THE WEEKLY REPORT

Good Afternoon!

This week, we’re breaking down the athletes leading the way in sponsorship deals in 2024, highlighting Arch Manning’s game-changing partnership with Red Bull, and analyzing engagement rates by follower count—revealing which athletes are truly driving impact. Let’s dive in!

— Jack Adler and Nick Zoarski

Top Athletes by Sponsored Deals: Who’s Cashing In?

As athlete marketing continues to evolve, some standouts are dominating the space with an impressive number of sponsored posts. From Olympic-level gymnasts to rising basketball stars, these athletes are securing major brand deals and maximizing their influence. Here’s a look at the top five athletes with the most sponsored posts in 2024.

Jordan Chiles

On the mat, Jordan Chiles continues to be a powerhouse in gymnastics, bringing Olympic-level talent and consistency to every competition. Off the mat, she has secured significant partnerships with brands such as Athleta and GK Elite, reflecting her influence in the fitness and lifestyle sectors.

Jared McCain

On the court, Jared McCain has become a key playmaker, showcasing elite shooting and a high basketball IQ that makes him a fan favorite. Off the court, his charisma and social media savviness—especially on TikTok—have attracted sponsorships from brands like Crocs and Celsius, highlighting his appeal beyond basketball.

Dylan Terryberry

Unfortunately, Dylan Terryberry suffered and injury that kept him out for much of 2024. Beyond the game, his ability to connect with audiences through authentic content has led to partnerships with Gymshark and BodyArmor, making him a sought-after figure for fitness and performance-driven brands.

Travis Hunter

On the field, Travis Hunter has cemented himself as a rare two-way talent, dominating as both a cornerback and wide receiver while making history as a Heisman Trophy winner. Off the field, his dynamic personality and commitment to building his brand have resulted in deals with Beats by Dre and Gatorade, cementing his status as a premier athlete influencer.

Alex Glover

Alex Glover, now an alumna, left a lasting impact on her sport with both skill and leadership. Off the field, her strong engagement rates and ability to create compelling content made her a valuable partner for brands like Meta, Skims, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Cottonelle, and El Yucateco Hot Sauce, aligning with her athletic and lifestyle appeal.

👉 For more industry leading athlete sponsorship data, check out Out2Win here.

Red Bull Gives Arch Manning Wings 💸

Arch Manning’s partnership with Red Bull is one of the most high-profile NIL deals of the year, marking a significant moment in both his personal brand and the beverage giant’s expansion into college football. Red Bull, known for its elite athlete sponsorships in extreme sports, now adds one of the most hyped quarterbacks in recent history to its roster. The deal not only boosts Manning’s brand beyond the football field but also signals Red Bull’s strategic interest in NIL and college athletics.

Impact of the Deal

For Arch Manning

• Aligns him with a global brand known for innovation and elite athleticism.

• Elevates his marketability beyond just Texas football, positioning him for long-term endorsement success.

• Sets him apart from other college quarterbacks, as Red Bull's athlete partnerships are usually reserved for top-tier talent.

For Red Bull

• Marks its first-ever NIL deal in college football, expanding its footprint into the sport.

• Strengthens its presence in mainstream sports, particularly in college football.

• Taps into the passionate Texas Longhorns fanbase, increasing brand visibility.

• Expands its athlete marketing strategy by partnering with a player from one of football’s most legendary families.

For the Texas Longhorns

• Reinforces the program’s dominance in the NIL space, showing recruits that major brands want to work with Longhorns athletes.

• Elevates the school's overall brand by associating its star quarterback with an international company.

• Highlights the commercial appeal of Texas football, further strengthening its recruiting and marketing efforts.

👉 To learn more about the partnership, check out our blog here!

Micro vs. Macro: Which Athletes Drive the Most Engagement?

In athlete marketing, engagement rate (ER) often matters just as much as follower count—and smaller athletes dominate in this area. Those with under 50K followers boast a massive 22% ER, far higher than their larger counterparts. This is because smaller athletes have more loyal, interactive communities, post authentic, less commercialized content, and actively engage with their audience. But even at the highest tiers, engagement remains strong. Here’s how it breaks down:

Engagement Rates by Follower Range

• Under 50K – 22% ER → Deep audience trust, personal connections, and high engagement.

• 50K-100K – 9.5% ER → Strong balance of reach and interaction.

• 100K-500K – 8.5% ER → Wider audience, but slightly lower engagement.

• 500K+ – 8.7% ER → Fan loyalty keeps engagement strong despite massive followings.

Takeaways for Brands

• Engagement beats scale for conversions → Smaller athletes create deeper audience trust, making them ideal for brands focused on direct impact over pure reach.

• 50K-500K is the sweet spot for influence & scale → This range offers the best mix of engagement and visibility, making these athletes highly versatile for campaigns.

• Bigger isn’t always better, but it still works → Even athletes with 500K+ followers maintain solid engagement, proving that large audiences can still be effective if the connection is strong.

• Strategic mix wins → Brands should blend micro and macro athletes in campaigns to maximize both engagement and total audience reach.

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