May - June 1997: Volume 8, Number 3
Think you can land a sponsorship? Here are some current numbers (of sponsored players) that reflect the size of some programs, plus specifics on what each company's sponsorship includes. Keep in mind that the more you have to offer, the better your negotiating position ...
COMPANY |
#'s |
SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES |
| Ashaway | 35 | Free product, $ performance/signing bonuses to pros |
| Babolat | — | IRT & WIRT tours receive a cash stipend and product |
| Courtesy Sports | 60+ | As a distributor (rather than a manufacturer) Courtesy Sports sponsors players and events |
| E-Force | 400+ | Free and/or discounted equipment, $ performance/signing bonuses |
| Ektelon | 1000+ | Free and/or discounted equipment, based on sponsorship "levels," plus retainers and $ performance bonuses. Also offer leadership positions in the Team structure. |
| Gemini | — | Free equipment for "full" sponsorship (for elite players only); secondary sponsorship is a purchase plan: buy 1 frame, sell 2 and receive shirts & bag, etc. |
| Head | 700 | Free and/or discounted equipment, $ performance/signing bonuses |
| Leader | 6 | Varies, based on individual negotiations |
| Penn | — | IRT & WIRT tours receive a cash stipend and product |
| Python* | 250 | Free product, $ in special cases |
| Power | 150 | Varies, based on level of sponsorship: Touring Pro, Advisory Staff, Pro Support |
| Pro Kennex | 200 | Varies, based on "staff" level; "Pro" receives cash, "Elite" = free product & clothing; "Tournament" = can purchase at cost |
| RAD* | 250 | Free product, $ in special cases |
| Spalding | 150 | Varies, based on level of sponsorship: Touring Pro, Advisory Staff, Pro Support |
| Transition | — | Discounted equipment package to selected "Preferred Player" |
| Wilson | — | Free and/or discounted equipment, $ performance/signing bonuses |
*Python and RAD eyewear programs are handled through Network Marketing, and share their data. Spalding and Power Footwear are handled through Complete Creative and are associated in the same way.
Most companies in our survey indicated that the most valuable
"sponsored players" were those with a combination of things to offer, including
factors like: the ability to influence sales (club pros, pro shop buyers);
performance (elite athletes, local stars) and profile (former big names in the
sport, state directors, administrative leaders). Where do you fit?
KEY
•• S = SALES ability • C = COURT Performance • P = High
PROFILE
COMPANY |
S |
C |
P |
OTHER FACTORS |
| Ashaway | X | X | X | All factors are considered in balance |
| Babolat | — | * | — | Does not have a "player specific" program, but provides sponsorship for associations, primarily IRT & WIRT |
| E-Force | X | X | X | All factors are considered in balance |
| Ektelon | X | X | X | Players are expected to be leaders in the industry, highly-visible and respected, with a common goal of growth & development for the sport |
| Gemini | X | X | X | Must submit resume w/3 references, player should be well-known, "family" oriented and exhibit good sportsmanship |
| Head | — | — | — | Looks for players who are influential at club, local, state, regional or national levels |
| Leader | — | X | — | Top pro tour players only |
| Penn | — | * | — | Does not have a "player specific" program, but provides sponsorship for associations like USRA, IRT & WIRT |
| Python | X | — | X | Players are associated with a specific "account" to which sales are reflected |
| Power | 1 | 2 | B | Power is the footwear partner to Spalding, and automatically sponsors all Spalding players (B=bonus) |
| Pro Kennex | X | X | X | Seeks loyalty and frequent promotion of product line in a positive way, high-visibility at club events and tournaments |
| RAD | X | — | X | Players are associated with a specific "account" to which sales are reflected |
| Spalding | 1 | 2 | B | Factors are considered/weighted in the order shown, for both Spalding and Power Footwear (B=bonus) |
| Transition | X | X | X | Players must have good exposure at their club, along with good rapport skills |
| Wilson | 1 | — | — | Top promoters with sales influence are a primary consideration |
* Tour players receive Babolat & Penn sponsorship packages based on rankings.
Here a sampling of players who are currently sponsored by the major companies. How do you stack up?
COMPANY |
TOP SPONSORED PLAYERS |
| Ashaway | Laura Fenton, Robin Levine, Mike Johnson, Derek Robinson |
| Babolat | Lydia Hammock, Adam Karp, Jason Mannino, Dina Moreland, Janet Myers, Mike Ray, Todd O'Neil |
| E-Force | Tim Doyle, Kersten Hallander, Tony Jelso, Caryn McKinney, Louis Vogel, Michelle Wiragh |
| Ektelon | Dan Fowler, Kelly Gelhaus, Michelle Gould, Mike Guidry, Cheryl Gudinas, Drew Kachtik, Andy Roberts |
| Gemini | Craig Rappaport, Shane Wood |
| Head | Lynne Coburn, Sudsy Monchik, Cliff Swain |
| Leader | Mike Ceresia, John Ellis, Sudsy Monchik, Cliff Swain |
| Penn | Woody Clouse, Laura Fenton, Ruben Gonzalez, Amy Kilbane, Marcy Lynch, Mike Ray |
| Python | Sudsy Monchik |
| Power | John Ellis, Mike Ray, Derek Robinson |
| Pro Kennex | John Ellis, Dina Moreland, Jackie Paraiso, Joe Paraiso, Tyler Siggins, Adrian Webb |
| Spalding | Woody Clouse, Laura Fenton, Marcy Lynch, Jason Mannino, Todd O'Neil, Mike Ray |
| Transition | Dave Kovanda, Shane Vanderson |
| Wilson | Lynn Adams, Michael Bronfeld, Derek Robinson |
Still think you're "sponsored player" material? Contact these individuals as your first step ... but before you call to make your pitch, do your homework. Research the company fully (using the other sidebar information in this article) to make sure their needs — and yours — are a good fit.
COMPANY |
CONTACT NAME |
PHONE |
| Ashaway | Steve Crandall | (401) 377-2221 |
| Babolat | Amy Wishingrad*** | (413) 536-4594 |
| E-Force | Rachel Harrison | (619) 623-4040 |
| Ektelon | Melissa Cain* or Dave Peck |
(609) 291-5800, x5312 (512) 343-2134 |
| Gemini Racquetball | Art Zachery | (804) 745-0075 |
| Head Sports | Doug Ganim | mail queries only** |
| Leader | Doug Ganim | mail queries only** |
| Penn | Carrie Cimino*** | (310) 827-4474 |
| Python | Doug Smith | (770) 751-9463 |
| Power Footwear | Steve Lerner | (888) 772-5346 |
| Pro Kennex | Mike Martinez | (800) 854-1908, x8154 |
| RAD Eyeguards | Doug Smith | (770) 751-9463 |
| Spalding | Steve Lerner | (888) SPALDING |
| Transition | Elaine Mardas | (614) 457-4076 |
| Wilson | Terri Graham | (773) 714-6400, x6727 |
* Ektelon has a decentralized program which requires that a
prospective sponsored player would need to contact the local Sales Association
first. Melissa Cain can provide you with that contact information
** Write
to Doug Ganim at 6449 Lake Trail Drive, Westerville, OH 43082.
*** Either
Amy Wishingrad or Carrie Cimino can answer queries for both Penn & Babolat
sponsorship programs.
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