NASCAR Puts the Brakes on AT&T: Sponsorship Conflicts of Interest and Contractual Rights, pp. 54-56

Marion E. Hambrick
Anita M. Moorman

In 2007 AT&T Mobility sought an injunction against the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), enjoining the racing organization from preventing the display of its logo on the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) #31 racecar (AT&T v. NASCAR, 2007). Although the parties settled out of court, this case is indicative of an increasing number of sponsorship disputes arising in the sport industry. This dispute reflects the growing conflicts between competing sponsors, and it further emphasizes the challenges faced by sport properties, event promoters, participants, and sponsors to effectively create and protect sponsorship programs. Sponsorships provide a beneficial source of funding. Sport managers must protect their interests and minimize conflicts of interest to maximize event profitability and success.