WIN | WIN Wednesday Newsletter: August 6, 2025

The intro to this week’s newsletter packs a different punch than usual, so we’ll start by quoting one of the greatest hip hop artist of all time:

« Allow me to reintroduce myself »

As WIN | WIN, keeps evolving, so does what we’re up to. And this week, along with news and insights from around the leagues, we have two big announcements of our own:

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

This past week, our W|W Downloads featured Luka Doncic’s big commitment to the Lakers and to youth development, Shaq’s partnership with Epson and Staples to benefit kids in Nevada, and Bay FC partnering with Trader Joe’s to fight food insecurity.

Our mic drop is all about the power of mentoring youth. And in Leveling Up, we’re pitching a few fun ways to bring even more impact to th enew partnership between Band-aid and the Phillies. Go forth and read!

Until next week,
The WIN | WIN Team

Christian Malcolm, a four-time Olympian, youth coach, and a well-known figure in British sports, talking about his connection to community in a recent podcast appearance

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Just last week, the iconic Band-Aid Brand — a name synonymous with scraped knees and minor cuts (no, not all adhesive bandages are actual Band-Aids) — announced a new partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies. The brand, which hasn’t typically been a significant player in the sports sponsorship space, designed the collab to promote their new Band-Aid Brand Pro Heal Adhesive Bandage, and to elevate their image from basic first-aid to advanced wound care that’s, well, “pro-worthy” enough to be endorsed by the Majors.

Band-Aid was smart about the way they activated their partnership, connecting with the family-focused fanbase of the Phillies by featuring the team’s second baseman, Bryson Stott (who’s also a dad), as the main spokesperson. They’re already driving awareness about the new product through in-stadium videos, product sampling, and social content… you know, the usual suspects. But there’s a real opportunity here to take this partnership further, making it not just about sales and feel-good connections, but about actually improving the health and safety of the Philly-area kids and families they’re aiming to reach.

What do we have in mind? Keep reading past Bryson Scott’s game-winning smile to find out.

Anyone with kids knows that scrapes, cuts, bumps, and bruises are all part of the game, especially if your kids are playing sports.

So what if…

What if the Phillies and Band-Aid teamed up to create a co-branded program called “Band-Aid Phirst Aiders” (get it, with the Ph instead of the F?) that brings first aid education to local schools and youth organizations? There could be basic wound care education for students and teachers. Tips for spotting signs of concussions. Maybe a collab with the American Heart Association for AED and CPR trainings. Even “Band-Aid Phirst Aiders of the Year” awards for students, teachers, or parents who’ve gone above and beyond to help others, with the winners getting to enjoy box seats and throw out the first pitch at a Phillies game. Not only would this be an incredibly practical initiative (we all could use more first-aid skills), but it would also position both the team and the brand as champions of safety in everyday life.

Or, while we’re feeling saucy, here’s another idea. What if the Phillies and Band-Aid Brand joined forces for “Safe at Home” Field Makeovers? We’re sure there are plenty of diamonds around the greater Philly area that could use some TLC, especially if we’re thinking about improvements that would make them safer places to play. Community teams or leagues could nominate their fields in a contest, with a handful of annual winners getting funding (and coordination support) for things like replacing worn-out fencing, upgrading dugouts, or installing safer backstops. And of course, they’d get plenty of up-to-date first-aid kits, too. The "big reveal" at each renovated field could be attended by a Phillies player, creating more local media buzz, a ton of content, and just as much goodwill for families throughout the city.

Band-Aid Brand is inherently playful, with its long tradition of fun prints and catchy TV jingles (IYKYK). And the Phillies? The Phanatic says it all. Taking both of those spirits to heart, we could come up with endless ways to Level-Up this initiative into something that doesn’t just sell more products or tickets, but also makes both brands a beloved part of local families’ lives. If you want to hear more, just give us a call — we’re always ready to step up to the plate.

🩺 Healthcare brands are figuring it out. Check out this example of how sports marketing sponsorships are tied to TANGIBLE community impact. We see you Mammoth Hockey Club and Huntsman Mental Health Institute 👀.

⚾ Let the kids play! The Venezuelan baseball team was denied visas into the US for the Little League International championships. Is this a sign of what’s to come for the World Cup and Olympics? We seriously hope not. 🤞🏼

🏀 Could a fan-owned business model keep the Blazers in Portland? A new group wants to find out (and we want in). We got $50 on it. 💰

If you’re passionate about making a difference, AND have a story to tell about the power of sports to create positive social change, we want to amplify your voice — and your impact — by sharing your story.

Got breaking news at the intersection of sports and social impact? Share it with WIN | WIN first for access to our dedicated audience of insiders.