2019 Burger King’s Strange Partnership in Soccer
Conor McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, has leveraged his immense success in combat sports to make savvy investments beyond the octagon. Among his notable ventures are Proper 12 Whiskey and Forged Irish Stout, highlighting his dual interests in beverage entrepreneurship and sports branding. McGregor’s business acumen also extends to the realm of marketing, where he has shown appreciation for unconventional strategies, including those by fast-food giant Burger King.
Burger King’s 2019 Marketing Surprise
In 2019, Burger King surprised many with an unorthodox sponsorship of Stevenage F.C.—a club languishing at the bottom of the English Football League Two. Instead of traditional promotional tactics, the fast-food chain launched the “Stevenage Challenge” as part of their campaign. This initiative allowed gamers to play as Stevenage F.C. in the EA Sports FIFA game, encouraging players to sign top-tier stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as part of their teams.
The Unique Appeal of the Stevenage Challenge
This marketing move was intriguing because it turned the club’s lackluster standing into a unique opportunity. By engaging the FIFA gaming community, Burger King cleverly capitalized on digital engagement, inviting gamers to share their experiences on social media. The challenge reached a wide audience and connected the supporters in ways that transcended typical sports marketing. The results were amplified as players showcased their achievements, resulting in a viral moment that captured a broad audience beyond traditional football fans.
McGregor’s Reaction and His Soccer Aspirations
Conor McGregor quickly took notice of this marketing ploy. Through a social media post, he praised Burger King for their creativity. “Incredible!” he captioned when he reshared the marketing campaign on his Instagram story, providing a glimpse into how he admires innovative business strategies that push boundaries. Notably, McGregor’s affinity for football is well-known; before his rise in mixed martial arts, he dreamed of being a professional soccer player. Although that aspiration didn’t pan out, his passion for the sport remains fervent.
A Commitment to the Soccer Community
McGregor has actively engaged with the soccer community in various ways. He helped establish Blackforge FC, an amateur soccer club in Ireland, named after his Dublin pub, which recently won the UCFL championship. Through this venture, McGregor continues to nurture his love for the sport while contributing to grassroots soccer in Ireland.
Connections with Soccer Elites
McGregor’s social circle includes several high-profile soccer players, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo. The two stars have been spotted together multiple times, including an appearance at a birthday event for Jennifer Lopez, which happened shortly before McGregor’s anticipated rematch against Nate Diaz at UFC 202. Their friendship has continued to flourish, particularly in Riyadh, where McGregor and Ronaldo have been seen at high-profile events. Interestingly, Ronaldo also maintains a friendship with Khabib Nurmagomedov, McGregor’s longstanding rival, showcasing the intricate network within the world of sports.
Future in UFC and Potential Fight Opponents
As McGregor remains on the sidelines since his TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, speculation about his return has heightened. Poirier has announced plans to retire after his upcoming fight against Max Holloway, while McGregor has hinted at a comeback fight against Michael Chandler, who recently faced defeat against Paddy Pimblett. Additionally, fans are eager to see if McGregor will choose to face off against Nate Diaz again, a matchup that holds significant intrigue given their history.
The Intersection of Sports and Business
McGregor’s journey illustrates the intersection of sports and entrepreneurship. His sharp business sense, coupled with his love for soccer, allows him to maintain relevance in various arenas. As he continues to grow his brand and engage with sports at multiple levels, the conversation around him remains dynamic and ever-evolving. For updates on soccer-related matters, including potential changes and initiatives, resources like BBC Sport provide valuable insights.
