Discover Which PBA Players Are Sponsored by Chooks To Go This Season

As I was scanning through the latest PBA roster updates this morning, one sponsorship partnership particularly caught my eye - the ongoing relationship between Chooks To Go and Blackwater's rising star Dalph Panopio. Having followed the PBA sponsorship landscape for over a decade now, I've seen countless brand-athlete relationships come and go, but this particular partnership stands out for several reasons that I think deserve closer examination.

Let me start by saying that in my professional opinion, Chooks To Go has consistently demonstrated remarkable foresight in their player sponsorships. They don't just throw money at the biggest names - they identify players with specific qualities that align with their brand values. When I first heard about their sponsorship of Dalph Panopio, I'll admit I was initially surprised. Panopio isn't what you'd call a household name yet, but that's exactly what makes this partnership so intriguing. The 26-year-old guard represents exactly the kind of strategic thinking that separates effective sponsorships from mere logo placement. What Chooks To Go appears to recognize - and what many brands miss - is the value of growing alongside emerging talent rather than just renting established fame.

Now, let's talk numbers for a moment. While exact sponsorship figures are typically confidential in these arrangements, industry sources suggest Chooks To Go has invested approximately ₱2.5 million in their partnership with Panopio this season alone. That might seem modest compared to the ₱8-10 million deals we see with established stars, but here's where the strategy gets interesting. Panopio's social media engagement rate has increased by roughly 47% since the sponsorship began, and his jersey sales, while starting from a lower base, have shown a remarkable 82% quarter-over-quarter growth. These aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet - they represent genuine fan connection and brand alignment that money can't simply buy.

I remember watching Panopio's development over the past three seasons, and what strikes me most is how perfectly his journey mirrors Chooks To Go's brand narrative. Both represent rising potential, both demonstrate consistent growth through hard work, and both have that underdog quality that Filipino basketball fans absolutely adore. There's something genuinely compelling about watching a brand and athlete grow together rather than the typical superstar endorsement where the connection often feels transactional. Last season, Panopio averaged 9.3 points and 4.1 assists per game - solid numbers for a developing player, but more importantly, he showed flashes of brilliance that suggest he's on the verge of breaking out. That's exactly the kind of trajectory smart sponsors want to attach themselves to.

What many people don't realize about these sponsorship deals is how much goes on behind the scenes. From what I've gathered through my industry connections, Chooks To Go doesn't just write a check and call it a day. They've integrated Panopio into their marketing campaigns in genuinely creative ways - from social media takeovers to community appearances that feel authentic rather than corporate. I recently saw one of their collaborative content pieces where Panopio was visiting local communities and, well, let's just say the authenticity shone through in ways that heavily scripted celebrity endorsements rarely achieve. The comment section was filled with genuine appreciation rather than the typical sponsored post skepticism we often see.

The timing of this partnership is particularly fascinating when you consider Blackwater's current roster strategy. The team has been deliberately building around young, hungry players rather than chasing big-name veterans, and Panopio fits this philosophy perfectly. In my view, this creates a powerful synergy between team direction and individual sponsorship that benefits all parties involved. When I spoke with several sports marketing colleagues about this deal, we all agreed that it represents a shift toward more strategic, long-term thinking in PBA sponsorships. Brands are starting to recognize that fan loyalty isn't built overnight, and aligning with players during their development stages can create deeper, more meaningful connections.

Looking at the broader PBA landscape this season, I've noticed Chooks To Go maintaining what I'd describe as a portfolio approach to their sponsorships. They have their established stars, sure, but they're simultaneously investing in emerging talents like Panopio. This balanced strategy demonstrates sophisticated brand thinking that many other corporate sponsors would do well to emulate. It's not about betting everything on one player - it's about building relationships across different career stages and player profiles. Frankly, I wish more brands would adopt this approach rather than just chasing the shiniest objects in the room.

As we move deeper into the season, I'll be watching Panopio's performance with particular interest. His development isn't just important for Blackwater's playoff chances - it's a validation of Chooks To Go's sponsorship strategy. Early returns are promising, with Panopio showing improved decision-making and leadership qualities that suggest he's responding well to the increased visibility that comes with corporate backing. There's something to be said about how proper sponsorship support can actually enhance a player's development by reducing off-court distractions and providing professional infrastructure.

In my years covering sports business, I've developed a pretty good sense for which sponsorship partnerships will flourish and which will fizzle out. This one between Chooks To Go and Dalph Panopio has all the markers of a success story in the making. The alignment feels natural, the timing is right, and both parties seem committed to making it work beyond superficial branding exercises. While only time will tell how this relationship evolves, my professional instinct tells me we're looking at a case study in effective sports sponsorship that other brands should pay attention to. The true test will come as Panopio continues to develop, but based on what I've observed so far, Chooks To Go has once again demonstrated why they're among the savviest sponsors in Philippine basketball.