The popularity of sports is immense and global. It has a die-hard fanbase and spectators all around the world. We see aspiring athletes attain celebrity status with huge followings on social media.
There are also mega sports events such as the FIFA World Cup, Olympics and Super Bowl. These give marketers a reason to churn out commercials for brand promotion at global level.
In this post, we are going to list some of best sports commercials and analyze what makes them so inspiring.
Hey Kid, Catch! – Coca-Cola
Hey Kid, Catch! was created by McCann-Erickson for Coca-Cola in 1979.
The ad depicts a limping Joe “Mean” Greene and a star-struck kid who offers him a bottle of co*ke in the tunnel. After drinking, Joe Greene unexpectedly calls the kid and throws him the jersey with a smile.
Hey Kid, Catch is considered to be one of the most iconic sports commercials of all time. It also aired at the Super Bowl XIV.
Several TV shows including The Simpsons and Futurama have paid homage to this commercial through parodies.
Be Like Mike – Gatorade
Be Like Mike was created by Bayer Bess Vanderwarker for Gatorade in 1992.
The ad features clips of some of Michael Jordan’s exceptional shots throughout his career. Also, young kids are shown trying to be like him by imitating his iconic dunks.
The highlight of the commercial is the jingle. Initially, the ad agency wanted to use a song from The Jungle Book, but Disney refused to let them do so. As an alternative, ad executive Bernie Pitzel wrote and composed “Be Like Mike”, which became a massive hit!
Read more: 10 Best Super Bowl Commercials and Why They Are So Memorable
Nothin’ But Net – McDonald’s
Nothin’ But Net was created by Adcom Leo Burnett and directed by Joe Pytka for McDonald’s in 1994.
The ad showcases two NBA legends Larry Bird and Michael Jordan challenging each other in a basketball game of HORSE for a Big Mac and fries.
As a result of this commercial, phrases like “no dunking” and “nothin’ but net” became fashionable pop culture references.
Airport 98 – Nike
Airport 98 is created by Wieden+Kennedy for Nike in 1998.
The commercial features Brazilian soccer team gearing up for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. As they wait for their flight to France, they kick around the football all through the airport.
The ad remains iconic to this day because the players pulled off every trick flawlessly. It was Nike’s very first splash in the world of soccer advertisem*nt.
Global football talents such as Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Eric Cantona, and Romario made appearances while the hit Brazilian song “Mas Que Nada” played in the background.
Foot Battle – Pepsi
Foot Battle was created by CLM & BBDO and directed by Tarsem Singh for Pepsi in 2004.
The commercial shows an army of barbarians raiding a citadel for Pepsi cans. They come face-to-face with soccer stars, who—through the use of skill— stop the intruders in their tracks.
Foot Battle brought together the big names, such as David Beckham, Francesco Totti, Raul, and Roberto Carlos in the medieval-themed ad.
Thank You, Mom – P&G
Thank You, Mom,was created by Wieden+Kennedy for P&G in 2010.
The ad features several moms helping their kids move forward in their athletic careers.
P&G penetrated the Olympics’ advertisem*nt market through Thank You Mom campaigns by showcasing how mothers help their kids achieve tremendous feats.
This campaign helped P&G rack up $500 million in global sales, making it the most successful in its 175-year history.
Rule Yourself – Under Armour
Rule Yourself was created by Droga5 for Under Armour in 2015.
The ad features Under Armour’s multiple brand ambassadors including Stephen Curry, Misty Copeland, and Jordan Spieth playing with their clones in an empty court.
The commercial echoes Under Armour’s statement that only relentless training can make you better and ready for the performance of your life.
The Rule Yourself campaign helped the company achieve its highest brand value of $5.5 billion at the end of 2016.
Comfort Under Pressure – UGG
Comfort Under Pressure was created by Camp+King agency for UGG in 2016.
The ad starts with NFL star Tom Brady refusing to participate in any activity with fellow teammate Julian Edelman. The latter, then, proceeds to do different things such as playing drums, cycling, and popping bubble wrap until he passes out.
The main motive behind the ad is to showcase how comfortable you can be by wearing UGGs and do just nothing at all.
One in a Billion – Adidas
One in a Billion was created by 72andSunny for Adidas in 2017.
The ad shows a group of athletes practicing in the same pattern of basketball drills until one decides to carve out his own style to inspire others to do the same.
One in a Billion was intended to celebrate individuality and creativity. Adidas penetrated the Chinese market with this campaign.
The commercial also featured cameos from David Beckham, Ning Zetao, and Hui Ruoqi.
Also read: 10 Best Commercials That Put Apple on the Map
You Can’t Stop Us – Nike
You Can’t Stop Us is created by Wieden+Kennedy for Nike in 2020.
The ad shows athletes of different backgrounds in a split-screen manner to exhibit parallels among different sports.
Nike deserves all the praise to send out a message of unity and inclusion through sports amid COVID-19 and BLM protests.
You Can’t Stop Us featured many renowned athletes, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lebron James, Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, and Colin Kaepernick.
Final thoughts
Over the years, ad campaigns built around sports have garnered huge success and revenue for brands. Iconic sports commercials are still looked back upon and remembered fondly by a loyal fan base.
And if you have a concept for an ad about your brand, feel free to give our video strategists a call. We’d love to breathe life in your ideas!
