THE WEEKLY REPORT

Vol. 32 | January 23nd, 2025

January 23, 2025

Good Morning!

This week’s newsletter is packed with insights! We’re revealing the brands that dominated athlete sponsorships in 2024, spotlighting KiKi Rice’s growing influence, and exploring how Notre Dame’s playoff run is fueling Jeremiyah Smith’s social media surge. Let’s dive in!

Athlete Sponsorship Powerhouses: 2024’s Most Active Brands

In 2024, athlete partnerships hit an all-time high, with brands across industries— from vitamins and supplements to apparel, beauty, and even FEDEX—jumping on board.

The surge in sponsorships from 2023 to 2024 proves that brands are recognizing the unique value athletes bring, leveraging their loyal and highly engaged audiences in ways traditional influencers can't match.

Out2Win has been tracking sponsored deals and estimated brand spend since 2021, and 2024 was unlike anything we've seen before. Brand spend across football, basketball, and volleyball saw massive growth, marking a game-changing year for athlete partnerships.

To learn more about these top brands, check out our blog here:

Jeremiyah Love’s Social Media Surge During the Playoff Run

Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff run didn’t just boost the team’s visibility—it skyrocketed Jeremiyah Love’s social media presence and value.

The College Football Playoff is one of the most-watched sporting events of the year, drawing millions of fans and extensive media coverage. For athletes, this stage provides unparalleled exposure, leading to rapid follower growth, increased engagement, and greater brand opportunities. The heightened visibility translates directly into increased marketability, as brands look to capitalize on the momentum and connect with highly engaged audiences.

Key Growth Stats (11/1/2024 - 1/12/2025)

  • Follower Increase: 17,813 → 76,500 (+330%)

  • Instagram Post Value: $3,557 → $17,300 (+386%)

Out2Win’s price-per-post algorithm analyzes a range of factors—including follower count, engagement rates, school and sport visibility, and more—leveraging historical data from executed deals to deliver accurate market valuations.

👉 Learn more about how you can leverage Out2Win’s Price Per Post Algorithm here!

KiKi Rice: Excelling On and Off the Court

On-Court Performance

Kiki Rice has been a standout for the UCLA Bruins during the 2024-25 season, playing a crucial role in the team’s success. Averaging 12.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game with an impressive 57.3% field goal percentage, Rice has consistently delivered for UCLA. In a key win over No. 24 Michigan, she showcased her all-around game with 16 points and 10 assists, reinforcing her impact as a playmaker and leader on the court.

Off-Court Sponsorships

Beyond her performance on the court, Rice has built a strong personal brand through high-profile NIL partnerships. She made history as Jordan Brand’s first-ever NIL athlete, a groundbreaking deal focused on advancing gender equity in sports. In early 2024, she debuted her custom Air Jordan 38 Low "Cherry Blossom" edition, a tribute to her Washington, D.C., roots. Rice has also secured major deals with brands like Beats by Dre, further cementing her as a top-tier collegiate influencer in the sports world.

Marketability

Kiki Rice’s growing influence extends far beyond basketball. Her Out2Win score of 80 reflects her strong appeal to brands and audiences alike. With a total social media reach of 100K followers and an impressive 6.76% engagement rate, Rice offers brands a unique combination of visibility and engagement. Her authentic connection with fans and her positioning at the intersection of sports and lifestyle make her a highly valuable asset for sponsorships.

Kiki Rice’s dominance on the court and in the NIL space showcases the growing influence of college athletes and the opportunities available in today’s evolving sports marketing landscape.

To learn more about KiKi Rice’s dominance, check out our blog here:

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