Spanish Sports Federations: A Look at Top sponsors
The landscape of sports sponsorship in Spain is thriving,with 42 federations securing a total of 372 sponsorship agreements from 217 brands by the end of February. This represents a notable increase from the previous year, with 13 additional agreements and 5 new federations joining the ranks.
Leading the pack is Iberdrola,a prominent energy company committed to empowering women in sports. with a staggering 32 sponsorships across various federations, Iberdrola has doubled its commitment since 2016. This dedication has coincided with a remarkable 42% surge in female sports licenses within these federations, highlighting the company’s positive impact.
Iberdrola’s support extends to a diverse range of sports, including underwater activities, bowling, winter sports, weightlifting, judo, Olympic wrestling, mountain climbing, swimming, skating, pelota, rowing, squash, taekwondo, tennis, archery, and sailing. These federations join Iberdrola’s existing partnerships with organizations like the athletics, badminton, handball, boxing, ice sports, fencing, football, gymnastics, hockey, karate, canoeing, rugby, surfing, table tennis, triathlon, and volleyball federations.
Trailing closely behind Iberdrola is Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, securing 26 sponsorships with federations encompassing motor racing, badminton, pelota, rowing, surfing, triathlon, ice sports, athletics, handball, baseball, softball, cycling, winter sports, fencing, gymnastics, golf, hockey, karate, swimming, skating, canoeing, tennis, table tennis, archery, sailing, volleyball, and horse riding.
Rounding out the top three is LaLigaSportsTV, LaLiga’s over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform, boasting 17 agreements with federations. these include underwater activities, bowling, boxing, Olympic wrestling, rowing, rugby, surfing, ice sports, baseball, softball, fencing, weightlifting, karate, canoeing, taekwondo, tennis, archery, and horse riding. Launched three years ago, LaLigaSportsTV aimed to bolster federation sponsorship through its streaming platform. While the platform broadcasts up to 30 different sports in Spain,the number of federations it sponsors has slightly decreased compared to the previous year.
Other notable sponsors include joma, a Toledo-based sports equipment company, with ten agreements across federations like ball sports, rowing, rugby, ice sports, athletics, handball, cycling, tennis, and table tennis. halcón Viajes, a travel agency, secures the fifth spot with nine federations under its wing, including boxing, Olympic wrestling, pelota, rowing, triathlon, soccer, sailing, and rugby.
The Spanish Automobile Federation emerges as the most supported federation in 2022, garnering 29 sponsors. The Royal Spanish Motorcycle Federation follows closely with 27 sponsors, while the Royal spanish Handball Federation secures 20 agreements. These figures underscore the growing importance of sponsorship and institutional support in the Spanish sporting landscape.
A Winning Partnership: Dissecting Sponsorship in Spanish Sports with olympic Fencer, Ainhoa Pajares
Welcome back to “On the Racket,” where we delve into the heart of the sporting world. Today, we have a true champion joining us, Olympic fencer Ainhoa Pajares. Ainhoa, thanks for being here.
Ainhoa: It’s my pleasure to be here!
Moderator: We’re here to discuss the exciting news about the rise of sports sponsorship in Spain.
As a professional athlete,how notable is this growth for you and your fellow competitors?
Ainhoa: It’s absolutely vital. Sponsorship isn’t just about funding; it’s a validation of our dedication, of the hard work and passion we pour into our sports. It signals that our achievements matter, and that businesses see value in supporting us.
Moderator: Absolutely. The data speaks for itself. Iberdrola, a major energy company, has doubled its commitment to sponsoring Spanish federations sence 2016, supporting over 30 different sports. They’ve even been linked with a 42% surge in female sports licenses. Do you think this type of corporate engagement is crucial for encouraging female participation in sports?
Ainhoa: Without a doubt! Iberdrola’s dedication to women’s sports is truly commendable. It sends a powerful message to young girls and women that they have a place in the sporting world and that their dreams are worth investing in.
Moderator:We also see other major players like Loterías y Apuestas del estado and LaLigaSportsTV making significant strides in supporting various federations. Do you think this type of multi-sector support is essential for a thriving sports ecosystem?
Ainhoa: I believe so.Every federation has unique needs, and having diverse sponsors brings a range of expertise and resources. It’s wonderful to see such a variety of brands stepping up, not just conventional sportswear companies or energy giants, but also travel agencies like Halcón Viajes and streaming platforms like LaLigaSportsTV. This demonstrates a belief in the holistic growth of Spanish sport.
Moderator: Interestingly, while LaLigaSportsTV has shown a decrease in sponsored federations compared to last year, it remains a significant player in the field. Do you see this as a trend, or do you think their future involvement might increase?
Ainhoa: It’s important to remember that the landscape of sponsorship is constantly evolving.
Perhaps LaLigaSportsTV is focusing on more tailored partnerships that provide deeper value to both the federations and their viewers.
Their streaming platform has the potential to reach massive audiences,allowing them to amplify the visibility of lesser-known sports,which I think is incredibly valuable.
Moderator: Certainly. Ainhoa, from your experience, what advice would you give to young athletes seeking sponsorship? What should they focus on?
Ainhoa: First and foremost, dedication and excellence in your sport. sponsors want to see athletes who are driven, passionate, and committed to achieving their goals. Beyond that, building a strong online presence, engaging with your community, and highlighting your unique story can make you stand out.
Moderator: Wise words from a champion. Ainhoa, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us.
Ainhoa: My pleasure!
readers, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you think corporate sponsorship is crucial for the future of Spanish sports? Which sports or federations deserve more support, and why? Share your opinions in the comments below!
