Staff Reports
The UFC is facing backlash after announcing a partnership with Bud Light and its parent company Anheuser-Busch, which is still feeling the effects of previous boycotts by unhappy customers. The $100 million multi-year sponsorship agreement was revealed by UFC CEO Dana White, but it has angered the league’s conservative viewers who appreciate its contrasting values in a time of ultra-woke major sports organizations.
Popular Sports League Facing Boycott After Inking Massive Deal With Bud Lighthttps://t.co/V22dOe2Rsd
— 🇺🇸🇺🇸Josh Dunlap🇺🇲🇺🇲 ULTRA-MAGA (@JDunlap1974) October 27, 2023
White defended the deal against critics who questioned the backlash, stating that it was expected. He compared it to the response during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the importance of being a trailblazer. He also emphasized that all sponsorship deals are about money, and Bud Light was not the only option available to him.
However, these explanations haven’t stopped conservatives from expressing their disapproval online. Robby Starbuck claimed that the UFC would have been better off setting the money on fire, while Clay Travis, the founder of OutKick, mentioned that he hasn’t seen a single can of Bud at his fall tailgating parties.
The decline in Bud Light’s sales started in the spring and has continued, with up to one in four customers permanently boycotting the brand. As a result, Bud Light lost its position as America’s top-selling beer and dropped out of the top 10 brands altogether. This decline has had a negative impact on the industry, leading to layoffs among distributors, bottling companies, and advertisers.
