Saturday, October 3, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Shot Callers Episode 2: Nick Kelly, Head of US Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch InBev

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Anheuser-Busch has historically been one of the biggest spenders when it comes to sports marketing in the U.S. According to ESP research, the brand was the second-biggest U.S. sponsorship spender in 2016 (behind PepsiCo) with a $355 million spend.

That’s a lot of dough.

With an impact like that, how does a brand who seemingly spends at every sporting event quantify the true ROI of their investment? The short answer, it’s tough.

It’s this toughness that led Nick Kelly, Head of US Sports Marketing for Anheuser-Busch InBev, and the rest of his team to look at changing the way they worked with potential partners to bring measurement of effectiveness back to what is really driving real ROI.

In a Front Office Sports exclusive, Adam White catches up with Kelly after his keynote speech at IEG 2018 to see how Dilly Dilly took on a life of its own, why AB InBev transitioned to an incentive-based sponsorship model, and where sports marketing as a whole goes from here.

Want more content like this? Subscribe to our daily newsletter!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 27, 2026; Rio De Janeiro, BRA; A tifo featuring images of
First at FOS

NFL, NFLPA Yet to Hold Real Talks on More Games Abroad

The CBA requires consultation with the union.

NFL Puts Pressure on Illinois in Latest Bears Stadium Talks

Roger Goodell and JB Pritzker had their first face-to-face meeting.
Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.

Sean McVay’s Comments About Call Raise Questions About NFL Policy

Discussions between teams and the NFL are not always treated as confidential.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Randy Levine on the Yankees’ $2.6B Apollo Deal and the Protect College Sports Act

0:00

Featured Today

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.

Kirk Herbstreit’s Dog Gets His Own Line of Merchandise

Peter Fan Club says it has notched thousands of orders.
August 28, 2026

Why Is Nike Suddenly Part of Sorority Rush Season?

They’re “campus athletes.”
September 2, 2026

Good Good CEO Steps Down Amid Callaway Driver Ad Fallout

Matt Kendrick says he didn’t see the ad before it was published.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
August 27, 2026

Good Good Golf Founder Apologizes, Says He Hopes People ‘Move On’ 

Clark was shown shoving fellow Good Good creator Alexis Miestowski.
August 23, 2026

US Open ‘Almost Doubling’ Credentials for Content Creators

Nearly 100 creators will be credentialed at this year’s US Open.
August 23, 2026

Good Good Golf Pulls Ad, Apologizes Following Backlash

Callaway, Good Good’s equipment partner, said it was “disappointed by the content.”
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”