The NFL "has not had to deal with defections" of corporate partners, sponsors or advertisers, who have "stood pat" with the league throughout the coronavirus pandemic, according to Barry Wilner of the AP. Wilner: "Potential alterations in contracts, yes. But departures? Not really." The league "even added two major companies: Subway and Invisalign." Wilner: "Not even COVID-19 has scared away the folks who, frankly, desperately need pro football to get their sales pitches and promotions across to more than 187 million Americans who call themselves NFL fans." NFL Senior VP/Sponsorship Management Tracie Rodburg said, "We have not had those conversations (of companies departing). But we've had real conversations about the messaging and how we come out together." Wilner noted the NFL "could find new or stronger revenue flows" as companies involved with college football "head to the pros for more attention and impact" (AP, 9/1).
LAST PEPSI ACTIVATION: Pepsi is rolling out the final activation of its fan-centric campaign for the '20 NFL season with a short film featuring former Steelers LB Ryan Shazier. "Every Game is a Home Game," a film by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, will tell the story of Tim and Pat Dougherty, a father and son who will not be able to attend Steelers games this season after going together for nearly 20 years (Karn Dhingra, THE DAILY).
