Conducting due diligence is a critical step in the deal structuring phase, and failure to do so can result in significant financial losses, reputation damage, legal issues, poor targeting and missed opportunities.

When it comes to putting together a deal in the world of sports sponsorship, due diligence is a critical step that (under no circumstances) should be overlooked. Due diligence is the process of thoroughly researching and evaluating a potential partner, sponsor, or investment opportunity to ensure that it aligns with your organization's goals and values and that there are no red flags or potential issues that could harm your reputation or bottom line.

The sports sponsorship industry is a highly competitive and rapidly changing landscape, and it's essential to be aware of the risks and rewards associated with any potential partnership or investment. By conducting proper due diligence, organizations (rights holders and brands alike) can ensure that they are making informed decisions and that they are aligning themselves with partners who share their vision and values.

One of the most important aspects of due diligence in sports sponsorship is researching the sponsor or partner's reputation and track record. This can include looking at their financial stability, any past legal or ethical issues they may have had, and their reputation in the industry. It's also important to research the sponsor's target audience and how they align with your own organization's target audience. This will help ensure that your partnership will be mutually beneficial and that your organization's reputation will not be tarnished by association with an unsavory partner.  

Brand 'voice' is not often easy to align, but savvy marketers and agencies like Talisman use special data tools to identify and match this effectively.

‍Another key aspect of due diligence for the Rights Holder is evaluating the sponsor's advertising and promotional strategies. This includes assessing the methods they use to reach their target audience, their advertising budget, and their ability to deliver on any promised exposure or visibility. This will help ensure that your Rights Holder is getting the best possible return on investment and that the sponsorship will be effective in reaching your target audience.

Finally, it's important to consider the legal and contractual aspects of the sponsorship. This includes reviewing and negotiating the sponsorship agreement, assessing the sponsor's ability to fulfill their obligations, and ensuring that the agreement is in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

In conclusion, due diligence is a crucial step in the process of putting together a successful sports sponsorship deal. By conducting thorough research and evaluation, Rights Holders can ensure that they are aligning themselves with reputable partners and that they are making informed decisions that will benefit their organization in the long term. By not overlooking the due diligence process, organizations can mitigate risks and capitalize on the full potential of a sponsorship deal.

Please contact Talisman to discuss how our data experts can help with due diligence and evaluation services.

‍