1851

Franchise brands utilize a range of marketing tactics, and endorsements by pro athletes are a powerful method. While having the backing of an athlete is exciting in its own right, the decision to work with one is much more strategic than it may appear at the surface level.One of the primary draws of seeking athlete endorsements is the audience that an athlete can bring along. There are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/2113/sports-on-tv/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-franchise-brands-love-pro-athlete-endorsements-2720900#topicOverview" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">millions of viewers</a> for various sporting events each year, and the relationship that people have with “their” team or favorite athlete is truly unique.In many cases, professional athletes build a following that will continue to engage with the individual with less of a focus on where that individual is. Whether they transfer teams or work with a different retail brand, the audience members who are committed to the athlete as a person or role model will continue to engage.Pro Athlete Endorsements Increase Exposure and DemandThis one is simple. If an athlete endorses your brand, their audience is also your audience. With many athletes having millions of followers on social platforms, having an endorsement is an easy way to see an immediate boost in visibility.As such, sales may also increase. There will be some members of that athlete’s audience that simply have never heard of the franchise’s product or service but would be happy to make a purchase. Bringing awareness to these people can boost sales.&nbsp;Further, for people who were previously aware of the brand but not entirely sold on the concept, hearing an endorsement from a pro athlete can be the final push needed. People generally trust the judgment of pro athletes due to their level of success. There is a common idea that if a product or service is good enough for a celebrity, it is likely more than adequate for an everyday consumer.&nbsp;Even if an athlete is endorsing a brand within a sector that they have no real knowledge about, their presence can override any need for expertise in the eyes of the broader audience. Take&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/aliciajessop/2012/07/17/subways-partnership-with-michael-phelps-brings-the-brand-large-scale-exposure/?sh=59cc51e96b2b&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-franchise-brands-love-pro-athlete-endorsements-2720900" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michael Phelps’ Subway endorsement</a>, for example. Phelps is a swimmer, not a chef or master sandwich artist. But, rather than endorsing a pool cleaning franchise, he swam the length of the pool for a Subway sandwich in a commercial. Still, his demonstration of enjoyment of the Subway product reached the eyes of many Americans who were interested in him as a person, and their admiration of him was reason enough to cultivate credibility.Athletes Create Differentiation in a Saturated Market<a href="https://webtribunal.net/blog/how-many-ads-do-we-see-a-day/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-franchise-brands-love-pro-athlete-endorsements-2720900#gref" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Recent data</a> shows that the average person sees between 4,000 and 10,000 ads each day. With so much input, it becomes easier and easier for consumers to simply scroll by, tune out an ad on a podcast or look away from video ads. Having a pro athlete sharing an endorsement, as opposed to a more standardized advertisement, can be the unique content necessary to stop the perpetual scroll and win the audience’s attention over.While this differentiator can make ads stand out, which is certainly a useful benefit, it also just sets the businesses apart within the market. Not every concept can secure a pro athlete endorsement, so having one inherently makes the brand a part of a unique group, and this accomplishment permeates beyond the context of active advertisements. When brands are able to build this sort of reputation and create connections with their audience through an athlete, the consumer connection to the concept is typically stronger and enjoys more longevity. &nbsp;

Why Franchise Brands Love Pro Athlete Endorsements

1851 Franchise

Pro athletes connect with their audience in a truly unique way. As they foray into brand partnerships and endorsements, their fans typically follow, bringing great benefit to those companies.

why-franchise-brands-love-pro-athlete-endorsements

Voodoo Brewing Co.

Why I Bought: How Alex and Chrissy Bergren Turned Their Passion for Craft Beer Into a Thriving Voodoo Brewing Co. in Virginia Beach

why-i-bought-how-alex-and-chrissy-bergren-turned-their-passion-for-craft-beer-into-a-thriving-voodoo-brewing-co-in-virginia-beach

Beef 'O' Brady's

Beef 'O' Brady's - Brass Tap - Q1 2025 Momentum - 1851 Franchise

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap Kick Off 2025 With Growth, Innovation and Record Sales for Q1

fsc-franchise-co-q1-2025-momentum

BoConcept

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Space: BoConcept’s Tips for Making Outdoor Living Cozy and Stylish

creating-the-perfect-outdoor-space-boconcept

Right at Home

Albano Mahilaj Turned Personal Challenges Into a Purpose-Driven Right at Home Franchise

right-at-home-franchise-albano-mahilaj

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo of Layne's Chicken Fingers restaurant after dark with red lights around top of building

Layne’s Chicken Fingers to Expand in Mid-Atlantic, Bringing Its Soon to Be FamousTM Flavor to New Markets

laynes-chicken-fingers-mid-atlantic-expansion

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Photo of powerlifter, wearing red singlet and white socks, preparing to deadlift

The 5 Business and Life Lessons I Learned from Powerlifting

the-5-business-and-life-lessons-i-learned-from-powerlifting

Consulting and Development | Big Sky Franchise Team — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

Big Sky Franchise Team: Expert Consulting for Scalable Growth

consulting-and-development-big-sky-franchise-team-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

franchise supplier award design with Locate AI logo and 1851 Franchise badge

Franchise Real Estate Services | Locate AI — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

locate-ai-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Guidant Financial - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

Guidant Financial: Strategic Funding Solutions To Accelerate Growth

meet-the-supplier-guidant-financial-group-inc

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

Why Franchise Brands Love Pro Athlete Endorsements

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS