Branding & Sports: Creating a Strong Brand Identity for Sporting Events
Branders Magazine
Digital publication specialising in Branding, Innovation, Strategy & Design
It's often stated that traditional sports are the ones that define us, but what about the lessons from action sports??
What if, it was not “either-or”, but rather “both” that gave you the real competitive advantage in today’s business landscape when it comes to branding??
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to play a wide range of competitive traditional sports—hockey, football, wrestling, track and field, volleyball, and baseball—and each taught me invaluable lessons. These lessons have shaped who I am and how I approach business, branding, and marketing.?
However, on the other end, my true passion was in action sports — Skating, Surfing, and Snowboarding. They played a significant role in my journey, adding a different dimension to how I view competition, strategy, and the importance of pushing boundaries.
The crossover between these sports and business has been profound, allowing me to apply the same principles of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity in everything I do today but through an individualistic perspective.
So, today, I am excited to dive headfirst into how to create a Strong Brand Identity by analyzing both team and individual mentalities, reflecting on three relevant examples, and providing four lessons learned from my experiences.?
Lens #1: Analyzing the team mentality developed through team sports?
Creating a strong brand identity is much like playing team sports; everyone must share a collective mindset from the start.?
When building a cohesive identity it requires strong collaboration, leaning on one another’s strengths, and uniting around a shared vision.
Whether it's the synchronized effort of a hockey team or the precise coordination in football, team sports teach the importance of unity, communication, and the idea that success is never a solo effort. These are all foundational qualities that translate directly into building a powerful brand.
Lens #2: Analyzing the individual mentality through action sports?
Conversely, individual sports demand personal accountability, focus, and self-reliance. Skating, surfing, or snowboarding is all about pushing your limits, managing your mindset, and taking responsibility for your performance.?
Individuality also plays a crucial role in crafting an identity—whether personal or professional. It's about carving out a distinct viewpoint, honing your strengths, and finding the real story in oneself to stand out in a sea of competition.?
Combining both for a better impact?
In sports and branding, balancing teamwork and individuality is crucial. Today, I'd like to share how these perspectives have shaped my approach to business and beyond.
So, how does one approach both POVs to create a strong identity? Let's explore past & present work & how we think about crafting Brand Identities in Sporting Events by leveraging our two sides of the same coin mentality ...??Continue reading ?? HERE
By Josh Roush ? , CEO at Movetic
?? Sports & Branding issue #36 is out now with Lorin Hamlin ! Gain access ? HERE
??Branders Magazine: “Sports & Branding” edition is out now! ?? You can gain access to the full edition ? HERE
The Importance of Advertising in Latin America
Our next guest on the Talking with Branders Podcast is Gerardo Ortiz , co-founder of the multi-cultural branding agency Brands&People , which has worked with over 1000 brands over the past decade and is coming in hot off their recent Silver Lion Cannes win.
So what did we talk about?
?? How Brands & People is really a design firm disguising itself as an advertising agency (I frickin’ love this position)
?? What it took to actually win a Silver Lion and the importance this has for the LATAM advertising/design/branding community
?? His journey from design school to leading this agency powerhouse
?? Why simplicity, beauty, and empathy need to be at the forefront of every brief
So grab coffee and tune in because this episode (as they all are) is truly special.
?? Watch now on YouTube or visit our Branders Web ??. Don’t miss out—like, share, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content!
Happy listening, Branders!
Steven Picanza ???? & The Branders Magazine Team
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