Trending PR Campaigns
Toy Story Pregame Boost for Athletes Unlimited
Disney and ESPN used Toy Story characters Woody and Jessie in a youth pregame parade and ceremonial first pitch—plus ABC/ESPN production support and premium camera coverage—to raise mainstream awareness for the Athletes Unlimited professional softball championship and mark the first pro softball game on US broadcast TV.
Why it worked: It hit a first-ever milestone and piggybacked on a beloved IP, giving journalists a clean headline and visuals worth embedding.
The lesson: Consider staging a “first-of-its-kind” moment tied to a universally recognized character or franchise that guarantees arresting photos and a crisp headline.
Coverage over time
How this story spread across the media
| Publication | Headline | Date |
|---|---|---|
| variety.com | Disney, ESPN Lend 'Toy Story' Boost to Athletes Unlimited Softball | Thursday 23rd July, 2026 |
| espnpressroom.com | ESPN presents 2026 Athletes Unlimited Softball League postseason beginning July 23 - ESPN Press Room | Thursday 23rd July, 2026 |
| sportsbusinessjournal.com | AUSL taps ‘Toy Story’ for first pro softball game on broadcast TV this weekend | Thursday 23rd July, 2026 |
| sportsbusinessjournal.com | Closing Bell: Mark Cuban-led fund takes minority stake in A’s | Thursday 23rd July, 2026 |
| bsckids.com | Disney And Athletes Unlimited Softball League Team Up For A ‘Toy Story’ Filled Championship Celebration | Friday 24th July, 2026 |
| bsckids.com | Disney And Athletes Unlimited Softball League Team Up For A ‘Toy Story’ Filled Championship Celebration | Friday 24th July, 2026 |
| sportsbusinessjournal.com | SBJ Women’s Sports: Chicago shows up for WNBA All-Star Game | Tuesday 28th July, 2026 |