2025 Blazer Nestlé Invitational Showcases Top Collegiate Talent and Strengthens Brand Engagement
The 2025 Blazer Nestlé Invitational is set to return with even greater visibility and participation, promising a compelling mix of collegiate athletics and brand activation. Sponsored by Nestlé, the annual basketball tournament continues to build momentum as a strategic platform for connecting with college-aged consumers and sports fans across the region.
Hosted at the First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the event will take place in early December and feature 12 Division I women’s teams from across the country. Organizers anticipate a significant boost in attendance, corporate participation, and media coverage, cementing the tournament’s reputation as a premier showcase for emerging talent in women’s college basketball.
Nestlé’s ongoing title sponsorship reflects a broader trend among FMCG brands leveraging sports partnerships to deepen local engagement and build brand affinity. With college sports offering high-impact visibility among Gen Z and millennial demographics, the tournament serves as a critical touchpoint for Nestlé to activate product sampling, elevate its community footprint, and reinforce brand loyalty.
“This is more than just a basketball tournament—it’s about community and opportunity. With Nestlé’s support, we’re creating an environment where athletes, families, and fans can come together in a celebration of excellence,” said tournament director Bart Gross. “We’re already seeing increased interest from coaches, programs, and sponsors heading into 2025.”
The tournament will be carried live on ESPN Plus, delivering national exposure for participating teams and sponsors alike. Last year’s event drew crowds of over 4,000 across three days, with expectations to surpass that mark in 2025. Organizers are also planning expanded fan experiences, including healthy product activations and interactive zones targeting younger audiences.
For FMCG professionals, the Blazer Nestlé Invitational represents a case study in how brands can intersect passion points and purpose. By aligning with youth sports and community initiatives, Nestlé continues to translate sponsorship dollars into lasting brand equity and consumer goodwill.