12 Underrated Sports Leagues That Could Power Your Next Advertising Win
By Oliver Kemp
Aug 11 2025, 6 min read
Where Hidden Sports Leagues Turn Into Brand Powerhouses
Sports sponsorship often brings to mind the likes of the Premier League, IPL, NBA, or Formula 1. Yet beyond these global giants lies a thriving ecosystem of leagues with passionate fan bases, strong media coverage, and packed venues.
For brands, these leagues present uncluttered, high-engagement platforms where your message doesn’t just get seen — it stands out. The benefits are clear:
- Lower sponsorship costs compared to the world’s most saturated leagues
- Precise regional targeting to reach specific markets and fan communities
- Strong brand recall as fans associate sponsors with their local heroes and favourite teams
- Multiple activation formats including kit sponsorships, brand ambassadors, perimeter ads, jumbotrons, and hospitality experiences
At World Sports Advertising, we connect brands to the right sport, the right format, and the right audience — whether it’s football, cricket, basketball, motorsport, combat sports, racket sports, esports, golf, or more.
Whether through kit sponsorships, brand ambassador deals, perimeter advertising, jumbotron displays, or hospitality activations, the potential to connect with audiences is enormous.
Explore our Sports Brand Activations options and see how we can help your brand score big.
1. Pakistan Super League – Cricket Meets Carnival Energy
The PSL blends cricket, music and national pride. Crowds are vibrant, TV audiences run into millions and the league attracts top global talent. Kit branding, perimeter boards and in-stadium activations here become part of the cultural buzz.
Explore Pakistan Super League Advertising
2. Eredivisie – Dutch Football’s Loyal Fortress
With clubs like Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord, Eredivisie has a rich tradition and consistently strong domestic viewership. From stadium boards to kit sponsors, it’s a chance to plant your brand in a passionate football culture.
Explore Eredivise Advertising Opportunities
3. BKFC – Combat Sports with Raw Appeal
The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is growing fast, attracting a devoted audience. Broadcast deals and social media hype make it a prime stage for brands ready to take centre ring.
Explore Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Advertising
World Sports Advertising Delivers National UK Campaign for Fury vs Ngannou Clash
4. Dota 2 Pro Circuit – Esports with a Global Cult Following
The Dota 2 Pro Circuit is a powerhouse in the esports world, drawing millions of viewers across live streams and packed arenas. With international tournaments, a loyal community, and extensive online engagement, it offers brands prime opportunities through team sponsorships, in-stream advertising, event naming rights, and digital fan activations. For brands targeting tech-savvy, gaming-focused audiences, this circuit delivers unmatched reach and fan loyalty.
Explore Esports Advertising
5. World Padel Tour – The Fast-Rising Racket Sport
Padel’s popularity is exploding across Europe and the Middle East. The World Padel Tour offers sleek venues, stylish crowds and a growing broadcast presence — perfect for brands seeking a fresh sporting image.
Explore all Sports Marketing Opportunities
6. Liga MX – Mexico’s Football Giant
Liga MX matches pull massive national audiences and large followings in the United States. Its fan culture is vibrant, and stadium advertising here can reach millions every week.
Explore Football / Soccer Marketing Opportunities
7. Super GT – Japan’s Motorsport Showcase
Super GT combines high-speed racing with a festival-like fan experience. Car liveries, trackside signage and hospitality programmes give brands premium exposure.
Check out Motorsport Advertising for more.
8. ONE Championship – Asia’s MMA Powerhouse
With events spanning Singapore to Manila, ONE Championship is Asia’s answer to global MMA. It boasts strong digital reach and loyal followers across multiple combat disciplines.
Explore Combat Sports Advertising Opportunities
9. Vitality Blast – England’s T20 Fireworks
This short-format cricket tournament brings packed stadiums and prime summer slots on TV. Branding opportunities here feel close to the fans, with festival-style atmospheres ideal for activations.
Explore options to advertise in the Vitality Blast T20
10. EuroLeague Basketball – Continental Court Action
Europe’s top basketball competition delivers intense rivalries and loyal club followings. Sponsorships range from courtside branding to digital campaigns that engage audiences across multiple countries.
Basketball Advertising Opportunities
11. ITTF World Table Tennis Championships – Speed and Precision
Fast-paced rallies and global TV coverage make table tennis an underutilised gem for advertising. It’s especially popular in Asia, offering brands a direct route to huge audiences.
Explore Pepperstone’s ATP Tour Sponsorship
12. Asian Tour – Golf’s Expanding Frontier
The Asian Tour is growing in prestige, attracting top talent from around the world while maintaining deep roots in emerging golf markets. With tournaments hosted across countries like Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE, it offers brands the chance to reach affluent audiences and passionate local fans. Opportunities include course signage, player sponsorships, hospitality lounges, and broadcast partnerships that align your brand with the elegance and prestige of professional golf.
Explore Golf Advertising Options
Why These Leagues Deliver for Brands
- Targeted, passionate audiences
- More flexible sponsorship formats
- Broad media reach at lower saturation
- Cultural connection with fans
The real win lies in aligning your brand with competitions where fans feel seen, valued and excited. These leagues provide that sweet spot.
Your Next Campaign Could Be Here
If you want to step into sports advertising with impact, consider these hidden gems. We can connect your brand to the right sport, the right audience and the right moment.
Visit World Sports Advertising or contact us today to start planning your next big move in sports marketing.