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Sponsorship

Consulting

Strategic Partnerships that last

Next Marketing was founded as a sponsorship consultancy specializing in motorsports. While we’ve evolved significantly since 1993, we continue to help brands identify and build long-term strategic partnerships by aligning brand objectives with property assets and brand experiences with fan values.  From breaking into new markets or deepening local roots, our strategic, full-service approach ensures your sponsorship opportunities perform – in the arena as well as the boardroom. 

Areas of Expertise
Sponsorship Strategy Development
Define & Align

Great sponsorships are not compartmentalized marketing tactics; they are a strategic component of an integrated marketing mix.  Our strategic sponsorship marketing approach has aided brands like Principal Financial Group in defining the role sports sponsorships and event sponsorships with NASCAR, MiLB, and the PGA Champions Tour play within their overall marketing mix. 



As a sponsorship marketing agency, we also help brands navigate how sponsorship deals can align with, support, and leverage other marketing strategies, brand campaigns, and business goals — setting the stage for smarter decision-making. 

Portfolio Analysis
Discover & Audit

Understanding where you’ve been and where you are helps guide where you are going.   


We’ve conducted in-depth analyses of existing sponsorship portfolios for global leaders, including Equifax, to identify under-leveraged partnerships, misaligned investments, and white space opportunities. Through qualitative and quantitative research, we ensure that every partnership and sponsorship activation serves a purpose and a plan.   

Market Research
Gap & Opportunity 

Properties, both new and old, are working to differentiate themselves through brand exposure in an increasingly crowded sponsorship marketplace. Understanding partnership opportunities is key to staying ahead of the competition.    


We’ve utilized proprietary tools and third-party data to help sponsors, such as First Horizon Bank, evaluate potential partners and properties for strategic fit, value, and activation opportunities. Leading to performing arts, NBA, and NWSL partnerships that aid with brand exposure while filling gaps in – and aligning with – target audience segments and priority markets.  

Valuation & Negotiation
Insight & Leverage

At a time when every marketing dollar must perform, we help brands unlock the full potential of sponsorship sales, backed by insight, powered by creativity, and proven through results.  


We’ve helped retailers like Tractor Supply Company protect their interests and maximize investments with properties such as the Professional Bull Riders through strategic, experience-led negotiation. Our evaluation and valuation services ensure investment levels align with the rights holder’s assets, access, and value. 

Management
Framework & Playbook

Whether it’s Iron Mountain partnering with the PGA Tour Genesis Open or Continental Tire’s long-term MLS sponsorship, partnerships require dedicated resources to manage, evolve, maximize value, and enhance brand visibility.   


We build the infrastructure to scale, developing customized sponsorship management systems, toolkits, and activation roadmaps tailored to each client's needs. From partner communications to internal alignment, we make complex sports and entertainment sponsorships turnkey and activation-ready.  

Ongoing Optimization & Strategic Support
Growth & Guidance

We close the loop with real-time measurement, metrics, and analytics that track KPIs, assess ROI, and surface optimization opportunities. Our cutting-edge post-program audits go beyond reporting — they inform smarter future investments and strategic evolution. 

Why Next?

We create partnerships that align your brand objectives and each property’s unique identity, assets, and reach. The objective is to create partnerships that serve as a natural extension of your brand and an avenue to engage fans. 

Let’s Turn Sponsorships into Strategic Business Partnerships

Whether you're building from scratch or optimizing an existing portfolio, we’ll help you connect with the right audiences in ways that drive lasting impact. 

Ready to make your sponsorships work smarter?

Let’s start a conversation. Reach out today to explore how we can support your goals. 

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