Winning On and Off the Field: The Kansas City Chiefs’ CMO Lara Krug Reveals All
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Lara reveals how the Chiefs are harnessing data-driven insights, deepening community connections, and crafting innovative stories to transform the team into a cultural powerhouse.
“I think it's really the responsibility of CMOs, but of sports organizations to go beyond the surface of who that fan is, connect with them to hopefully make it generational and leave a legacy with them.” - Lara Krug
Step into the heart of Chiefs Kingdom with Lara Krug, the first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, as she and her hardworking team redefine what it means to build an iconic NFL brand. Riding the momentum of Super Bowl victories and growing global influence, Lara’s team is spearheading initiatives that transcend the field—making the Kansas City Chiefs synonymous with community, innovation, and unforgettable fan experiences. Discover how bold storytelling, player partnerships, and cutting-edge content are expanding their reach and strengthening connections with fans worldwide.
Lara Krug is the first-ever Chief Marketing Officer of the Kansas City Chiefs, leading initiatives that blend fandom, community, and innovation. With over 15 years of experience at global brands like L’Oreal and AB InBev, Lara is a trailblazer in consumer engagement and brand building. Her strategic vision is helping propel the Chiefs beyond the NFL, creating a legacy that redefines the intersection of sports, media, and culture.
Tune into the latest episode or read the transcript below to learn more. Here are some top takeaways:
Sports as the Ultimate Community Builder
Chiefs Kingdom is more than just a fan base—it’s a family. Lara explains how the Kansas City Chiefs create a sense of belonging, with legendary tailgates starting the night before and a welcoming atmosphere that connects fans of all ages. Local traditions like “Red Fridays” and grocery stores closing early for games highlight the community’s deep bond with the team. The Chiefs’ inclusive culture turns game days into lifelong memories, fostering loyalty that spans generations.The Multifaceted Role of a CMO in the NFL
As CMO of the Kansas City Chiefs, Lara blends innovation and tradition to keep the brand thriving year-round. Her team creates football-first (football-heavy) content like The Franchise, a long-form YouTube series, and also builds campaigns to support unique brand experiences like the holiday pop-up “Kingdom’s Greetings,” helping transform how fans connect with the team. From supporting large scale special events like Arrowhead concerts with global icons like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to partnering on local community collaborations ensures Chiefs Kingdom stays relevant on and off the field, 365 days a year.TikTok Triumph: Engaging Fans Through Authenticity
The Kansas City Chiefs are the NFL’s top team on TikTok, thanks to their mix of game highlights and behind-the-scenes content like locker room banter and mini-mic interviews. These unscripted moments give fans an inside look at the team’s personality. Complementing this with their long-form YouTube series, The Franchise, the Chiefs balance quick-hit trends with deeper storytelling, turning casual viewers into lifelong fans.Elevating the Chiefs Brand Through Player Collaboration
Lara emphasizes the power of aligning player goals with the team’s identity. Collaborations like Travis Kelce’s Tru Kolors clothing line for playoff merch and Trent McDuffie’s work with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City showcase how the Chiefs amplify personal passions. These authentic partnerships benefit everyone—players, fans, and the team—while strengthening Chiefs Kingdom’s unique brand.
Listen to Lara Krug on The Speed of Culture to see how the Kansas City Chiefs are redefining sports marketing and fan experiences.
