With spring in full bloom and Memorial Day weekend––summer’s unofficial start––on the horizon, here’s a snapshot of the brands most searched by sponsorship executives in April. 

Boston-based digital safety company Aura tops our list at #1 after having partnered with the Boston Red Sox to revamp Fenway Park's Pavilion Level, now renamed the Aura Pavilion. The sponsorship aims to enhance safety both online and at the ballpark, with Aura becoming the Official Family Online Safety Partner of the Red Sox. The Aura Pavilion will feature premium amenities including the Aura Club––an exclusive seating and dining space located behind home plate––twelve suites, and 1,500 seats offering upgraded food and beverage services. The brand will also launch an integrated marketing campaign across various media platforms that will encompass in-park activations, TV and radio advertisements, and billboards throughout Boston. 

Hostage Tape takes 3rd place after joining forces with leading mixed martial arts organization UFC to become its Official Sleep Aid Partner, following the April 1st announcement. Hostage Tape will enjoy global exclusivity within UFC in product categories including mouth tape, nose strips, and sleep masks––marking UFC's first foray into these sponsorship categories. The brand will benefit from substantial exposure with 700M UFC fans in 170 countries via UFC events, digital channels, and a sleep study aimed at enhancing athlete and fan wellness. 

Japanese specialized trading company and manufacturer Kowa cracks the top 10 for the first time, after announcing a multi-year partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 8th to become the Official Japanese Topical Pain Relief Product of the team. The deal gives Kowa prominent signage at Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers’ spring training home at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. The brand will also serve as the presenting partner of the Shohei Ohtani hat promotion on July 22. 

Other notable deals:

• #2—The Minnesota Twins and Thrivent announced a multiyear partnership with community focus.
• #7—Freshpet partnered with singer Meghan Trainer to celebrate National Pet Day
• #9—Dayforce announced partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers to lead workforce transformation
• #16—State Farm joins as a new partner in the Collegiate esports event
• #20—Zenni Optical announced a partnership with Evo, the world’s premier fighting game tournament