How to Request a Team Sponsor

The financial aspects of running a sports team or league can quickly spiral out of control. Equipment, uniforms, coaches' training and pay, referees, field rentals and insurance are just some of the costs that commonly come into play. Sponsors can help defray these costs. Sponsors may fully finance a team or pay just a portion of the costs, depending on the competitive level of the team and its financial needs. Do your research before approaching prospective sponsors and come prepared with information that will show them the benefits of sponsoring your squad.

Things You'll Need

  • Team photo
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research businesses in your area likely to sponsor your team. Target local businesses rather than corporations, as the decision-makers will be easier to reach. Look for businesses that tend to have larger budgets, such as law firms, banks or mid-sized retail shops.

    • 2

      Prioritize the list of potential sponsors, putting any businesses that relate to your team at the top. For instance, put golf pro shops at the top of a list for golf teams, automotive repair services at the top for race car teams and so on. Start at the top of the list when sending out the sponsorship letters, and space the letters by several days, which cuts down on work should you land a sponsor quickly.

    • 3

      Make a list of what you need from the sponsor. Include a specific dollar amount, or items, such as underwriting the cost of uniforms or trophies. If itemizing, include a reasonable dollar range for each portion of your list.

    • 4

      Write a proposal to all prospective sponsors, customizing the letter to each business and using the business owner's name. Introduce yourself and indicate that you are seeking sponsorship for your team.

    • 5

      Continue the letter with a brief explanation of your team, highlighting any aspects that set you apart -- for instance, a softball team for girls with developmental disabilities. Talk about the benefits to the team members who participate in the sport.

    • 6

      Outline next what the sponsorship involves. Include the dollar amount, or the range of costs for the items you need.

    • 7

      Offer the sponsor something in return. For instance, offer free advertising at games or matches, or promise to do media interviews in clothing that prominently displays the sponsor's name.

    • 8

      Close the sponsorship letter by thanking the business owner for his or her time, and provide your contact information. Promise that you'll follow up soon on the proposal in order to answer any of the prospective sponsor's questions.

    • 9

      Print out the document and include a team photo in your sponsorship request letter -- sometimes this can help sway would-be sponsors. Mail or hand-deliver the sponsorship request.