SPARDA-Bank West - Bancers on the ball

SPARDA-BANK WEST – BÄNKER AM BALL
In 2024, Sparda-Bank West became an official Champion Partner of Borussia Dortmund – and deliberately chose to go beyond traditional sponsorship. Instead of relying on logos or banners, the bank focused on content and community: with its own Instagram mockumentary series.
“BÄNKER AM BALL” tells the story of three fictional bank employees – a traditional banker, an ambitious intern, and a data-driven analyst – who suddenly find themselves in charge of the club sponsorship. Over twelve episodes, banking culture and football fandom collide in a humorous, self-deprecating narrative.
The series was published on the dedicated Instagram channel @SpardaSchwarzgelb, and closely tied to real matchdays, fan rituals, and live stadium activations. Digital storytelling and real-world experiences blended into a credible, accessible, and entertaining brand communication – for the club, its fans, and the bank alike.
Instead of advertising products, Sparda-Bank West told a story. Instead of talking about community, it created space for it. The sponsorship became a fully activated experience – turning the brand into a natural part of football culture.
The outcome:
2.8 million impressions in just four months, an outstanding engagement rate of 9.09%, and continuous visibility among ~80,000 stadium visitors per matchday. The campaign also sparked the growth of a dedicated fan community – both online and offline.
“BÄNKER AM BALL” shows what modern sponsorship can be:
approachable, authentic, and driven by the courage to not take itself too seriously.