Rookie & The Vet: Selling Sponsorships in a Crowded Market

We're back at it, diving into the thing shaping our industry. Artificial Intelligence.This time, how are our sponsors and brands using it to measure and evaluate your execution and results?In this episode, we dive into what we're seeing in the industry from a brand perspective and what it means for your property.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

We've all done it (hopefully). You take a job in a market where you aren't the biggest fish in the pond...or even the 4th biggest.But we still have a property that brings value. So, how do we convince brands when there are bigger entities they can invest in?This week, we dive into a listener question about selling sponsorships in a crowded market and how creativity can take you over the top.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

AI is transforming every industry—and sponsorship is no exception.In this episode, we unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of sponsorships. From smarter audience targeting to predictive analytics and real-time campaign optimization, we explore the real ways AI will impact how brands build partnerships, prove ROI, and connect with fans.If you work in sponsorship or brand partnerships, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

At the start of each year, Rich and Nick share their bold predictions for the trends shaping the sponsorship industry. Now that we're halfway through the year, it's time to check in—what’s holding strong, what missed the mark, and what surprised us?In this episode, we revisit our January picks, break down what’s actually happening in the field, and share what to watch next as the sponsorship landscape continues to evolve.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

What happens when your sport isn’t on ESPN… but still has a die-hard community?Should you just stick with local sponsors? How can you unlock those bigger deals?We had a great listener question come in this week on this very topic.In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges and untapped advantages of selling sponsorships for niche and local sports. From roller derby to motorcycle racing, we explore how smaller sports can punch above their weight by offering hyper-targeted audiences, authentic engagement, and grassroots loyalty that big leagues can't match.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

When Rich & Nick started the Inches, it came from chats on sponsorships in Rich's office below Memorial Coliseum in Portland, OR.We would dive into all topics, sponsorships, and sports business with no agenda.Well, this week on The Inches, we decided to take it back to where we started...with no topic.We dive into topics ranging from youth sports investments, the growth of the women's leagues and what this means for sponsorships, and round it out with how the MLS will deal with going to a European schedule.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

If you work in sponsorships, it will happen. A brand doesn't want to sponsor your team directly...so they creatively try and reach your fans without the partnership.How do you prevent this from happening? How can you stop a brand from hijacking the most valuable asset you have as a sponsorship department...your ability to deeply connect with fans?In this episode, we dive into how to identify, manage, and work through sponsorship infiltration.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

Sponsorship entitlements are among the most prized assets in our inventory—powerful tools that tie brands directly to the fan experience. But what are they really worth? And how do you sell them without underselling their impact?In this episode, we break down the true value of entitlements, how to position them, and smart strategies to manage and monetize them effectively. Whether you're selling the naming rights to a segment or locking in a long-term sponsor for a fan-favorite feature, this one’s for you.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

When the Economy Shakes, How Do You Keep Sponsors Steady?Economic downturns aren’t new—and they’re not going away. But when budgets tighten and uncertainty rises, your sponsorship revenue doesn’t have to take a hit.In this episode, we explore proven strategies to maintain sponsor confidence, protect budgets, and even grow partnerships during turbulent times. From messaging shifts to value re-framing, learn how to not just survive—but thrive—when the market gets shaky.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

Are you selling the emotion of sports—or just space on a banner?Sponsors crave passion, loyalty, and excitement—but what they’re really buying is the inventory that gives them access to it.So, how do you make sure your sponsorship assets are actually delivering? And how can you confidently say they’re working?In this episode, we break down how to manage, audit, and optimize your sponsorship inventory to drive real results—for your sponsors and your team.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.