How to Build and Price Corporate Sponsorship Packages
Build Smarter Packages
One of the best ways to make your gameday program and media guide attractive to sponsors is to package it alongside other visibility options. Instead of simply selling ads, offer bundled packages at different investment levels. A tiered structure lets sponsors choose what works best for their budget while giving them opportunities to scale their support.
Your Highest Tier Might Include:
A full-page ad in the printed and digital media guide
A banner displayed at home games
Weekly shoutouts on the team’s social media accounts
Recognition by the announcer during games
A clickable logo in the digital edition of the guide
Your Mid-Tier Sponsors Might Get:
A half-page ad
A shared banner
A one-time social media post
Recognition in the sponsor list inside the guide
And Your Entry-Level Package Could Include:
A business card-size ad
Logo inclusion in the digital media guide
A thank-you mention on social media
The goal is to offer stackable value—the more a sponsor invests, the more exposure and engagement they receive.
Ensure Each Tier Builds Meaningfully on the Last
It's not enough to just add random perks to each tier. Every sponsorship level should build logically and meaningfully on the one before it. Think of it like creating a ladder—each rung should take the sponsor to a new level of visibility and recognition.
If the Bronze tier gets them a quarter-page ad, the Silver tier should not only increase the ad size but also introduce a new exposure channel (like a social media mention). Your Gold or Platinum tiers should feel premium—reserved for sponsors who want to make a strong impression. This tier might include gameday signage, clickable links in your digital guide, and multiple game-day shoutouts.
By building your tiers this way, you create a compelling reason for sponsors to level up their support, especially when they can see the value each jump provides.
Don’t Undervalue Your Sponsorship Packages
One of the most common mistakes in high school sports fundraising is pricing sponsorships too low.
While it might feel safer to make packages cheap and accessible, undervaluing your offerings can work against you. It suggests that your program isn’t worth the investment—and it limits your ability to raise meaningful funds.
When Pricing Your Tiers, Consider:
How many people will see your media guide (print + digital)
The number of attendees at each home gameYour team’s social media reach
The duration of sponsor exposure (e.g., a full season vs. one event)
If you’re reaching hundreds or even thousands of community members through a professional-looking media guide, social media, and in-person events, you have every reason to charge what your sponsorships are worth.
A $500 or $1,000 package is a reasonable ask when it delivers months of exposure and high-quality branding.
Include a High Value, Premium Sponsor Tier
Having a premium sponsorship tier is essential for attracting 1-2 major sponsors who are willing to make a significant investment in your high school sports fundraising efforts. These premium sponsors not only provide a substantial boost to your budget but also elevate the overall appeal of your media guide or gameday program. Every community, no matter its size, typically has 1-2 prominent businesses or organizations that are looking for high-profile marketing opportunities and are willing to support local youth sports in a big way. These sponsors may be willing to pay top dollar for exclusive, high-visibility benefits, such as prominent logo placement, season-long exposure, and special recognition at events. By offering a premium tier, you provide a clear opportunity for these businesses to make a meaningful contribution, helping you hit your fundraising goals while giving them valuable exposure. This also sets the stage for long-term partnerships that can continue to benefit your program year after year.
Showcase the Power of the Media Guide and Gameday Program
Whether in print or digital form, a media guide is more than just a booklet—it’s a branding platform. Your sponsors aren't just placing ads; they’re getting embedded in a publication that families, students, and alumni revisit throughout the season.
If your team also distributes a gameday program at events, that’s another layer of visibility. Combined with in-person shoutouts, social media tags, and signage, your media guide becomes one of several valuable touchpoints. This synergy creates a sponsorship package that goes beyond a single ad and becomes a campaign for local business visibility.
Highlight these benefits in your sponsor pitch. Use language like “season-long exposure,” “multi-channel visibility,” and “supporting local youth athletics” to appeal both to their marketing mindset and community spirit.
Design a Professional, Easy to Understand Rate Card
How your sponsorship packages look matters just as much as what they offer. Use clean, branded Rate Card that explain the tiers, show example ads, and break down exactly what each sponsor receives. Include details like ad sizes, digital placements, social media frequency, and banner location (if applicable). A well-designed Rate Card credibility and can increase conversions.
Also, make the purchase process easy. Offer multiple ways to pay—checks, online platforms, or your school’s payment portal. Provide a point of contact for questions. And always include a simple call-to-action like: “Reserve your spot today” or “Support the team and promote your business.”
Final Thoughts
Building smart sponsorship packages is the foundation of effective high school sports fundraising. By using tiered options that combine print, digital, and in-person exposure, and by pricing them in a way that reflects their value, you’ll give businesses a reason to say “yes”—and generate the funding your team needs to thrive.
Whether you’re creating a traditional gameday program, a digital media guide, or both, remember: each ad sold is more than just revenue. It’s a partnership between your program and your community.
Example of a Sponsorship Package of a Story of the Season Team
Think of your sponsorship packages like a menu:
Each level includes more exposure, perks, and value. Here's a simple 4-tier model to start with:
🎯 Pro Tip: Use naming tiers (like Platinum, Gold, Silver) to signal value—and avoid listing options solely by ad size or dollar amount.
🥇 Platinum Sponsor – $3,000+
Full-spread ad in media guide
Logo on team website
Logo on game-day banner
Social media shoutouts (3+)
PA announcements at home games
Premium placement in digital guide
4 season tickets
Optional: Logo on team t-shirts or warmups
🥈 Gold Sponsor – $2,000
full-page ad
Website and digital guide inclusion
1–2 social media mentions
Shared banner/logo wall placement
🥉 Silver Sponsor – $750
Quarter-page ad or business card-size ad
Logo in digital guide
Name included on sponsor thank-you post
🏅 Community/Booster Sponsor – $250
Logo in group sponsor section
Name in digital guide
Thank-you on team social media
Each tier should offer clear, increasing value. Sponsors paying more should get more visibility, better placement, and more ways to connect with your audience.
