How Unrivaled built brand partnerships that are more than logo slaps

Sponsors including Samsung Galaxy, Under Armour and Wayfair delivered real value during the first year of the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league.

By Chris Kelly • May 12, 2025

Meta touts complementary powers of video, AI in overture to brands

At the NewFronts, executives said that generative AI tools are “are going to help mark a new era of creativity” that marketers will aid in shaping.

By Peter Adams • May 9, 2025

How Sprite surpassed Pepsi by living and breathing pop culture

The brand recently launched Sprite Squad, a text-and-scan activation that gives consumers access to digital experiences tied to cultural passions.

By Chris Kelly • May 7, 2025

Pantene turns Alix Earle’s viral TikTok post into collection, campaign

The P&G brand tied up with a popular creator who raved about the effectiveness of an expired bottle of Pantene found in her family’s shower. 

By Jessica Hammers • May 1, 2025

Publicis acquires Adopt to strengthen connection to sports culture

The four-year-old upstart founded by Nike veterans has worked with brands and athletes including Lululemon and Anthony Edwards.

By Peter Adams • April 30, 2025

Why 818 Tequila tapped a NASCAR driver to accelerate cultural marketing

CMO Kathleen Braine explains how partnering with trailblazing driver Toni Breidinger helps boost the reach of the Kendall Jenner-founded brand.

By Chris Kelly • April 30, 2025

Axe leans on Pete Davidson’s wisdom to help men level up their rizz

The actor-comedian will host an Ask Me Anything-like discussion on Instagram and stars in a new ad giving a shorter individual a confidence boost.

By Peter Adams • April 23, 2025

IAB: As brands diversify ad spend, midsize media firms grow fastest

The largest growth in the digital market last year came from mid-tier media platforms, streaming services and e-commerce businesses. 

By Peter Adams • April 17, 2025

Why Mentos relaunched its iconic jingle and brought brand lore to Fortnite

To reach Gen Z, the 93-year-old brand is tapping into ’90s nostalgia and enduring interest in what happens when its mints are mixed with cola.

By Chris Kelly • April 16, 2025

Ally’s WNBA deal brings it closer to gender parity in sports media spend

The brand’s sponsorship includes an endorsement deal with incoming rookie Paige Bueckers, who features in social content around a sweepstakes.

By Chris Kelly • April 14, 2025

Influencer marketing surges: Here’s what the numbers say

In 2025, 59% of marketers plan to partner with more influencers compared to 2024 as consumers explore new social media platforms, per Sprout Social.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 28, 2025

How Jack in the Box is working its brand into ‘Hot Ones,’ ‘Call Her Daddy’

Agency TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles is looking beyond quirky TV ads to drive cultural impact for a new “So Munch More” brand platform. 

By Chris Kelly • March 28, 2025

Coke refreshes ‘Share a Coke’ to reach Gen Z with digital experiences

The effort includes a QR code-powered digital hub and a digital experience that can help consumers create and share videos.

By Chris Kelly • March 26, 2025

JCPenney embraces social-first marketing with VaynerMedia hire

The department store chain will take advantage of services like a social influencer seeding offering intended to boost relevance.

By Peter Adams • March 25, 2025

Inside H&M’s digital relaunch and approach to multichannel experiences

Head of Digital Jenn Volk explains how the retailer reimagined digital to increase brand storytelling around moments like its Charli XCX collaboration.

By Chris Kelly • March 25, 2025

Why Icy Hot evolved from function to fun in first work by The Martin Agency

Brand ambassador Shaquille O’Neal embraces a new role as the leader of “The Comeback Cavalry” in a campaign aimed at everyday athletes.

By Chris Kelly • March 18, 2025

Rare Beauty CMO on winning Gen Z through community-oriented marketing

The brand spent years building up its social media fandom before launching a major ad campaign, CMO Katie Welch said at SXSW.

By Peter Adams • March 11, 2025

How cult brands like Crocs, Southwest see influencer marketing evolving

Executives at SXSW described how the channel can be more successful than traditional advertising in the quest to woo Gen Z consumers. 

By Peter Adams • March 10, 2025

NWSL lands podcast star Alex Cooper’s Unwell Hydration as sponsor

The “Call Her Daddy” host’s beverage brand is supporting pop-ups and an official fan community as part of the deal with the women’s soccer league.

By Peter Adams • March 7, 2025

Papa Johns invites pizza fans to ‘Meet the Makers’ for TV, social ads

Handled by the Martin Agency, the chain’s first work under CMO Jenna Bromberg includes tie-ups with food influencers and real team members.

By Jessica Hammers • March 6, 2025

Twitch simplifies sponsorship, revenue opportunities for streamers

A Creator Profile feature and partnership with StreamElements enables creators to make professional connections directly from their dashboards.

By Aaron Baar • March 6, 2025

Why Bombay Sapphire is using DJ sets and office happy hours to push gin

In the latest iteration of “Tastes Like It’s Friday,” lifestyle creators will be tasked with breaking down misconceptions about gin.

By Chris Kelly • March 6, 2025

How DSW’s CMO is overhauling the brand for a new age of retail

Sarah Crockett detailed her approach to rehabilitating the brand during a keynote presentation at the eTail Palm Springs conference.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 28, 2025

WeWard lines up Venus Williams to stand out in fitness app crowd

Venus Williams has signed on as an investor and brand ambassador for the app, which incentivizes walking by offering rewards.

By Aaron Baar • Feb. 27, 2025

Campaign Trail: Sprite locks in NBA stars Anthony Edwards, Kevin Garnett

Johannes Leonardo helped craft a social-first campaign that captures true-to-life conversations between stars from different generations.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 21, 2025