Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of brand associations and the formation of attitudes towards a new sponsor. Specifically, the
paper evaluates the Under Armour brand and its anomalous position in the Barclay’s Premier League.
Design/methodology/approach – The research design is longitudinal, qualitative and interpretivistic, utilising 26 online focus groups with 213
participants over a 24-month period encompassing the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 Premier League seasons.
Findings – The results indicate that Under Armour’s lack of football (soccer) presence in the context of the Premier League offered significant
differentiation, as it diminished “common ground” with other fans, offered the opportunity to create personal identities beyond the club and the
consumption of kit apparel, and was seen as positive given the articulation that brands such as Nike and Adidas were “forced” onto fans. Additionally,
for the first time in the sports sponsorship literature, the findings reveal fans engaging with brands in a utilitarian manner, expressing concerns relating to
cost, durability, functionality and value for money.
Research limitations/implications – This study is exploratory in nature and highly contextualised, and a larger-scale study of the phenomenon is
desirable. This study extends the literature on fans’ perceptions of sponsoring brands and shows that a new sponsor, without prior league or club
associations, can generate significant brand interest and elicit consumption behaviours beyond team apparel.
Practical implications – The findings suggest that there are considerable opportunities for “outside” brands to garner a market share and instigate
loyalty through sponsorship. Subsequently, kit manufacturers should consider strategies that encompass entry into new sporting areas.
Originality/value – The study reveals that fans seek uniqueness and differentiation in a sponsoring brand, with brand image paramount in relation to
the club and to both social and personal identity.
paper evaluates the Under Armour brand and its anomalous position in the Barclay’s Premier League.
Design/methodology/approach – The research design is longitudinal, qualitative and interpretivistic, utilising 26 online focus groups with 213
participants over a 24-month period encompassing the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 Premier League seasons.
Findings – The results indicate that Under Armour’s lack of football (soccer) presence in the context of the Premier League offered significant
differentiation, as it diminished “common ground” with other fans, offered the opportunity to create personal identities beyond the club and the
consumption of kit apparel, and was seen as positive given the articulation that brands such as Nike and Adidas were “forced” onto fans. Additionally,
for the first time in the sports sponsorship literature, the findings reveal fans engaging with brands in a utilitarian manner, expressing concerns relating to
cost, durability, functionality and value for money.
Research limitations/implications – This study is exploratory in nature and highly contextualised, and a larger-scale study of the phenomenon is
desirable. This study extends the literature on fans’ perceptions of sponsoring brands and shows that a new sponsor, without prior league or club
associations, can generate significant brand interest and elicit consumption behaviours beyond team apparel.
Practical implications – The findings suggest that there are considerable opportunities for “outside” brands to garner a market share and instigate
loyalty through sponsorship. Subsequently, kit manufacturers should consider strategies that encompass entry into new sporting areas.
Originality/value – The study reveals that fans seek uniqueness and differentiation in a sponsoring brand, with brand image paramount in relation to
the club and to both social and personal identity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 229-251 |
| Journal | Journal of Product and Brand Management |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 18 May 2015 |