Being a brand is important in college football, especially with the advent of Name, Image, Likeness. The reach of a team is vastly important and many of the top schools will be at the top of a brand list. Recently FOX College Football released their Top 25 college brands as viewed by high school football players. Find out below where Notre Dame landed according to the next stars of the game.
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For once, a team decided to listen to its fans, even if it meant losing some money in the process.
Louisville City FC, a pro soccer team in the United States’ USL, has abandoned plans for a re-brand and halted production of merchandise, following fan anger over the changing of the team’s crest.
“To be blunt, our recent brand rollout has failed you,” said team owner Brad Estes. “We had the best intentions, but we lost sight of our responsibility to engage you in the process. We make no excuses; we simply commit to making it right.”
It’s a stunning reversal, and I’ll admit: One that’s a bit heartening to see. Too many pro sports teams in this country are dismissive of their fans when it comes to team branding and identity. Too many pro sports teams are dismissive of their fans, entirely.
Louisville City FC has every right to re-brand or change their crest as they see fit, but if they want their supporters to buy in, they need to make them feel like a part of the process. Otherwise, to the fans, it just feels like you’re changing their history and pulling the rug out from under the them.
I’m sure Estes is going to lose some money in halting production on the new crest and going back to the drawing board, but I’d argue he’s more than making up for it in earning good will with his most passionate supporters. They now feel like more of a part of the club, and I’m guessing would be much more willing to spend their money with the club because of it.
Here’s Estes’ full statement:
A Statement from Louisville City FC President Brad Estes:
