Author: Sean Connell

Sean Connell is Editor of The Sponsor. He regularly publishes articles, interviews senior marketing leaders, hosts private events and leads The Sponsor's valuation research, market analysis and annual industry studies.

AI is already replacing sponsorship research. Is creative activation next?

In a recent Adweek article, Mark Ritson pointed to Anthropic’s claim that 65% of marketing tasks could eventually be replaced by AI. His argument was not really about ad copy or image generation. It was about the less glamorous but highly important work that underpins modern marketing: research, analysis, planning and strategy. In sponsorship, that future may already be...

Premier League seeks to plug £90m gambling deficit with league-wide sponsorship model

The Premier League’s gambling debate is no longer confined to front-of-shirt branding. Clubs had already been preparing for the voluntary phase-out of betting sponsors from shirt fronts. But the government’s stance on removing non-UK licensed operators from all forms of Premier League involvement has significantly raised the stakes. If implemented in full, the move could...

Aviva’s Tom Whiteside on the long-term strategy behind its naming rights expansion

Aviva has expanded its venue portfolio once again, confirming it will become the naming rights partner of the new Aviva Arena in Bristol, set to open in 2028. The move adds a third major UK & Ireland venue to the insurance brand’s portfolio, alongside Aviva Stadium and Aviva Studios, reinforcing what has become a clear strategic position: Aviva believes...
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