Opinions are divided on whether it is beneficial or detrimental when a considerable number of businesses invest in sports sponsorship as an advertising method. This essay will first elaborate on both of these perspectives and then think that the upsides could overshadow the downsides.
The practice of sponsoring sports for advertising purposes could be disadvantageous, for some cogent reasons related to sport images and fairness. With regard to the former, the excessive advertising during the sport broadcast and events could enhance the commercialisation of sports, thereby threatening the original spirit of sports. In fact, if there are too many advertising banners at the stadium and interrupting commercials in sports, the audience’s enjoyment could be decreased. The second downside is that the involvement of corporate sports is occasionally associated with certain commitment and manipulation. These bonds could affect the fairness of sport games and gradually erode sportsmanship.
Despite the aforementioned drawbacks, I view that the favorable impacts of this trend on the world of sports could be more important due to financial resources and popularizing sports. As far as the first idea is concerned, the monetary support from the corporations could be spent on necessary sports infrastructure and equipment as well as advanced training and the organization of major sports events. For instance, some global sport events such as the Olympic Games or World Cup could be financially unfeasible without financial support from reputable corporations such as CocaCola and Sam Sung. The second explanation is that the sponsoring could bring about some type of sports to a wider audience. This could be easily seen in Adidas Company in New Zealand, who had been funding local rugby clubs, increasing public interest and success in this country.
In conclusion, both sides of the arguments have merits, I hold belief that the adverse effects could be outshined by the positive effects.