Professional Sports Player’s Identity

We live in an age where logos can be found virtually everywhere; they’re on the bottom of our shoes, the front of our hats, in the middle of the steering wheel of every vehicle. Even if you live out in the middle of nowhere you are, most likely, exposed to hundreds of logos each day.

Even while I write this now I can glance at dozens of logos in my room. Lucas Books, Orbit, Altoids, Samsung, Microsoft, EA Games, Oakley logos are all in view and I haven’t had to turn my head.

For a moment, just see what kinds of logos are directly around you. Surprised?

A Case Study

Tiger Woods is the number one professional golfer in the world. In addition, he endorses clubs and sells cars. But Tiger also has his own identity. What does his marketing staff use it on? His yearly console and PC golf game games display the logo, Nike produces Tiger Woods clothing and accessories, and I’m sure he has a business card with his logo. If he ever decides to break his Nike relationship he could start his own line of golf equipment, apparel, and accessories fairly quickly.

Creating an identity for a sports star might not be a no brainier. However, if they want to make money in different avenues away from the playing field, I would suggest obtaining a personal identity straight away.

What are your thoughts of current sports player’s identities? And what do you foresee for the future of sports branding?