Bandit’s ‘The Unsponsored Project’ Returns to Champion Independent Athletes

Now in its third year, Bandit’s initiative offers resources and visibility to top-tier runners competing without traditional sponsorships

Bandit is bringing “The Unsponsored Project” back to the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, continuing its mission to support athletes competing at the highest levels without the backing of brand deals.

Based in Brooklyn, Bandit launched in 2021 to support the running community from the ground up.  

This year, Bandit will support over 40 athletes with $1,500 in cash, unbranded race kits, a $1,000 Bandit gift card and content amplification through Bandit’s channels. The agreement is intentionally flexible: athletes are free to exit at any time if they receive a traditional sponsorship offer. The goal is to offer support without locking athletes into terms.

Since its start in 2023 with 10 athletes, the program has grown steadily. In 2024, 36 athletes were supported and several earned brand deals, including Trevor Bassitt, who went on to become an Olympian. The 2025 group will compete at the U.S. Championships from July 31 to August 3, where top finishers can qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo.

The project’s black tape design nods to earlier protests in track and field, including Nick Symmonds’ blackout of sponsor logos in 2012 and Steve Prefontaine’s resistance to amateurism rules. The visual serves as a symbolic reminder of the imbalance in the current sponsorship model.

Beyond the races, Bandit will publish “The Bandit Times,” a printed paper covering stories from the meet and run a daily newsletter. The brand has also invited five emerging creatives to Eugene, pairing them with mentors to capture athlete stories. Community events, including BBQs and meetups, will offer low-key spaces for connection and celebration.