12 months of sports marketing

Celebrating our 12 favourite sports marketing moments from WePlay in 2023

Richard Baker

3rd Jan 2024

As we step into 2024, WePlay extends a warm invitation for you to join us in revisiting the most remarkable sports marketing moments and campaigns that shaped our unforgettable journey throughout 2023.

From groundbreaking campaigns to exhilarating partnerships, these highlights encapsulate a year marked by ingenuity, collaboration, and a strong sense of community spirit.

Join us as we reflect on these extraordinary moments that defined 2023, celebrating the synergies of partnership, the sparks of creativity, and the thriving community spirit that pulsated through the very core of WePlay.

Let’s collectively reminisce on this journey and revel in the enduring power of collaboration, creativity, and community that defined the essence of WePlay.


1. Howler Head x UFC: UK Debut and Dirty Hands

At the start of 2023, WePlay got hands-on with Howler Head, the official flavored whiskey partner of the UFC, as they launched their banana-flavoured whiskey in UK stores for the first time!

It was a toast-worthy moment, and we were excited to share the behind-the-scenes magic that made this venture a success.


2. 8 Years of our IRONMAN Partnership – A Journey of Passion & Performance

We reflect on an enduring partnership with The IRONMAN Group that spans over 8 years.

From concept to execution, in 2023, we brought to life a series of IRONMAN-owned events, a testament to the incredible collaboration that defined our journey. Dive into the passion, dedication, and performance that marked our journey alongside IRONMAN.


3. Knock-out creative with the IBA Women’s World Championships and a fresh brand and activation

We revisit the electrifying 2023 IBA Women’s World Championships. Teaming up with the International Boxing Association, WePlay redefined the championships with a fresh identity, digital triumph, and a creative spectacle.

Step into the ring with us as we unpack the knockout collaboration that brought these championships to life!


4. A game-changing streaming strategy with New Zealand Rugby

WePlay entered the field with New Zealand Rugby, making ground-breaking moves in the digital arena.

From revamping their social strategy to launching their flagship OTT platform, NZR+, our partnership was more than a success – it was a revolution.


5. Slam Dunk customer acquisition with SKWEEK in European Basketball

Highlight number five is with the creme de la creme of European basketball through our dynamic partnership with SKWEEK.

From engaging content to redesigned landing pages and hyper-targeted advertising, we brought the passion of European basketball straight to the fingertips of fans.

Here’s to more slam dunks, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments on the court!


6. Changing the face of Show Jumping, with Longines Global Champions Tour

We now shine a spotlight on our first year partnering with the leaders in the world of equestrian sport, Longines Global Champions Tour. With a full-service approach covering sponsorship and media rights consultancy, social media management, content production, ticketing, retail and e-commerce, audience development and OTT, we captured the essence of this thrilling world in 2023, breaking records along the way.


7. Global strategy, local activations for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) through FightPass

Time to take a look at our transformative journey with the world leader in Mixed Martial Arts, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Having worked with UFC since 2019, in 2023 we launched a ground-breaking innovative, Conversion-Rate Optimisation (CRO) campaign that set a new industry standard.

The campaign showcased the power of a unified, global strategy with market-by-market activations.

The CRO technology introduced personalised landing pages for each language and region, and dynamic creative optimisation with a focus on specific fighters, dependent on region. This was pivotal in driving new customer acquisition and retention.

Read the full case study here

UFC Fight Pass mobile phone landing pages


8. TOCA Social – Elevating Football and Dining Experiences

TOCA Social, the football and dining experience at The O2 Arena.

Our strategic repositioning boosted bookings, and audience insights transformed TOCA Social into an inclusive space for diverse audiences seeking a unique football and dining experience.

Explore the exhilarating twist to TOCA Social’s success story, fuelled by Harry Kane’s investment, and discover how WePlay can elevate your brand experience.


9. Setting Sail with SailGP – ‘We Are Racing’ Campaign Launch

Spotlight number nine is the exhilarating collaboration with SailGP, as we officially launched our ‘We Are Racing’ brand campaign.

Embark on a global mission to welcome a new generation of racing fans, spanning 13 international markets.

Dive into the groundbreaking campaign, step beyond the on-water action, and immerse yourself in the heart-pounding excitement of SailGP.

Join us on this adventure as we redefine the boundaries of sailing!


10. International audience growth with RB Leipzig 

Our winning collaboration with the Bundesliga football team, RB Leipzig, strategically expanding their presence in the United States.

Our approach involved a strategic growth plan, creative content expansion, and a TikTok takeover that resulted in a staggering 9900% increase in RB Leipzig’s TikTok following in the US.

If you are interested in an internationally localised content strategy, it is time to get in touch with WePlay.


11. Building brands and business with the European Clubs Association (ECA)

We now reflect on a dynamic partnership with the European Clubs Association (ECA).

Dive into engaging content creation, the impactful report launch – “Future of Fandom: Growing the Women’s Game,” and our active participation in ECA’s live-streaming events and General Assemblies.

Ready to elevate your digital presence and engage your audience effectively?

Connect with WePlay for innovative solutions and collaborative success in the year ahead!


12. Celebrating Esports Excellence with Team Vitality

Last but not least, we celebrate a stellar achievement with esports powerhouse Team Vitality.

As the curtain falls on this remarkable year, we congratulate Team Vitality for their extraordinary rise in the world of esports.

From driving audience and commercial success to a creative partnership activation, WePlay was proud to have been part of this incredible journey.

Here’s to more victories, achievements, and exciting moments in the world of esports in the year ahead! 🎮🐝


A Year Unwrapped, a Legacy Embraced.

As we bid farewell to 2023, we reflect on a year filled with extraordinary moments, innovative collaborations, and the unwavering spirit that defines WePlay.

From toasting Howler Head’s UK debut to conquering the esports realm with Team Vitality, each post in our festive journey has illuminated the power of partnership, creativity, and community.

In 2023, WePlay has not just celebrated achievements; we’ve developed stories, showcasing the diverse industry of sports and entertainment. Our commitment to elevating brands, engaging audiences, and pushing creative boundaries has resulted in a year of triumphs, growth, and groundbreaking experiences.

We express our deepest gratitude to our partners, clients, and the community that has been an integral part of our journey. Here’s to more victories, memorable moments, and shared successes in the chapters that lie ahead.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a spectacular start to the new year.

Let the spirit of collaboration and creativity continue to shine brightly in 2024 and beyond! 🎉🌟