# Dynamic Basketball-Informed Marketing Campaigns March Madness' New Campaign Features NCAA Athletes By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-03-14 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ncaa-athletes References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mondelz-returns-to-march-madness-with-a-new-tv-spot-featuring-superstars-juju-watkins-and-jackson-shelstad-302400594.html)  [Mondelēz International](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/footballshaped-crackers) is making a significant return to March Madness with a dynamic marketing campaign featuring NCAA athletes and engaging fan experiences. The company has enlisted college basketball stars Juju Watkins and Jackson Shelstad to headline a 30-second TV spot, alongside a roster of current and former NCAA athletes that will represent the company's popular snack brands, including OREO, RITZ, [CHIPS AHOY!](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-by-design), TRISCUIT, and [WHEAT THINS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/straight-wheat-whiskey). These athletes will serve as brand ambassadors, creating buzz and excitement around the tournament through social media content and interactive fan activities. Additionally, Mondelēz is offering fans the chance to win exclusive prizes — from VIP trips to the 2026 NCAA Men’s or Women’s Final Four to autographed merchandise and personalized messages from athletes. Consumers can take advantage of these contests through the brand's Win Time Outz microsite. Image Credit: Mondel?z International ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 37% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Athlete-driven Marketing Campaigns:** Leveraging NCAA athletes as brand ambassadors, companies can create authentic connections and enhance consumer engagement during major sports events. - **Interactive Fan Experiences:** Sports-centered marketing strategies that incorporate interactive elements and fan participation can significantly boost brand loyalty and visibility. - **Prize-based Consumer Engagement:** Contests and sweepstakes offering exclusive sports-related prizes provide a compelling incentive for consumer participation and brand interaction. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sports Marketing:** The integration of collegiate athletes into promotional campaigns is transforming traditional sports marketing approaches by adding a layer of authenticity and reach. - **Snack Foods:** Utilizing popular snack brands in cross-promotional sports campaigns or partnerships enriches brand storytelling and deepens consumer engagement. - **Digital Engagement Platforms:** Microsites designed for immersive consumer experiences and contest participation enhance digital marketing strategies within the consumer goods sector. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Candy Bar Basketball Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reeses-ultimate-basketball-team.md) - [Refreshing Basketball-Themed Beverage Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beverage-campaign.md) - [Inspirational Athlete Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/it-takes-more-to-get-this-far.md) - [Basketball-Themed Beverage Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athletic-brewing-company1.md) - [March Madness Chip Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pringles-march-mustache-collection.md) - [Branded Female Athlete Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bracket-gap-challenge.md) - [Collegiate Athlete-Supporting Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collegiate-basketball-players.md) - [Basketball-Themed Fast Food Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ncaa-march-madness-promotion.md) - [Basketball-Themed QSR Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arbys-3.md)