As Sponsors Fall Away, the Iditarod Tightens Its Belt
Due to a $1 million loss in sponsor revenue, even the world's most famous dog race has had to cut back.
“This event, not unlike a lot of other sporting events — and any other ventures, really — isn’t immune to what’s happening with this country’s economy,” Hooley said. “We’ve done our own little bit of financial suffering in the past few months.”
Sponsorships and licensing fees for race video to broadcast and online outlets used to make up 35 percent of the race’s income, Hooley said. Chevron and the outdoor gear retailer Cabela’s did not renew their sponsorships for 2010, and others reduced their commitments.
