WHY BECOME AN ANCHOR PARTNER?
Building Football’s Future Together
Historic Opportunity
Be recognized as a founding architect of the first Black-majority-owned professional football league. Your partnership will be documented in sports history and The Black Culture Report as a pivotal moment when Black ownership became structural reality in professional sports.
The Professional Football League (PFL) invites forward-thinking organizations to join us in creating American football’s most inclusive and innovative professional ecosystem. As a 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to advancing the sport, we offer unique partnership opportunities for those who share our vision of football’s future.
Ground-Floor Opportunity
Shape the Future of Professional Football
Partner with the PFL during our formative stage and help design the future of professional football. Unlike established leagues with rigid structures, the PFL offers partners the unprecedented opportunity to:
- ESG/DEI leadership — authentic, measurable impact on racial equity
- Market intelligence — early access to emerging sports market
- Industry influence — shape the future of Black sports ownership
- Advisory participation — strategic input on league development
“The PFL represents a blank canvas for innovation in professional football. Partners who join us now will help paint the future of the sport.”
Mission-Driven Partnership
Advance Values That Matter
The PFL is built on core values of leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to team. Our 501(c)(6) structure allows us to prioritize football advancement over profit maximization. Partners will:
- Support creating diverse and inclusive opportunities in professional football
- Help establish merit-based systems that reward excellence at all levels
- Participate in building respectful environments for all football stakeholders
- Join a team-oriented organization focused on collective advancement
“We’re not just building another league; we’re creating a values-based approach to professional football that can transform the sport.”
Distinctive Partnership Approach
Beyond Traditional Sponsorship
The PFL offers a fundamentally different partnership model. Rather than conventional sponsorship arrangements, we seek collaborative relationships where partners:
- Participate in building the league from inception
- Contribute expertise and vision alongside financial support
- Receive attribution as founding contributors to football innovation
- Help shape partnership models that transcend traditional approaches
“Partners won’t just place their logos on our platforms—they’ll help build those platforms from the ground up.”
Unique Value Proposition
First-Mover Advantage
Early partners gain significant advantages through:
A. Business & Brand Benefits:
- Brand association with historic Black-owned sports league
- Naming rights opportunities (league, divisions, championships, awards)
- Logo placement and brand visibility (stadiums, broadcasts, digital)
- Hospitality and entertainment (luxury suites, VIP experiences, player meet-and-greets)
- Media exposure (press releases, social media, broadcast mentions)
- B2B networking opportunities with other founding partners and franchise owners
B. Strategic Influence:
- Advisory board participation (input on league strategy and development)
- Industry positioning (recognized as founding partner in emerging sports league)
- Policy advocacy alignment (if partner shares PFL’s policy priorities)
- Market intelligence (early access to league data and opportunities)
C. ESG/DEI Alignment:
- Measurable impact on Black ownership and economic empowerment
- ESG reporting (support for racial equity and community development)
- DEI credibility (authentic partnership with Black-led institution)
- Corporate social responsibility (beyond traditional charity)
D. Commercial Opportunities:
- Category exclusivity (e.g., exclusive automotive partner, exclusive beverage partner)
- Product integration (opportunities for product placement and activation)
- Data and insights (access to fan demographics and engagement data)
- Co-marketing opportunities (joint campaigns and content creation)
“Early partners will secure positions and recognition that simply won’t be available once the league is established.”
Collaborative Innovation Platform
Create Football’s Future Together
The PFL is designed as a collaborative innovation platform where partners can:
- Test new approaches to fan engagement and sports entertainment
- Develop next-generation ideas in a flexible, responsive environment
- Participate in creating football’s most progressive digital ecosystem
- Help establish new standards for sports partnership activation
Long-Term Value
As the league grows and matures:
- Brand visibility increases with media deals and fan growth
- Partnership value appreciates with league success
- Category exclusivity becomes more valuable
- Historical significance as founding partner endures
“Together, we’ll create approaches to professional football that wouldn’t be possible within established structures.”
LEGAL & COMPLIANCE DISCLOSURES
REQUIRED DISCLOSURES FOR 501(c)(6) SPONSORSHIPS:
Tax Treatment Disclosure: > “The Professional Football League is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association. Contributions to 501(c)(6) organizations are generally not tax-deductible as charitable donations under IRC Section 170. However, payments for sponsorships that provide commercial benefits (such as brand placement, hospitality, and advertising) may be deductible as ordinary business expenses under IRC Section 162. The deductibility of your specific contribution depends on the benefits received and your organization’s circumstances. Please consult your tax advisor.”
Commercial Benefits Disclosure: > “Founding Partner benefits include commercial value such as brand placement, hospitality, advisory participation, and business development opportunities. The value of these benefits may affect the tax treatment of your contribution.”
No Quid Pro Quo Disclosure: > “While Founding Partners receive recognition and benefits as described, contributions support the league’s 501(c)(6) mission to advance the business interests of Black-owned professional football franchises and promote industry development.”