Anyone know the story with marketing and sponsorship of CONCACAF's Champions' Cup? I get the impression people are not too impressed with CONCACAF as a professional organization. Seems to me that with some work this tourney could get some sponsorship, TV coverage, and become something more than it is. UEFA has some prime sponsors (of the same ilk as MLS sponsors). How hard would it be for CONCACAF? I'm at least happy that they finally made a real home and away schedule, not some quick gathering in Las Vegas or some such place. Tim
Well, quite a bit more difficult. UEFA can sell sponsors on the fact that their tournament has huge viewership in rich western European nations. Meanwhile, CONCACAF has the problem of having member nations that aren't as rich, for the most part. CONCACAF has two member nations that are as rich or richer than western Europe in the United States and Canada, but unfortunately, interest in soccer is pretty small in both nations. It's got another member nation in Mexico that, while not as rich as western Europe, is richer than central America and the Caribbean. But unfortunately, they don't really care too much about the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, preferring to devote their attention to Mexican clubs' participation in the Copa Libertadores.
True enough, but people in all of CONCACAF buy a lot of Fords, drink a lot of Coke, and make a lot of long distance phone calls. I have no illusions that the Cup will be anywhere close to what UEFA can offer anytime soon. On the other hand, it can certainly be more than it is right now. How hard would it be, for example, to up the prize money with just a few sponsorships? I would contend major consumer vendors would find it pretty appealing to find a marketing vehicle that can span so many countries. There are very few like it when you think about it. Tim
UEFA CC Finances Some good details in here on how much and how they make their $$: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=262264&cc=5901