10 Creative Ideas for Running a Sports Giveaway

Discover 10 creative sports giveaway ideas to attract fans, increase engagement, and grow your community with Gleam Competitions.

Sports Giveaway Campaign Ideas

Run matchday prediction contests to build pre-game excitement
Encourage fan photo submissions to generate authentic UGC
Host fitness or training challenges to engage active audiences
Offer ticket or merch prizes to reward loyalty and drive interest
Use post-match votes or quizzes to keep fans involved between games

Sports giveaways are one of the most effective ways to engage fans, build loyalty, and spark excitement around your team or brand.

Whether you’re promoting a local fitness club, an online store, or a professional team, the right giveaway can tap into fans’ natural enthusiasm and bring your community closer together.

Below are ten creative ideas to inspire your next campaign.

Create buzz before every big game by inviting fans to predict the match score or top scorer.

Everyone who guesses correctly can be entered into a random draw for prizes like signed jerseys or matchday tickets.

This type of contest fuels pre-match engagement and encourages fans to stay connected across the season.

Instagram post showing a Match Prediction Giveaway for Liverpool vs Manchester United with details on how to enter
How to Increase Event Registration and Drive Attendance

• Use giveaways and rewards to capture early signups and boost visibility
• Embed short, intuitive forms across key event landing pages
• Incentivise referrals and social sharing to expand reach
• Drive attendance on the day with live draws

Ask fans to share photos showing off their team spirit, from face paint and homemade banners to at-home celebrations.

You can feature submissions in a public gallery or let followers vote for their favourites to boost interaction.

These photo contests help you collect authentic, community-driven content while strengthening fan identity.

X post from Chatham Town FC inviting fans to share their favourite photos or videos from the Emirates FA Cup match for a chance to win Tope Fadahunsi’s signed match-worn shirt

Run a short fitness challenge such as “Complete 5 workouts in 10 days” or “Run 20km this month.”

Participants can share progress using a specific hashtag or upload proof of completion.

This idea works especially well for fitness clubs or wellness brands looking to encourage healthy habits while staying visible online.

Instagram post from KX Pilates Mentone announcing a KX40 Challenge Pack giveaway for two winners, encouraging users to like the post, tag their workout buddy, and follow the account to enter

Build anticipation before a new season by offering a draw for free or upgraded tickets.

Entry could involve signing up to your newsletter, following your social accounts, or simply answering a question about the team.

A few lucky winners get rewarded, and you build awareness ahead of your next fixtures.

Instagram post from SX Sports announcing a giveaway for three tickets to see the Lionesses play China at Wembley Stadium, with entry steps to like the post, tag friends, and follow the account

Create a simple, catchy hashtag and encourage fans to post their best training photos, match clips, or personal records.

Offer prizes for the most creative or dedicated participants.

Hashtag challenges work well to grow your reach organically and turn everyday fans into content creators.

Instagram post from DNA Championship promoting a giveaway for free registration to the event, asking users to tag friends, follow the account, and use the hashtag #DNAChampionshipGiveaway to enter

Test your audience’s knowledge with a short quiz on team history, famous players, or iconic matches. Those who score full marks can enter a prize draw.

This is an easy way to boost engagement between games while celebrating your club’s story and achievements.

X post from Bwinbet Uganda promoting a Quiz Thursday challenge asking followers to answer a football trivia question, tag friends, and stand a chance to win prizes

Encourage fans to spread the word by rewarding them for every friend they invite to join the giveaway.

The more friends they refer, the greater their chances of winning.

Referral-based contests are great for building momentum and growing your community naturally.

  launch a referral campaign

After each match, let fans vote for the MVP (Most Valuable Player).

Every vote can count as an entry into a small prize draw for signed items or club experiences.

This keeps fans involved after the final whistle and builds excitement around future games.

Facebook post from New England Revolution announcing that MVP voting is open for the 2025 season, inviting fans to make their pick for a chance to win a signed jersey

Offer exclusive experiences that money can’t buy, such as a training ground visit, a meet-and-greet, or a behind-the-scenes tour.

If in-person access isn’t possible, virtual Q&As or livestream sessions with players can deliver the same sense of exclusivity and connection.

Instagram post from Cardiff City FC promoting a giveaway for fans to win a behind-the-scenes stadium tour at Cardiff City Stadium through the Bluebirds Uncaged platform

Everyone loves official merch.

Offer a prize pack of jerseys, hats, or other branded gear.

Make it a recurring monthly draw to keep engagement high and reward long-term supporters.

Instagram post from Marks & Spencer announcing a giveaway of three football shirts signed by the Lionesses, asking users to like the post, follow the account, and tag a friend to enter
  • Choose prizes that genuinely resonate with your audience
  • Keep entry steps quick and mobile-friendly
  • Use strong visuals when promoting your campaign
  • Share updates and winners to maintain trust
  • Include clear terms and conditions
  • Follow up with participants to nurture long-term engagement

Sports giveaways bring people together around a shared passion, competition, community, and the thrill of participation.

Whether your goal is to grow your audience, reward loyal fans, or simply create excitement before the next big match, a well-planned giveaway can turn casual followers into lifelong supporters.

What Are Esports Giveaways?

Esports giveaways reward fans with gaming gear or access. Click to learn how streamers use giveaways to grow their community and engage fans.

How Can I Engage Fans Online During A Sports Event?

Engage fans online with live contests, prediction games, and referral-driven campaigns. Click to learn which Gleam actions keep fans active during events.

How Do I Promote My Sports Event With A Giveaway?

Run a Gleam giveaway to promote your sports event with social media actions, referrals, and exclusive event rewards. Click to learn how to combine online and offline promotion.

When Is The Best Time to Promote My Sports Event?

The best time to promote your sports event is 4–6 weeks before the date, with peak engagement closer to the event. Click for a promotion timeline.

Can I Use A Giveaway For A Sports Competition?

Yes, you can use a giveaway for any sports competition to boost attendance, fan engagement, and brand partnerships. Click to see examples of how giveaways fit into sports marketing.