Great Clips Becomes CFP Sponsor, Partners With Key Players

College Bowl season is in full progression and one brand is capitalizing on this exciting time.

Recently, Great Clips, the official hair salon sponsor of the College Football Playoff (CFP) extended its role through a multi-year relationship with Disney Advertising. 

As part of the deal, the popular hair salon chain receives exclusive marketing rights surrounding the CFP, New Year’s Six (NY6), and Championship Weekend. Great Clips will also present sponsorship of the CFP Media Day and receive enhanced brand exposure across CFP and ESPN promotional campaigns, NIL NewsStand reports.

“We’re thrilled to extend our multi-year relationship with Disney Advertising to become the Official Hair Salon Sponsor of the College Football Playoff,” said Steve Hockett, CEO of Great Clips, Inc. “There are so many people that make college football what it is today – from the players to the coaches, fans, mascots, cheerleaders, band members and broadcasters – and Great Clips is proud to help each and every one of them look their best with great haircuts as they get ready for the biggest stage and special moments.”

Great Clips launches “We’re All In” initiative

Starting December 7, the brand began airing its “We’re All In” commercial focusing on how fans can become game day ready for bowl season by using Great Clips. ESPN college football analyst Jesse Palmer stars in the promotion and several notable influencers also make an appearance.

“College football isn’t just a sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon that unites fans like nothing else,” said Andrew Messina, SVP of Sales, Disney Advertising. “Brands and advertisers thrive when their bold, unforgettable campaigns connect them to millions of passionate fans. Great Clips is all in on celebrating the season’s biggest moments, and there’s no better place to achieve unmatched reach and scale than on our platforms.”

In addition to the commercial and promotions, Great Clips is extending its “We’re All In” platform by signing NIL partnerships with Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, and Miami Kicker Andres Borregales. 

The brand is not limiting itself to players, though. They are also working with individuals who help make college football so popular. This includes a podcast host, dancer, equipment manager, drum major, and fan influencers. Each individual will promote Great Clips and its role in preparing everyone for bowl season. 

How the brand is broadening its influence

According to NIL Daily on SI, this isn’t Great Clips’ first time working with college sports. Since 2020, the brand has been the official Hair Salon of the NCAA. Because the College Football Playoff isn’t sanctioned by the NCAA, this never included football. However, now they can proudly claim a prominent position as an advertiser in the college sports arena.

It’s a prime time to be involved in this space. College football continues to drive record numbers of viewership. Sponsors are more interested than ever in partnering with players due to their growing influence.

“There’s no better way to celebrate with fans during CFP National Championship weekend than with Disney’s reach and scale,” said Theresa Palmieri, VP, Sports Brand Solutions, Disney Advertising. “In a season with exciting matchups and last second, game-winning moments, we work alongside our sponsors – like Great Clips – to deliver unparalleled experiences for college football fans everywhere.”

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.