NEW YORK, USA – Clio Sports, the awards that honor creative excellence in sports marketing and advertising around the globe, announced the entrants that earned prestigious Grand Clios Sports Awards at a ceremony hosted by WNBA icon Nneka Ogwumike and ESPN Sports Anchor Elle Duncan. The event, hosted at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York City tonight, brings together leading executives from teams, leagues, media companies and creative agencies to celebrate the creative work that helped shape sports culture this year.
The Grand Clio Sports statues, which are awarded to work that is deemed “head and shoulders” above all other submissions in a given medium, were handed out to 10 winners in the following mediums:
· Branded Entertainment and Content: “Snickers AI” by T&Pm for Mars
· Creative Use of Data: “The Marathumb Challenge” by Doner for Saucony
· Digital/Mobile: “The Marathumb Challenge” by Doner for Saucony
· Fan Engagement: “Lap of Legends” by FCB New York for AB InBev – Michelob ULTRA
· Film: “Grey Days” by Love Song for New Balance
· Film Craft: “Hey Jude” by Johannes Leonardo for adidas
· Gameday/In-Game Experience: “VGK – Overall Game Day” by Vegas Gold Knights for Vegas Gold Knights
· Public Relations: “Will Levis No.8” by Edelman for Hellmann’s (Unilever)
· Social Media: “Snickers AI” by T&Pm for Mars
· Sports Betting: “Kick of Destiny 2” by Wieden + Kennedy for FanDuel Sportsbook
Clio Sports Awards were also given out on stage for the Of The Year winners, which are determined by identifying the entrants with the most statue points earned for work submitted across all mediums. The 2024 Clio Sports Of The Year Winners are:
· Agency Of The Year: FCB New York
· Brand Of The Year: Michelob ULTRA
· League Of The Year: Major League Baseball
· Media Brand Of The Year: Paramount Brand Studio
· Team Of The Year: Minnesota Vikings
The Clio Sports Impact Award, presented by AT&T, is given to a person or organization that has made a significant impact on popular culture by channeling their platform in innovative ways that move their industry forward and bring about social change. This year, the award celebrates Paralympian, author, and activist, Scout Bassett. In addition to her athletic achievements, she serves as the president of the Women’s Sports Foundation, championing opportunities and equality for women in sports. She is also the founder of the Scout Bassett Fund, an organization that provides financial grants to support young athletes with disabilities, helping them pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.
The Clio Sports Rising Star Award, presented by Nissan, honors emerging athletes who are simultaneously breaking barriers in their sport and in pursuit of building a unique personal brand. It was bestowed on UCLA Bruins quarterback and two-time NIL Male Athlete of the Year, Chase Griffin. With over 40 NIL partnerships, including brands like JP Morgan & Chase, and initiatives like the Chase Griffin Foundation’s program to combat food insecurity, he is an inspiration to other young athletes aiming to build a brand and career alongside their athletics and academics.
Finally, the Clio Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates an individual whose outstanding creative contributions have permanently shaped our culture, pushed boundaries that led their community forward and paved the way for new talent in the industry. It was bestowed on Tim Ellis, Chief Marketing Officer of the National Football League, where he has transformed the league’s brand with bold, human-centered marketing strategies. With over 35 years of marketing experience, Ellis has held leadership roles at top global brands and has led breakthrough campaigns for Volkswagen, Call of Duty, Volvo, Virgin Airlines, and more. He also serves on the Ad Council’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Adweek DEI Council, and as an Executive Mentor for Adweek, advancing diversity and mentoring the next generation of marketing leaders.
The presenting sponsors of Clio Sports are Nissan and AT&T. Official sponsors are Michelob Ultra, Frito-Lay and Universal Production Music. Supporting sponsors are Relo Metrics and Massive Music.
The full list of previously announced Clio Sports Gold, Silver, Bronze and Shortlist recipients is available at www.Clios.com/sports.
