Drew Castleberry’s Post

Recently, I've been asked for my thoughts on the Bandit Unsponsored athlete program activated at the USA Track & Field Olympic Trials last week. I find myself conflicted. Track and field has long been plagued by archaic and restrictive uniform rules that force athletes into signing sponsorship deals with major footwear brands. It's akin to being sorted into a house at Hogwarts. If you haven't noticed, take a look at the uniforms worn during the trials. What's missing that's common in nearly every other amateur or professional sport? Multiple sponsor logos on the uniforms. This, I believe, is the single biggest barrier holding back track and field as it strives to attract new viewers and participants. Allowing a variety of sponsorships would enable athletes to showcase their personalities and bring their fans along on their journeys. Would it be out of place to see a Crunchyroll logo on a Noah Lyles uniform? At a time when micro brands are making a stronger impact in running, USATF would benefit from including them at the table. In my years working in running, there's a clear disconnect between community runners and professional athletes. It seems neither group is fully aware of the other. Contrast this with other sports where amateur athletes closely follow top competitors and their sponsorships. Congratulations to Bandit Running for making the best of a challenging situation. These athletes don't need a feeder system; they need rule changes that empower them to succeed on their own terms. P.S. Big shoutout to Adam Nelson, one of the original conversation starters. (pictured below) Peace,

In a world dominated by brands and sponsorships, the Unsponsored Project by Bandit Running stands out to me as a groundbreaking initiative. At the 2024 U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials, over 35 athletes are wearing completely unbranded kits, a bold move that challenges the traditional sponsorship model. Last year, this initiative debuted with 8 athletes at the US Outdoor National Championships, leading to one securing a major footwear sponsorship. This year, the support has expanded, empowering even more athletes to declare their independence while chasing their Olympic dreams. Why is this important? Authenticity. By removing brand obligations, athletes can focus purely on their performance. It highlights the challenges many face in securing sponsorships and pushes for more inclusive and supportive models. In a world where marketing often feels polished and detached, the Unsponsored Project brings us back to the heart of sports – the athletes and their stories. This campaign is a reminder of why authenticity matters. It inspires us to rethink how we support and celebrate talent, beyond just the logos on their kits. Kudos to Bandit Running for leading the way! Find out more at www.bandit running.com #Marketing #SportsMarketing #Authenticity #OlympicTrials #UnsponsoredProject

✨ Empowering Athletes Through Purposeful Branding ✨ Just read this awesome CNBC article about the Bandit Running project that’s decking out Olympic hopefuls with gear, even when they’re unsponsored. It’s a solid reminder of how branding can be so much more than just logos on useless stuff. In the promo products world, I’ve seen how a well-designed piece of gear can be more than just swag—it becomes part of someone’s story. That’s why I love what I do at DAS. Whether it's helping brands tell their story or supporting events that make a real impact, it’s about creating something that people actually want to wear and rep. If you’re ever looking to bring your brand to life or want to chat about how to make your next project stand out, hit me up. Always down to brainstorm ideas! ➡ https://lnkd.in/eyVz_P5z #Branding #PromoProducts #BanditRunning #OlympicDreams #CNBC

🌟From Brooklyn to the Olympics: The Inspiring Journey of Bandit 🌟 In the world of sports, where giants like Nike dominate, it's truly remarkable to see an underdog brand rise to the occasion. Bandit Running, founded by Tim West in 2020, went from a small business making running socks to outfitting athletes on the Olympic stage! Bandit sponsored Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, creating custom uniforms inspired by the nation's vibrant flag. Despite their size, the team at Bandit pulled off a stunning feat in just seven months, proving that with passion and grit, anything is possible. 💪 Their Unsponsored Project was a game-changer too. Bandit provided unbranded kits for U.S. Olympic Trials athletes who didn’t have sponsors, allowing them to keep their options open and empowering them to land bigger deals. This campaign wasn’t just about sales—it was about making an impact in the running community and standing up for athletes. 🏃♂️🏃♀️ The result? Over 3 million people now associate Bandit with being a force for good in the sport, with massive social media buzz and thousands of new followers. 📈 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Stay true to your values: Bandit focused on empowering athletes, and that authenticity resonated with millions.  2️⃣ Adapt and overcome: Despite challenges, like a canceled photoshoot due to a hurricane, Bandit kept moving forward.  3️⃣ Impact over sales: Prioritizing community and athlete support led to more significant brand recognition and long-term benefits. As we reflect on the journey, Bandit's story is a powerful reminder that the heart of any brand lies in its values and the people it serves. 👏 #RunningCommunity #BrandStory #Entrepreneurship #SportsMarketing #BrandingStrategy #Marketing Source: Inc. Magazine https://lnkd.in/gXv3hniV

The Goose Squad, a community I created to showcase how cool people doing sports can be, made a huge step forward last week... I for a long time was uncertain of what I could do to make the community better, and what more I could do to promote athletes of all levels. However, in 2024, through sales of shirts and merchandise, tickets for events, and collaborating with other brands, we earned a little money and I realised that we could in fact give back and support people. Sponsorship of athletes is a huge step that many big brands and companies make, which is fascinating to me. I find it interesting how big companies sponsor athletes by providing financial support and clothing gear among other things, in exchange for brand visibility. It's a 2-way street with athletes promoting the brand through logos, advertisements, and social media. I have always wanted to be one of those athletes... but I realised we could do that for people with the money we earned. Project: Zeus is a program that provides 4 weightlifting athletes with athlete support, clothing, and money to cover entry fees for competitions. It may not be the big sponsorship that athletes dream of, but it is a start and a huge honour to support these athletes and I have no performance expectations of these athletes and never will. I hope we can continue to grow and support more people from other sports as well One step closer to a more wholesome future. #sponsorship #sports #clubs #weightlifting #athlete #athletedevelopment

This week, I watched Texas Tech unveil their new Adidas partnership with a tribute to Patrick Mahomes' iconic tape moment, and it’s amazing to me because it creatively connects past loyalty with future branding aspirations. Patrick Mahomes may have moved on from his college playing days, but his presence will be felt on the field for the Texas Tech Red Raiders this season — through his logo, prominently featured on their new Adidas uniforms and football field. Texas Tech football recently unveiled these new uniforms, marking a significant shift from Under Armour to Adidas. As a brand manager, I find this move not only exciting but also a strategically savvy decision. Patrick Mahomes: The Brand Icon Mahomes, a pivotal figure for Adidas since 2017, played a crucial role in this rebranding effort. His personal Adidas logo will now grace Texas Tech’s football uniforms and adorn the field alongside both the Adidas and Texas Tech logos. This integration of Mahomes’ star power with the university's brand creates a compelling and memorable image. The Symbolism of the Tape A standout moment from this rollout is a nod to a defining event in 2019. Back then, Mahomes covered the Under Armour logo on his Texas Tech shirt with tape, replacing it with "Adidas," showcasing his allegiance to the brand. In a recent marketing video, Texas Tech mirrored this gesture by symbolically peeling tape off the field, revealing the Adidas logo underneath. This creative touch bridges the past to the present, reinforcing the strong bond between Mahomes, Texas Tech, and Adidas. A Unique Branding Collaboration Mahomes’ involvement goes beyond mere endorsement; it represents a merging of identities. Both Mahomes and Texas Tech’s Athletic Director, Kirby Hocutt, have emphasized the significance of this collaboration. For Mahomes, it’s about proudly aligning Texas Tech with the Adidas family, while Hocutt sees it as a strategic move that elevates the university’s global presence and competitiveness. Embracing Change The partnership’s announcement was accompanied by a poignant video that encapsulates Texas Tech’s spirit of embracing change and growth. This partnership has been years in the making. How did six letters on a piece of tape turn into the biggest new partnership in college athletics? As the new Adidas uniforms debut this college football season, they signify an exciting new era for Texas Tech. With Mahomes’ influence and Adidas’ global reach, this partnership promises to energize the Red Raiders’ brand. I am excited to witness how this collaboration unfolds and impacts Texas Tech Athletics and sports branding. “Red Raider Nation, welcome to the three-stripe life.” https://lnkd.in/gigxwXBa

WWD: It’s been a while since we’ve talked, how’s business and where are the areas of strength? Oscar Feldenkreis: Today, 60 percent of our business is geared toward sports: anything that’s golf, swimwear with Nike, pickleball, tennis. We actually have 12 ambassadors who wear our product within the sports world. So that is definitely a big opportunity. When we relate our brands to sports, they do extremely well. It’s not only the publicity we get, but also the opportunity to talk to a different customer that relates to the brand in a different way. Read more here : https://lnkd.in/eNsFKhuD

There’s something so deeply satisfying about witnessing a brand that truly understands the art of patience—of playing the long game. Yonex is that brand. Justin Birnbaum’s latest article on Forbes elegantly captures how this company, known for its dominance in badminton, has slowly and steadily crafted a story of resilience in the world of tennis. It’s a story that feels like a well-composed symphony—each note deliberate, each chord building toward a greater crescendo. Three key takeaways from the article worth noting…. 1. Yonex’s evolution is a lesson in staying true to its roots while still reaching for the stars Instead of chasing after the fleeting glimmers of quick wins, Yonex took a path less trodden. They built on their expertise, creating rackets that spoke to the soul of the sport. It wasn't just about selling equipment; it was about pushing the boundaries of what's possible, driven by partnerships with legends like Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova. These alliances weren't merely commercial—they were the heartbeats that spurred Yonex to innovate, to create the square-headed racket that changed the game. 2. This is how you build a brand that lasts. By understanding that authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a way of life. Yonex didn’t chase trends; it told a story rooted in its heritage, one that resonates with those who value the richness of history and the promise of innovation. Yonex’s legacy, grounded in purpose and fueled by passion, is a testament to the power of consistency. And yet, Yonex shows us something more: that even after five decades, a brand can evolve, adapt, and flourish. Their response to the surge in outdoor sports post-pandemic wasn’t just timely; it was visionary. Investing in R&D, building new production facilities, and enhancing their market presence shows a brand that’s not just surviving but thriving. 3. Patience, persistence, and authenticity—these are the pillars of Yonex’s success. It’s a reminder that the long game isn’t just about waiting—it’s about nurturing, innovating, and staying true to your core. Yonex's story is an inspiring blueprint for any brand looking to leave a lasting impact in a world that’s always looking for the next big thing. #Yonex #BrandStorytelling #Innovation #Patience #JustinBirnbaum #StrategicGrowth #BrandInnovation #LongTermSuccess #BrandEvolution #AuthenticBrands #Strategy Article: [Link to Forbes Article]

I’d argue you need plenty of passion too, if you’re a sports fan. Passion for your hero, passion for your team, passion for your country, passion for your sport... and probably a bit of a passion for fashion too, as sport has given rise to so many iconic garments, trends and looks over the decades. This article was written by Simon Gresswell, Sports & Brands Licensing (Consultant & Coach). #sports #licensing #brands

Cool kids in the block. Some founders/CEOs focus only on money , on how they can save their last penny by exploitation whereas some focus on the problems and try solving them. "Tim West founded the Brooklyn-based company in 2020 as a running socks business, and started manufacturing other kinds of apparel in late 2022. A problem that nagged him--and inspired the campaign--was the fact that many track athletes race in branded footwear and apparel, essentially giving big names free advertising, for little to nothing in return. Unlike other professional sports, runners typically depend on other sources of income. Lest we forget that Olympic athletes aren't paid for their time at the games, which is why sponsorships can be a major benefit yet are scarce in opportunity. The kits are exclusively for the athletes, none of which are for sale to the public. West says the brand also gave athletes money for flights, hotel stays, and meals for the duration of the trials. What's unique to Bandit's contracts, however, is that there is an opt-out clause that allows affiliates to leave the deal whenever. The reasoning? It's so common for athletes to be approached by bigger brands between rounds and the founders wanted them to be able to accept those deals, West explains. This strategy is mutually beneficial because it allows the brand to allocate money for multiple athletes, rather than betting everything on one. Meanwhile, the athletes land larger sponsorships, which hopefully come with greater exposure and payment. Three athletes who partnered with Bandit before the trials signed with bigger brands before the events were over, which West says was the ultimate goal of the campaign." #bandit #marketingcampaigns