Taylor Swift Just Proved Her Marketing Genius Once Again–And Brands from Starbucks to Sour Patch Kids Want Her Stardust

Last Friday, Taylor Swift’s “new” album Red (Taylor’s Version) set a Spotify record for most streams by a female artist (90.8 million) in a single day — even though the original version of Taylor Swift’s Red album was released in 2012. (Inc.colleague Justin Bariso recaps Swift’s decision nicely.) Click here to read the story at inc.com. Discussion Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 3 years11/21/2021 ago

11.1 - Functions of Communications

Goodbye, Staples Center. Hello, Crypto.com Arena

Staples Center is getting a new name for Christmas: Crypto.com Arena. The downtown Los Angeles venue — home of the Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Sparks — will wear the new name for 20 years under a deal between the Singapore cryptocurrency exchange and AEG, the owner and operator of the Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 3 years11/21/2021 ago

2.6 - Advertising

Why Rap Billboards Are Everywhere

If you happened to be driving through a busy intersection in a major American city this September, you might have seen a cryptic message from Drake. Leading up to the release of Certified Lover Boy, dozens of billboards began popping up around the country, dropping hints about who would be featured on the album. Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 3 years11/21/2021 ago

6.3 - Licensing

National Women’s Soccer League fans are getting the merch they’ve been looking for, courtesy of BreakingT

National Women’s Soccer League fans are finally getting the merch they’ve been looking for. The premier women’s soccer league in North America — which employs most of the US Women’s National Team players and many of the gold-medal winners from Canada’s Women’s National Team — is in the midst of Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 3 years11/21/2021 ago

1.6 - Positioning

XFL hires former Buffalo Bills CEO Russ Brandon as league president

The XFL hired a series of former NFL and XFL executives Monday in anticipation of its 2023 return to the field, including former Buffalo Bills CEO Russ Brandon as the league’s new president. Click here to read the story at espn.com. Discussion Questions: What is a SWOT analysis? How might a SWOT Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 3 years11/13/2021 ago

10.1 - Fan Experience

New Orleans Pelicans Respond To Frustrated Fans, Detail Marketing Plan

The New Orleans Pelicans are weathering several storms brewing around the Smoothie King Center and they do not all revolve around Zion Williamson. Ben Hales (Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans) and Jen Martindale (Vice President, Brand Strategy at New Orleans Saints and Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 3 years11/13/2021 ago

1.6 - Positioning

Netflix’s gaming push could be its secret sauce for continued domination

Netflix is finally mixing games into its gargantuan library of content. It’s a huge power play and a markedly different approach from rival services that are primarily focused on snapping up IP. It’s a new way for Netflix to keep subscribers hooked on its service — and gaming could just be Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 3 years11/13/2021 ago

2.3 - The SEM Product

PGA Tour to launch guaranteed money events for top stars, team format possible

The PGA Tour plans to create a series of lucrative, international tournaments that will offer guaranteed money to the world’s best players, Golfweek can reveal. Click here to read the story at golfweek.com. Discussion Questions: Why is a quality product important in sports? Based on information from this story, describe the PGA Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 3 years11/13/2021 ago

2.4 - Reaching Consumers

Golden State Warriors renew ‘US$20m a year’ Rakuten patch deal

The renewal of the NBA franchise’s deal with Rakuten, which first starred in 2017, will see the company continue as the Warriors’ official e-commerce partner, video-on-demand partner, and affiliate marketing partner. The original deal was reported to be worth US$20 million a year, one of the biggest patch deals in the NBA. Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 3 years11/12/2021 ago

1.3 - Marketing Mix

Adidas Gets Its Retro Kicks With Vintage SportsCenter Sneakers

Adidas turns its game-clock back to the days of Jimmy Carter, disco balls and massive afros for a sneaker celebrating the launch of ESPN’s SportsCenter and the footwear giant’s own history. Click here to read the story at musebycli.o. Discussion Questions: What are industry trends? Why do you think brands Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 3 years11/07/2021 ago

Competitive Edge

Competitive Edge is a weekly sports and entertainment marketing news service that highlights unique and relevant news throughout the school year. The questions provided for student discussion will help to create a bridge between industry strategies/trends and the topics you are covering in class.

Taylor Swift Just Proved Her Marketing Genius Once Again–And Brands from Starbucks to Sour Patch Kids Want Her Stardust

Goodbye, Staples Center. Hello, Crypto.com Arena

Why Rap Billboards Are Everywhere

National Women’s Soccer League fans are getting the merch they’ve been looking for, courtesy of BreakingT

XFL hires former Buffalo Bills CEO Russ Brandon as league president

Netflix’s gaming push could be its secret sauce for continued domination

PGA Tour to launch guaranteed money events for top stars, team format possible

Golden State Warriors renew ‘US$20m a year’ Rakuten patch deal

Adidas Gets Its Retro Kicks With Vintage SportsCenter Sneakers