How do you get a business to sponsor a league, and what does it cost??  

• What is a "Sponsored League"?  - It's a league where a business or organization hosts/pays for the prize package for the winner(s) at the end of the league. Since the costs involved are very reasonable, it won't be difficult for them to agree.
  
• Why would a business agree to sponsor a league? - Sponsoring a league is an excellent advertising model and opportunity to bring business into an establishment.  For example, if I own a restaurant, I know the 10 weeks you're coming to my place you will most likely purchase some food and drink.  So basically, I am introducing you to our restaurant, and you will come back again.  This is a perfect advertising opportunity! Besides...  you're going to wear my business logo on your company shirt/hat at the LIPS Tour Championship and be listed in the program as my winner! It's a great way to advertise inexpensively over a 10 week period, and beyond!  
  
  Same goes to sponsoring a league if I am not bringing you into my place.  Let's say I own Molly McGuire's House Cleaning. It is still a good deal for me to sponsor the league because you ladies will remember me when you have house cleaning needs.  I would rather "pay for an ad" (sponsor a league) that will stay in the minds of those participating, than run a random ad in a newspaper..  even if you're meeting at your own house for the game!  It's a win/win situation!
  
• How much does it cost to sponsor a league? - The cost is the same for each league. Whether it's sponsored, or ladies pay to play.  The amount needed for LIPS is $400 for the buy in and tournament fees, $100 for the Reception, and $100 administrative participation fee.  For a total of $600 being sent in for your winner.  Now, you know your area best and the costs for airfare, etc.  Sometimes, you can purchase a package deal for hotel and air very reasonably. We recommend you do this and make sure the funds collected is adequate. This covers airfare, hotel and buy-in to the LIPS Grand Championship and fees. Winner is also invited to the EXCLUSIVE Winner's Circle Champagne Reception on the eve of the championship tournament! If there is a large league, multiple winners can be sent! 
  
  The additional expense is in tournament supplies. We have a list of what is needed and where to get supplies...  click here for more information on supplies.  Sometimes, a player might already own poker chips and would be willing to bring them weekly for the game. (Approximately 500 chip set per 10 players.)  Same goes for other portions of the supplies.
  
• Where would I look to find a sponsor? - First look in your local papers or entertainment magazines for local bars, restaurants, charity games, etc that are ALREADY hosting games. Discuss your desire to have them host a Ladies Poker Night League where the winner will represent them at the LIPS Tour Grand Championship in July 2007.   This is the easiest way to get sponsored since they already have tournament supplies in place.  Again, hosting a ladies event will only bring more players to their games. 
  
• WE WILL HELP YOU!  - If you would like a representative of LIPS Tour to speak to someone specific about hosting a league, simply email us with YOUR NAME & PHONE NUMBER, the contact persons name, business name, location and phone number.  We'll be happy to talk to them about the league set up.
  
• Would someone pay me to run a sponsored league? - Most likely, yes.  For example....  a bar or restaurant owner might pay you $5 a head to bring players into their place to play in the league. (You would have to manage the league however and most likely bring in the supplies.) Again, these are business owners. They know these league players will purchase food and drink while they are there.  They will make back the sponsorship package expense, and then some.  (It's along the lines of a casino who pays bus companies for bringing in players... they know the players will spend more than the fee during the hours they are playing.) The cost to a restaurant or club is about the same as they would pay for any other form of entertainment. Such as Karoke or a DJ... so they are used to these kinds of expenses.  This is an excellent model to pay your own way to the LIPS Tour Grand Championship as well... guaranteed!