On this week’s episode of the Digital and Dirt podcast, Ian sits down with Haley Brantingham, Director of Integrated Marketing for Sporting Kansas City, the city’s Major League Soccer franchise, to discuss marketing to the team’s passionate fan base.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How working on standout campaigns for Frontier Airlines and Planet Fitness at Barkley taught Haley about solving problems through creativity and data.

• What prompted her to pursue a career in sports marketing and join Sporting Kansas City during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a major moment for the city. 

• Her views on what makes Kansas City such a passionate soccer market.

• How Sporting KC fans share the team’s legacy, history, traditions, and love for the sport across the generations.

• How she markets to different fan audiences, from diehard supporters to casual fans and families, creating experiences that give each group a reason to engage.

• The role youth soccer and community involvement has played in building a lasting connection between Sporting KC and Kansas City.

• How preparation, creativity, data, and a passion for the work produce the best possible experiences for fans.

Tune in to the full conversation to hear Haley’s perspective on sports marketing, fan culture, and how Sporting KC has built a brand that truly connects with the community and city.