Loop Neighborhood Markets has partnered with Cal Athletics and Learfield’s Cal Bears Sports Properties for a season-long sponsorship featuring digital media, social engagement and name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities.
The NIL partnership allows Loop to work with University of California, Berkeley, student athletes through NIL influencer and content services, social media amplification and student-athlete NIL and benefits supporting Loop’s Cal Athletics sponsorship, the convenience-store chain said Monday in a news release.
- Vintners Distributors/Loop Neighborhood is No. 49 on CSP’s 2026 Top 202 ranking of convenience-store chains by U.S. store count.
“Loop Neighborhood Markets has always believed that the strongest brands are the ones that are part of the communities they serve, and Cal Athletics gives us an exciting opportunity to connect with one of the Bay Area's most passionate fan communities,” said Pervez Pir, president of retail at Loop Neighborhood Markets. “This partnership brings together two organizations with deep Northern California roots and gives us new ways to engage fans through digital media, social content and student-athlete storytelling.”
Union City, California-based Loop Neighborhood Markets, owned by Vintners Distributors, had 155 convenience stores at the start of the year. Loop said the new partnership represents another step in the company’s commitment to investing in its customers, communities and brand experience.
“Loop has a strong connection to the Northern California communities we serve, and this partnership provides an opportunity to create meaningful touchpoints with Cal fans while leveraging the power of digital media and NIL,” said Bryan Meadows, general manager of Cal Bears Sports Properties. “We look forward to building an engaging partnership throughout the 2026-27 season.”
Loop Neighborhood Markets is a modern convenience retail brand with locations across Northern California and Southern California. It combines quality food, customer engagement and forward-thinking retail solutions, the company said. It offers a range of freshly made sandwiches, salads, wraps and other grab-and-go items.
Dallas-based Learfield is a media and technology company that powers college athletics by enabling schools and brands to connect through opportunities, like NIL partnerships.
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