IFL Experimenting With Sponsor Patches On Fighters’ Shorts

IFL Experimenting With Allowing Sponsorship Patches On Fighters’ Shorts

The Int’l Fight League (IFL) last week experimented with wearing sponsor patches on fighters’ shorts, and league execs believe MMA fans “will accept the fighters as endorsers,” according to Rich Thomaselli of AD AGE’s MADISON & VINE. IFL co-Founder & CEO Gareb Shamus said, “I believe there are companies out there that want our guys. We can control all the integration of sponsors.” Thomaselli writes that unlike team-sport leagues, which “do not allow athletes with individual endorsements to put sponsor patches on their uniforms, the IFL is a single entity that controls all inventory in the arena, in the ring and on apparel.” The league can negotiate “traditional signage but can also tailor a program for sponsor patches and even temporary tattoos on the athletes’ backs.” The fighters are also available to sign their own personal sponsorships. The IFL is also working on live ads for TV partners FSN and My Network TV that would include “advertising on apparel for the between-round ring girls and on the turnbuckles in the four corners of the ring” (MADISON & VINE, 4/12 issue).

WRESTLE-MANIA: The IFL and USA Wrestling have formed a partnership to increase awareness of their organizations and create grassroots programs and branding opportunities. The deal includes joint clinics and information sessions featuring athletes and coaches, beginning with the USA Wrestling World Team Trials in Las Vegas on June 9-10. There are also plans for a multimedia campaign and discount admission to IFL events (IFL).