it very public, through TV commercials, that they are using blockchain to track a product’s lifecycle.

But a 30-second spot on TV from just one company will not move consumers closer to mass-adoption. The consumer needs to see the benefit of blockchain and cryptos in everyday life. It needs to relate to them.

That is where sports sponsorship will take a massive role in promoting blockchain technology, but also showing how practical the technology is when acquiring said sponsorships…more on that in a bit.

Let’s start with the latest in sponsorships. Charlie Lee, the creator of Litecoin, announced this week that the crypto would be sponsoring the next UFC 232 on Dec. 29.

“We are excited to announce that Litecoin is the Official Cryptocurrency Partner of UFC 232: JONES vs. GUSTAFFSON 2,” via a press release on the Litecoin website. “This epic event, which features the highly anticipated main event rematch between former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones against UFC light heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson.”

This will certainly not be the last time Litecoin enters the professional sports ecosystem to create exposure for its currency (and brand).

“Throughout the past year, Litecoin and the Litecoin Foundation have had the opportunity to partner with some great companies and brands. While we will continue to explore these opportunities in 2019, there are several reasons why we think it makes sense for Litecoin to step into UFC’s world-famous Octagon now.

“With UFC events like this, receiving millions of viewers, having the Litecoin logo displayed on the Octagon’s canvas gives LTC global awareness that can spark interest and drive engagement with people from all walks of life who may have never heard of Litecoin or cryptocurrency before.”

Now, this is the first time a cryptocurrency has sponsored a UFC event. But there have been sponsorships in the last year that are linked to professional fighters.

MMA fighter Rory MacDonald donned sponsored gear from Bitcoin Cash on social media in pictures and training videos. He even advocated that fighters should seek to be paid in crypto to make transfers more efficient

“More and more fighters will want to be paid via cryptocurrency, not only because the value keeps rising but also because it is far more efficient than traditional banking,” Zahabi said.

Speaking of transfers, it was rumored earlier this year that the $100 million transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid to Juventus would be paid in Bitcoin. This would allow for a more seamless peer-to-peer transfer between the clubs and eliminate fees from third-parties.

The Bitcoin transfer was never confirmed but it was a good sign that there is a potential application for future deals that are just as lucrative.

Football (soccer) has made the most waves when it comes to mass adoption for crypto in professional sports. From the Premier League signing a deal with eToro to Lionel Messi’s partnership with Sirin Labs.

How to Create Mass Adoption

Despite all of the success crypto has seen through sponsorship in the sports world, we have to admit that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Automobile, alcohol, tech companies, and restaurants still dominate the mainstream sports sponsorship space.

Crypto companies want to play on sports biggest stage alongside the top brands of the world.

But how…

Instant Sponsor — a blockchain powered sports sponsorship platform — will act as a trailblazer and bring cryptos to the forefront of sports advertising.

This revolutionary platform changes the game when it comes to matching sponsors with the perfect sponsorship opportunity that yields a vast return on investment. Instant Sponsor’s patented algorithm cuts down a typically elongated sponsor acquisition process, eliminating cold-calling/cold-emailing and allowing the sponsors and rights holder to match in a matter of hours rather than months (or even years).

This platform opens up the door for both sponsors and rights holders to forge new relationships. Effectively democratizing the sports sponsorship playing field so any brand can play on sport’s grandest stages.

This will play to the advantage of crypto brands who are in search of ways to create mass adoption through the power of the professional sports ecosystem.

If you are interested in Instant Sponsor’s platform then you should check out the Instant Sponsor website and join the Official Telegram Community to receive news and updates about the company and sports sponsorship industry.