How can you create a compelling pitch to potential sponsors for competitive gaming?

Understanding your goals and aligning them with potential sponsors is crucial. For UEL, this means creating partnerships that not only enhance our league's visibility but also resonate with our community's values. It's about mutual growth and shared success in the esports ecosystem.

In a world where there are endless opportunities and avenues for brands to spend their money, you need to be solving a problem for them. ie. Are you providing access to a market they can't reach in other ways? Do you allow them entry into something that is otherwise blocked by competitor brands? Can you bring legitimacy to them amongst gamers? You therefore need to truly understand what their objectives are and what their pain points are and build your pitch to answer those questions.

Especially when non-endemics look towards the space, their initial touch point can be very quantitative. Endemic brands should understand their sponsors own understanding of the space and educate them through the pitching process on some of the qualitative benefits that competitive gaming audiences can facilitate, or are accustomed to.

Thorough research is key to identifying the right sponsors. For us at UEL, it's about finding partners who are as passionate about innovation and community as we are. We look for those who understand the unique dynamics of esports and are committed to fostering a positive gaming culture.

It's like choosing the right teammates for a game – you need to research them. Identify sponsors that match your gaming style and audience. Look for ones interested in your kind of games, sharing your goals and supporting esports. Dig into their history – see if they've backed gaming projects before. Understand what they're facing right now, their challenges, needs, and opportunities. This knowledge is like having a secret weapon. By doing your homework, you're not just asking for sponsorship; you're showing them you're serious, professional, and know their business.

Values are more than just mere statistics, containing the essence of why a sponsor should collaborate with you. It's about showcasing a synergy of values, achievements, and unique selling points that resonate on a deeper level, e.g.: "We seek sponsors who weight long-term relationships and build on shared principles. Together, we can amplify brand awareness, forge meaningful connections, and drive sales by embodying the values that unite us. Let's embark on a journey that transcends the game, creating lasting impacts in the market and beyond." This approach highlights a mutual pursuit of values, ensuring sponsors that their investment is more than a transaction—it's a partnership for growth and shared success.

A proposition should speak to the potential sponsor. It needs to make sense from a data perspective but also from a business perspective. The better story you can tell through the proposition and how it solves their challenges the higher chance of success.

In an advertising/sponsorship pitch there is an ask and an offer. What exactly are you asking from your sponsor, and what is your offer for them. This value proposition has to be better than what they can get elsewhere.

Our value proposition to sponsors is clear: UEL offers a unique blend of competitive excellence and community engagement. We provide a platform where brands can connect with a diverse, passionate audience, enhancing their visibility in the thriving esports market.

Think of it as not just about asking for support; it's about offering a partnership that's better than the rest. We're asking sponsors to join us in a long-term relationship, grounded in shared principles. It's an invitation to embark on a journey that goes beyond the gaming arena, leaving a lasting impact in the market and beyond. Our offer isn't just about statistics; it's about values that run deep. We're not just a team; we're a synergy of shared values, achievements, and unique selling points. For sponsors seeking more than a transaction, we present a partnership that transcends the game. Together, we can amplify brand awareness, build connections, and boost sales by embodying the values that bind us.

The story your pitch deck tells could be the difference between winning and losing. It needs to flow just like a book, beginning, middle, end with a call to action (CTA). It should leave people enthusiastic and energetic. People should feel like they have to act now and a good deck can be vital to that. Tools like canva are great but use the latest AI tools to enhance what is being presented. Never underestimate the power of video. There are some very smart companies out there that can support you and help you stand out.

A compelling pitch deck is essential. At UEL, our pitch deck goes beyond statistics; it tells the story of our league, our community, and our vision for the future of esports. It's a visual representation of the value we bring to sponsors and the gaming world.

Practice is key not to ensure you don't 'mess up' but to gain confidence in what you're selling. The sponsor might test you to get a gauge on whether you really believe in what you're selling and whether you 'know your stuff' so get into a groove and be confident in what you're pitching.

Delivering a pitch with confidence is as important as its content. At UEL, we practice conveying our passion for gaming and our commitment to creating an inclusive, competitive environment. It's about showcasing our league's potential to revolutionize the esports landscape.

Showing flexibility in negotiation will show the sponsor that you can work together in partnership. I've found following these steps has helped; framework, process, empathy. The most important is empathy. How do you give the person you're negotiating with a win? But framing the negotiation in a positive light will also help you get to the end goal.

It's all about crafting agreements that benefit everyone, fostering our growth while staying true to our values. It's not just a deal; it's about building a partnership that supports the entire esports community. Flexibility is key in negotiations. We show sponsors that we're adaptable and open to finding common ground. Following a structured approach with a framework, a clear process, and empathy as our guiding star has proven effective. Empathy is crucial – understanding how to make the negotiation a win for the other party. By framing the negotiation positively and focusing on empathy, we're not just closing a deal; we're building relationships that contribute to the success of both parties.

Persistence and flexibility are crucial in sponsorship negotiations. At UEL, we focus on creating mutually beneficial agreements that support our growth and uphold our values, ensuring a sustainable partnership that contributes to the broader esports community.

Na minha opini?o o primeiro e mais importante tópico na capta??o de patrocínio de esports é: N?o complique o storytelling e a venda tentando explicar todas as modalidades, detalhes e nuances do território principalmente para novos entrantes. Fale sobre sua comunidade, sobre a paix?o, o desempenho esportivo, o engajamento, a credibilidade frente ao cenário, o impacto de visibilidade, os marcos históricos... Um mix entre coisas que ativem o lado emocional, mas que justifiquem pelo racional. Uma frase que sempre digo pra defender esse mindset acima é: O desconhecido gera medo e o medo gera desistência.

Innovation and adaptability are at the heart of UEL. We constantly explore new ways to enhance the esports experience for our players and fans, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry's evolution.

Hire a sales professional or work with one, so much more goes into this than just building a pitch and pitching, pitching without context is ultimately throwing mud at the wall and hoping it sticks.