What is a potential risk of poorly managed sponsorship narratives in sport?

• A. Reinforcement of stereotypes and tokenism.
• B. Better representation.
• C. Independent oversight.
• D. Increased fandom.

Answer: (A)

Poorly managed sponsorship narratives in sport can perpetuate stereotypes and tokenism. When brands rely on simplistic, tokenized depictions of athletes from racial or ethnic groups to signal diversity, they reduce individuals to symbols rather than presenting their full humanity, talent, and voice. This framing reinforces harmful generalizations and can pressure athletes to fit a predefined identity for branding, rather than sharing authentic stories about who they are and what they contribute. The other options describe potential positive outcomes or safeguards that would lessen this risk, not the risk itself.