For Fighters: Executing your sponsorship call - Nilmi Fight League

Putting out a sponsorship call for fighters involves a strategic approach to attract potential sponsors and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
To start:
Create a page using some tools like gofundme.com or justgiving.com, and connect it to your bank account.
Add the link to your instagram bio.
This make it easy for people to support you with one click. AKA cash in your bank account instantly. Stop overthinking it!
Now, you need to market yourself. And do it in a way that ATTRACTS sponsors.
  1. Define Your Objectives: Clearly outline the goals and objectives of your sponsorship program. Understand what you can offer sponsors and what you expect in return.

For example: I will be fighting on Nilmi Fight League Pro level Championships. I will offer space on my shirt for business logos for walkout, weigh-in photos, pre-defined social media posts, and a free t-shirt with logo in exchange for a cash offer.

  1. Create a Sponsorship Proposal: Develop a professional and compelling sponsorship proposal. Include details such as:
  • Overview of your organisation or event
  • Demographics of your audience - e.g. watched by 10M viewers worldwide!
  • Benefits of sponsoring you as a fighter - e.g. you get 10K social media viewers, etc.
  • Sponsorship levels and associated perks - e.g. bronze/ silver/ gold?
  • Specific needs and goals of the fighters 
  • Duration of the sponsorship - e.g. will it be goals based? Just fight camp? etc.

    1. Identify Target Sponsors: Research and identify potential sponsors who align with your fighters' brand and values. This could include sports brands, fitness companies, nutrition brands, and local businesses. e.g. you want your missions to align. If you're a vegan, don't pitch to a bacon company. If you care about the environment, avoid oil companies, and so on. Your missions and visions should generally align to maintain authenticity.

    1. Reach Out to Potential Sponsors: Contact potential sponsors via email, phone calls, or in-person meetings. Clearly articulate the benefits of sponsoring your fighters and how it aligns with their marketing objectives. e.g. your offer and communication should be simple and clear. Be truthful about what you can do and be open and honest about what is outside the offer if they ask for too much.

    2. Highlight Fighter Profiles: Showcase your achievements, skills, and personal stories. Include details about their training regimen, competition history, and any notable accomplishments. This will make your sponsorship proposal more compelling. e.g. You need to sell yourself here! Why do you stand out over others? Why should they care? 

    3. Utilise Social Media and Online Platforms: Leverage social media platforms, websites, and online forums to promote your sponsorship call. Create engaging content about your fighters and the benefits of sponsorship. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility. e,g. it's 2024, you MUST be active on social media, there is no other way. And brands care about this.

    4. Organise Events or Demonstrations: Ask your coach to host events or demonstrations that showcase your skills and draw attention to you as a fighter/ draw in sponsorship programs. Invite potential sponsors to witness the talent firsthand. e.g. even interclubs are also good for this. Building up excitement for your upcoming show.

    5. Network at Sporting Events: Attend relevant sporting events or conferences to network with potential sponsors. Establishing face-to-face connections can be valuable in building relationships. e.g. If you don't know how to small talk, go learn. Take a course on communication, time to get comfortable talking to strangers!

    6. Offer Customisable Packages: Provide sponsors with customizable packages that cater to their specific needs and budget. This flexibility makes it easier for sponsors to align with your fighters and organization. e.g. smaller businesses may ask for more detail in their sponsorships packages, do not lie about your output and what you can do and stick to what you agree to. Larger sponsors may ask for exclusivity, try to negotiate terms accordingly, you don't want to only be stuck with one sponsor, when there may be several small ones interested. If it is a larger sponsor and will bring you big visibilty, then go for it! But try not to burn bridges. Small brand owners will remember and they are usually connected to larger sponsors, so be careful and act professionally.

    7. Follow Up: After sending out sponsorship proposals or making initial contact, follow up with potential sponsors to gauge interest, address any questions or concerns, and negotiate terms. e.g. if they don't answer your email, send a reminder. Do not give up, follow up!

    8. Maintain Relationships: Once sponsors are on board, maintain strong relationships. Regularly update them on your fighters' progress, provide exposure through various channels, and fulfill any agreed-upon obligations. e.g. this is possibly the most important part. It is very important that if you promise something, you stick to it. Do not agree to terms you cannot execute on. They will not work with you again if you do not fulfill your agreement. Like we said, keep it simple.

    If you need support for fight sponsor management, our team can help. If you are eligible*, we host your picture and link on our website and we charge a small % per sponsorship deal acquired on full value of funding. info@nilmifightleague.com

    *T&Cs apply

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