Why Sponsor an NFL Team?
The NFL is the most valuable sports property in America. With 208 million fans, the highest TV ratings in entertainment, and passionate local markets, NFL sponsorship offers brands unmatched reach and association value.
Whether you're a national brand seeking coast-to-coast visibility or a regional business building local market dominance, NFL team partnerships provide a proven platform for brand growth.
NFL Sponsorship Tiers & Costs
NFL teams offer multiple partnership levels to accommodate different budgets and objectives.
Founding/Title Partner
$10M - $50M+ annuallyExamples: SoFi (Rams/Chargers), Allegiant (Raiders), AT&T (Cowboys)
Official Partner
$2M - $10M annuallyExamples: Regional banks, auto dealers, healthcare systems
Category Sponsor
$500K - $2M annuallyExamples: Beer sponsors, insurance companies, retail chains
Community Partner
$100K - $500K annuallyExamples: Local businesses, community organizations
Key Sponsorship Assets
Understanding the asset categories available in NFL partnerships.
Stadium Signage
LED boards, static signage, concourse displays, and premium placements visible to 65,000+ fans per game.
Value: High visibility, 8-10 home games per season, broadcast exposure
Jersey Patches
Logo placement on player jerseys, introduced in 2023. Maximum visibility across all games and media.
Value: 17 games, 250M+ broadcast viewers, constant media exposure
Digital & Social
Access to team social channels, website, email, and digital content reaching millions of engaged fans.
Value: NFL teams average 3-10M social followers, year-round engagement
Hospitality
Suite access, premium seating, pre-game experiences, and exclusive events for client entertainment.
Value: B2B relationship building, client entertainment, employee rewards
Player Appearances
Access to current and former players for events, content creation, and promotional activities.
Value: Authenticity, content creation, experiential activation
Broadcast Integration
Radio, TV, and streaming integrations including presenting sponsorships and commercial rights.
Value: Extended reach beyond stadium, regional/national exposure
Best Practices for NFL Sponsors
Maximize your NFL investment with these proven strategies.
Start with Clear Objectives
Define what success looks like before negotiating. Awareness? Lead generation? B2B relationships? Each requires different asset mixes.
Negotiate Multi-Year Terms
Sponsorship builds over time. Multi-year deals (3-5 years) deliver better ROI and favorable pricing compared to single-season commitments.
Budget for Activation
Plan to spend 1:1 on activation relative to rights fees. The best NFL sponsors leverage every asset with dedicated activation campaigns.
Integrate Across Channels
Connect your NFL partnership to retail, digital, social, and sales efforts. The most successful sponsors activate across all touchpoints.
Leverage Local Market
For regional sponsors, the local market connection is the primary value driver. Become the go-to brand for team fans in your category.
Measure Everything
Establish baseline metrics before season one. Track awareness, favorability, leads, and sales throughout the partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sponsor an NFL team?
NFL sponsorship costs vary widely by team and tier. Entry-level partnerships start around $100K-$250K. Mid-tier official partnerships range from $500K-$5M. Top-tier and stadium naming rights can exceed $10M-$50M annually. Large market teams (Cowboys, Patriots, 49ers) command premium pricing.
Can small businesses sponsor NFL teams?
Yes. Most NFL teams offer community partner tiers starting around $100K-$250K, and some offer smaller packages for local businesses. Teams also sell individual game sponsorships and promotional opportunities at lower price points.
What's the ROI of NFL sponsorship?
ROI varies by activation strategy and objectives. Well-activated NFL sponsorships typically deliver 3-8x return based on media value metrics. B2B-focused programs often see ROI through relationship development and deal acceleration. Consumer brands measure success through awareness lift and sales attribution.
How do I approach an NFL team about sponsorship?
Contact the team's corporate partnerships or business development department directly. Most teams list contacts on their websites. Alternatively, work with a sponsorship agency that has existing team relationships. Come prepared with budget range and objectives.
What makes NFL sponsorship different from other sports?
NFL offers unmatched broadcast reach (most-watched TV in America), intense fan passion, concentrated impact (17-game season), and premium brand association. The scarcity of games makes each activation more impactful compared to 82-game NBA/NHL or 162-game MLB seasons.
Managing NFL Sponsorship?
SponsorFlo helps teams and sponsors track deliverables, measure ROI, and manage partnerships—from proposal to renewal.