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How Celebrities Are Impacting Sports
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Source: collider
We’re seeing a new era of sport video games and with the release of FIFA 22, there are some new, but familiar faces, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, two comedians known for roles such as Deadpool and mac from its always sunny in Philadelphia.
The two Hollywood celebrities have co-invested in the non-league English team Wrexham AFC based out of Wrexham, Wales. A confusing investment but extremely interesting nonetheless.
Wrexham AFC, a club that has struggled financially and in its performances in the past, has found new light and a bright future ahead with the introduction of the McElhenney and Reynolds new involvement in the club.
Since their introduction, they have already found sponsorships from TikTok, and an increasing number of followers and fans through social media. Everyone’s favourites comedians and actors are now involved in the world of football.
Most interesting, however, is the recent announcement from my favourite video game FIFA. In FIFA 22, Wrexham AFC will be the first non-league team to be added to the game, despite having such a small fan base. Reynolds and McElhenney have been heavily advertisement their introduction to the game, wisely using their comic skills and talent to their advantage.
Now the TikTok sponsored team will be available to play in the Rest of World section of the game alongside teams such as the MLS all-stars, the Orlando Pirates, and PAOK.
A topic that may seem completely ordinary but it asks the question if this team really deserved to be added to the game, or it’s simply because of their celebrity ownership. Is it even fair to other teams who have worked effortlessly to be internationally recognized?
We may never know, but here at white whale mktg, we recognize a good marketing program, and Wrexham has done it amazingly. A team no one heard of, to now going to be the team that we all choose in FIFA 22 Career Mode. Just you wait, this time next year, Wrexham will be the most used team in FIFA 22 Career Mode, and it will be all thanks to my guy Deadpool.
Published: September 17th, 2021 - Issue 8 of The Sport Marketeer