Football, the 49ers, and the All Mighty Fantasy Football League
by Darin Duehl, Traffic Manager
It has come to my attention recently, as an avid (nice word for obsessed) football fan, just how much impact fantasy football has made in the marketing world. This is to say that fantasy football has much more marketing potential then most companies realize.
First let me begin by telling you a little something about me. I myself am a San Francisco 49ers fan. I have been ever since I first watched Joe Montana take the 9ers past the Cincinnati Bengals 20 - 16 in Miami. I also have the distinct privilege of being the 2006 Benedict Advertising Fantasy Football League champion. But, enough about myself.
In recent years, the amount of free and for-a-fee fantasy football leagues on websites such as Yahoo!, ESPN.com, NFL.com, and so on, have grown immensely. People just cant get enough of the thrill of drafting their own team, benching players that do poorly, trading with other “owners,” and basically being a true part of the NFL. It makes the games themselves more fun, as people of all genders and ages become immersed in watching “their” player go for extra yardage or score a touchdown. I know personally that for the first time since I can remember I actually wanted a cowboy player to do well (yes I know, god have mercy on my soul). It is this type of reaction and total commitment that makes fantasy football a marketers dream.
There are many ways that marketers are buying into this phenomenon. The areas in which marketing dollars are being spent vary from traditional web banner ads on fantasy football websites to giving away free “picks” and added extras to people who buy there products. A great example of this is the Home Team Challenge from Subway. By joining the Home Team Challenge and purchasing drink cups from Subway, “owners” have a chance to win free picks, player updates, online stats, etc. This is just one example of the potential.
Who knows what the future may hold for Fantasy football and its marketing potential. All I know is that for now, the 49ers should be going to the Super Bowl within two years, Football season (and my life) will begin again soon, and I will hopefully repeat as the Benedict champion in Fantasy football for 2007.
August 31st, 2007 at 8:30 am
49ers don’t have a chance. Nor does your fantasy football team. Find another life for this fall, or you will be disappointed.
September 11th, 2007 at 11:32 am
It seems once again our all mighty leader, Mr. Benedict, has underestimated and spoken before he has had time to actually think about what he was saying. After week one the 9ers are 1-0, My fantasy team is 1-0, and Michael’s team is in dead last. The fall sure seems to be going my way…