YouTuber MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Charlotte Hornets. The partnership involves his snack company, Feastables, becoming the official jersey patch partner for the 2023–2024 season. This means that the Feastables logo will be displayed prominently on the Charlotte Hornets’ jerseys during games. However, the partnership goes beyond just the NBA team. The Feastables logo will also be stitched onto the jerseys for the Greensboro Swarm, the NBA G League team affiliated with the Hornets, as well as the Hornets Venom GT, an NBA 2K League esports team. Additionally, Feastables branding will be included in the backdrops used by the Charlotte Hornets for press conferences and interviews.
The collaboration between MrBeast and the Charlotte Hornets signifies a new era in sports marketing. It highlights the increasing influence and reach of social media influencers and creators. MrBeast, known for his charitable acts and larger-than-life videos on YouTube, has amassed a huge following and has become a household name. By partnering with the Hornets, he is able to bring his brand directly to the NBA audience, which includes millions of fans worldwide.
Feastables, MrBeast’s snack company, was launched in January 2022. The brand specializes in selling MrBeast-branded chocolate bars and cookies. The venture was created with the support of Night Media, a talent management agency, and Jim Murray, the former president of protein snack bar company RxBar. Since its launch, Feastables has experienced immense success, generating over $10 million in revenue within a few months.
Night Media CEO Reed Duchscher expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that it is a first of its kind and he is eager to see how creator-brands and the NBA continue to collaborate in the future. He also emphasized the appeal of the Charlotte Hornets, particularly to young people, making them an ideal partner for Feastables.
The collaboration between MrBeast and the Charlotte Hornets showcases the evolving landscape of marketing and brand partnerships. Rather than traditional sponsorships or endorsements, this partnership is a unique fusion of online influence and sports. It demonstrates the power of creators and their ability to bridge the gap between digital and physical platforms.
Furthermore, this partnership has the potential to create new opportunities for both MrBeast and the Charlotte Hornets. MrBeast can reach a wider audience through the NBA platform, introducing Feastables to sports fans who may not be familiar with his YouTube content. On the other hand, the Hornets benefit from MrBeast’s massive online following and can tap into his fanbase to expand their own reach and engagement.
This collaboration may also pave the way for future partnerships between social media influencers and sports teams or leagues. As the influence of creators continues to grow, sports organizations are recognizing the value they can bring in terms of brand exposure and engagement. This opens up a world of possibilities for both creators and sports entities to explore unique and mutually beneficial collaborations.
Overall, the partnership between MrBeast and the Charlotte Hornets is a significant development in the world of sports marketing. It exemplifies the power of social media influencers and their ability to bridge the gap between digital and physical platforms. With Feastables becoming the official jersey patch partner for the Hornets and its affiliated teams, this collaboration represents a new era in brand partnerships and highlights the influence of creators in the sports industry.
