Tokyo 2020 athletes are cashing in on more personal sponsorship opportunities compared with past Games.
Why it matters: Marketing deals are an important income stream for competitors, nearly 60% of whom say they are not financially stable.
What they’re saying: Restrictions “unfairly hinder Olympians’ ability to monetize themselves at the peak of their marketability,” Patrick Quinn, a 20-year sports marketing consultant and agent, tells Axios.
Click here to read the story at axios.com.
Discussion Questions:
- What is endorsement?
- Why is endorsement important to many Olympic athletes?
- What does it mean for an Olympic athlete to “monetize” themselves, as described in this news story?
- Why do you think restrictions were in place that, according to this story, could potentially hinder an Olympic athlete’s ability to monetize themselves?
- Why do you think so many Olympic athletes are not financially stable?
- Why would a brand want to partner with an Olympic athlete?
- Would any brand make sense as a partner for any Olympic athlete? Why or why not? Be prepared to discuss your answers in class.