Maximizing NIL During March Madness

How To Stand Out In All Of The Madness

ncaa

It’s 1970. The sun is shining, the temperature warm, and the FIFA World Cup is being hosted in Mexico. With a rumbling tone of excitement around the stadium, Peru is set to take on Pelé and Brazil. The match is about to begin but wait… Pelé, at the half, lowers to a knee and begins retying his shoes. One after the other. A necessity for any high-level athlete, ensuring your equipment is set for peak performance. However, unlike you or I reading this, when we tie our skates, left then right, preparing to skate the Rideau Canal after work as a little cardio session, we don’t have millions of eyes on us, like Pelé.

This moment in time cost Puma $125k – it was planned.

Similarly, to the FIFA World Cup, March Madness also has the spotlight in North America shining on some of the top college basketball players in the world. This leaves the question for athletes to ask, how do I maximize off the madness? Great question.

First, who knows maybe there’s a chance for a moment like Pelé’s to be recreated one day – take Zion Williamson and his ruptured Nike shoe whilst playing at Duke. Although not the greatest look for a brand when trying to serve premier athletes, it earned massive media attention. As they say, all publicity is good publicity.

Let’s get back on topic on how YOU can maximize your time under the madness without having to pull a stunt like the ones mentioned above. The underlying takeaway of building a brand and capitalizing on NIL is dependent on one major factor, YOU. How you come off whether it be successful on the court, relatable in interviews, or iconic in your style all have the potential to strike a chord with someone watching. Your ability to maintain this reputation as a superstar, down to Earth or fashionable person is based on the degree of authenticity. Is it really you?

Developing longevity in a brand is directly correlated with the degree of authenticity. Can you maintain this persona of media darling forever? If so, you’re either an amazing actor and should probably leave March Madness and go to Hollywood, or you’re just genuinely a nice person who can get along with people easily. This is applicable for all descriptors of your brand – fashion, gaming, outdoors, etc. A personal brand needs to be personal which is why if you don’t believe in living an outdoors lifestyle, don’t sell it. Only sell or market something you believe, and in this case, that’s YOU.

There’s your insightful reading for the day, here are some takeaways on how to shine through the madness:

Use products you like to showcase categories that fit within your portfolio.

Enjoy purple-flavoured hydration drinks? Drink a different brand every day on game day, walk up and post it.

Tell a story with your shoes.

Playing for a smaller school? Customize your shoes each round, starting with Cinderella far from the castle and getting closer each round.

Provide a behind-the-scenes perspective.

On TikTok or Instagram? Demonstrate what life is like in the tournament via short-form content.

I had to cut the list short. The list was growing and was going to be too big. If you want more ideas or are interested in chatting pertaining to the ideas above or streaming, podcasting, merchandise, NFTS, etc., shoot us a message via @whitewhalemktg 

Published: March 4, 2022 - Issue 28 of The Sport Marketeer