SPONSOR INSIGHTS
Partnership Reports
Brands Target Rising Stars in the NWSL
Forbes featured insights from our Women In Sports Marketing Partnerships 2023–24 report, highlighting Alyssa and Gisele Thompson's aspirations to join the ranks of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) alongside soccer greats. Their journey, marked by admiration for Alex Morgan's prowess both on and off the pitch, is a testament to the impact of sports icons on aspiring talents. Morgan—heralded for her formidable endorsement portfolio—topped SponsorUnited's list as the most-endorsed female athlete in 2022 with 27 brand deals, demonstrating the influence of sports performance and brand partnerships. In 2023, Morgan was ranked the 8th most endorsed female athlete with 19 brand deals. The Thompson sisters' transition from admiring fans to competitors and collaborators with Morgan underlines a dynamic landscape where athletes' marketability extends beyond their athletic achievements, as observed in their multifaceted partnerships with brands like Nike and BodyArmor.
The involvement of the Thompsons’ with BodyArmor, alongside their historic NIL agreement with Nike, encapsulates the evolving sponsorship arena, where athletes are increasingly recognized for their brand-building potential. This strategic partnership with BodyArmor, underscored by their commitment to the US Soccer Federation, signals a burgeoning recognition of soccer's rise in the US sports spectrum. The insights from our Women In Sports Report dives into these developments to illuminate the intricate interplay between athletes, brands, and rights holders showcasing the depth of opportunities within the sports sponsorship ecosystem. As soccer's prominence in the US continues to rise, the foresight of companies like BodyArmor in aligning with both promising talents and established stars presents a blueprint for leveraging the growing appeal of soccer to secure brand engagement and market presence.