Over the last few years, NIL deals and brand commitments have been a big talking point in the college sports realm. Rightfully so, since the impact it has on recruiting and players' well-being. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has made sure to stay ahead of the curve to ensure they do not fall behind other athletic programs. Recently, Pepsi renewed and increased its commitment to Wisconsin Athletics.
Pepsi Increases NIL Commitment to Wisconsin Athletics
Pepsi renewed its sponsorship as the official sponsor of the Badgers through the 2028-2029 season. Wisconsin Athletics clearly values the impact brands, and NIL deals can have on a program. However, they also understand the impact it can have on the athletes within their program.
"We’re fortunate to have a number of corporate partners who have found value in building NIL campaigns into their marketing efforts, and our student-athletes have really benefitted from the chance to work with prominent brands like Pepsi in very valuable and visible ways."
- Brian Mason (Director of NIL strategy for Wisonsin Athletics) via Forbes
Pepsi has already been making an impact on the Athletes in Madison. Badgers stars like Chucky Hepburn, Tyler Wahl, Jordan Davis, Braelon Allen and Graham Mertz have already participated in ad campaigns for Pepsi. NIL campaigns like this not only strengthen the partnership that Wisconsin Athletics has with Pepsi but allow the program to present itself better to recruits.
"I really enjoy working with a brand that not only supports our athletic program, but cares about the students and athletes that represent the Badgers both on and off the field."
-Braelon Allen via Forbes
Overall, Pepsi's partnership with the University of Wisconsin has worked out well for both sides so far. Moving forward, Wisconsin will look to continue the trend of success with Pepsi. On April 22, at Wisconsin Football's spring fan event, fans were able to grab a free Pepsi, Mountain Dew or Starry bottle as a result of the partnership.
Mayfield Sports Marketing Has Success in Negotiating Endorsement Deals
Mayfield Sports Marketing has a long history of brokering athlete endorsement deals for multiple professional athletes with some major companies. Subsequently, our list of success stories includes the following:
- Lions RB Jamaal Williams with Rocket Mortgage
- Three-time National Champion and NFL Rookie of the Year Packers with Eddie Lacy Aflac
- Packers running back Aaron Jones with LIDS
- Super Bowl Champion with the Packers, Dorsey Levens, with Coca Cola
- Super Bowl Champion with the Packers, Gilbert Brown, with Dicks Sporting Goods, Honor Flight, and IHeart Media
- Packers Hall of Famer and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer with Cologuard, Johnson Controls and Honor Flight
- Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard with Bobblegalore
- Packers running back Ahman Green and Super Bowl Champion with the Packers Santana Dotson with Cabela's
- Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon with Radtke Sports
* Disclaimer**
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with the University of Wisconsin, or any other college athletics or professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
