How the World Cup boosted The Athletic’s audience and sponsor roster
After a 40% readership boost around the tournament, the outlet is turning the page to focus on Women’s World Cup and LA28 content and sponsorships, its CCO said.
After a 40% readership boost around the tournament, the outlet is turning the page to focus on Women’s World Cup and LA28 content and sponsorships, its CCO said.
The federation has evolved its marketing strategy since the USMNT’s run ended and is gearing up for greater emphasis on the 2027 tournament.
The brand’s World Cup efforts, helmed by an athlete-packed hero film that took 42 days of filming, attracted 3 billion total views across platforms.
A star-studded ad campaign, a giant floating statue of Lamine Yamal, and a 3D billboard of Leo Messi are all part of the plan to drive sales and conversation for a brand with deep ties to soccer.
The Lay’s campaign, starring Will Ferrell, encourages fans to join a bandwagon. “We decided to turn what is normally an insult into an invitation,” the brand’s SVP of marketing said.
Mandatory hydration breaks have drawn criticism en masse from soccer viewers—and some marketers.
Because Scotland’s Tartan Army was there for the World Cup, of course.
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