Ryan Rapaport breaks down the ultimate guide to landing brand sponsorships in 2025 for combat sports athletes, managers, and teams. In this episode of Fight Capital, Ryan dives into the evolution of sponsorships in combat sports, the importance of authenticity, and the strategies athletes can use to build partnerships that go beyond just logos on shorts.
Takeaways
・ Sponsorships are shifting towards lifestyle, tech, and startup brands.
・ Authentic personal brands with smaller, engaged audiences can secure deals.
・ Content creation, like podcasts and YouTube videos, is key for building influence.
・ Strategic pitches and data-driven approaches are vital for gaining sponsor trust.
・ Co-branding with other athletes and gyms can amplify exposure.
・ Maintaining professional and consistent relationships turns short-term deals into long-term partnerships.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: How to Get Sponsored in 2025
00:38 The Evolution of Combat Sports Sponsorships
02:14 Building an Authentic Personal Brand
04:12 Finding the Right Sponsors for Your Lifestyle
05:16 Leveraging Content Creation for Influence
06:41 Crafting Professional Pitches with ROI Metrics
08:11 Co-Branding and Hosting Local Events
10:19 Keeping Relationships Active with Sponsors
12:33 Negotiating Deals and Knowing Your Worth
14:01 Creating Engaging Sponsor-Integrated Content
14:39 Why Family-Friendly Branding Attracts Big Sponsors
15:15 Looking Beyond the Fight Career with Sponsorships
Follow Ryan on Instagram @FightCapitalGlobal https://www.instagram.com/fightcapitalglobal
and LinkedIn at Ryan Vevon Rapaport for more insights on combat sports business strategies. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanvevonrapaport/
