Top Vaping Brands and Their Connection to Soccer Fans

Top Vaping Brands and Their Connection to Soccer Fans

Soccer fans are some of the most passionate and loyal supporters in the world, and brands know it. Over the last few years, more and more vaping companies have found creative ways to align with MLS teams, tapping into an audience that values energy, community, and unforgettable matchday vibes. Just like fans carefully choose their team scarves or matchday rituals, many also show preferences for certain vape products that enhance their social experience. Whether through sponsorships or flavor releases that reflect fan culture, vaping and soccer now intersect in intriguing ways.

One clear example of how vape culture meets soccer culture is seen in the growing presence of vape sponsorships in global sports, where brands like Velo have gained exposure through partnerships with high-visibility teams. This article dives into the world of vaping and Major League Soccer (MLS), revealing the brands making waves and the products fans can’t get enough of.

Vaping Brands That Sponsor MLS Teams

The shift in sponsorship trends has opened the doors for alternative lifestyle brands to participate in mainstream sports marketing. For vaping companies, sponsoring MLS teams allows access to a young, energetic fan base that’s open to lifestyle experimentation and innovation.

The Rise of Lifestyle Branding in Soccer

Unlike more traditional leagues like the NFL or MLB, MLS has long cultivated a younger demographic. This gives vaping brands an inroad to promote themselves without the same level of backlash seen in other markets. In fact, soccer culture tends to embrace progressive trends faster, particularly in urban areas where soccer supporters often overlap with vaping consumers.

Some examples of vape or nicotine-adjacent brands making their way into soccer culture include:

  • ZYN Nicotine Pouches, a brand often seen in European football circles, is now gaining traction stateside through grassroots MLS engagement.
  • Velo, a brand with roots in British Premier League partnerships, has been eyed as a potential player in U.S. soccer marketing.
  • JUUL Labs, though not officially partnered with MLS, has been studied extensively for its youth marketing influence, which carries indirect implications for soccer-based campaigns.

While direct MLS sponsorship from major vape brands remains limited due to regulation and perception, local vape retailers and lifestyle-focused micro-brands often sponsor MLS supporter groups, pre-match fan zones, and tailgate events. This form of brand-building is more grassroots and aligns closely with the street-level authenticity soccer fans crave.

MLS Clubs and Their Community-Driven Partnerships

Brands that partner with specific clubs often contribute to community events, giveaways, and gameday activations. These engagements help foster emotional connections between vape brands and the club’s culture. Some community-centered examples include:

  • Vape lounges sponsoring post-match meetups.
  • Brands distributing limited-edition vape flavors themed after team colors or mascots.
  • Digital giveaways tied to fan predictions or player performance.

This style of engagement makes vaping brands a part of the gameday narrative, rather than just a logo on a wall.

Fan Favorite Vape Products

Soccer fans tend to gravitate toward convenient, stylish, and high-performance vapes that enhance their matchday experience. Whether it’s a puff between chants or a discreet hit at halftime, portability and flavor variety top the list of must-haves.

Here are some top products that are crowd favorites among MLS fans:

1. Geek Bar Pulse X

With up to 25,000 puffs and smart mode functionality, this model is ideal for fans who want something long-lasting on road trips or during doubleheaders. It’s also sleek enough to slide into a matchday kit bag.

2. Lost Mary MO5000

Known for bold flavor combinations like Black Mint and Cherry Lemon, the Lost Mary line has become a hit for fans who prefer fruity, icy notes that refresh during hot summer games. The compact size and soft exterior also make it a popular choice for comfort and discretion.

3. Raz DC25000

With its massive puff count and dual mesh coil system, the Raz DC25000 is often favored by supporters who enjoy strong flavor and heavy clouds — especially during celebratory moments after a goal.

4. Elf Bar BC5000

Elf Bar remains one of the best-known names in the game, thanks to its simplicity and balanced performance. Its broad flavor catalog lets fans pick something that mirrors their team’s personality: bold, classic, or tropical.

5. Trinity Spinny Vape

Its fun spin-top design has become a conversation starter in supporter sections, adding a playful twist to the typical disposable vape format.

Each of these vapes has one thing in common — they’re not just devices, they’re extensions of the fan identity. And brands are picking up on this by crafting products and promotions that cater to this culture.

How Vaping Brands Engage with MLS Communities

Just selling a product isn’t enough — vape brands that win over soccer fans create experiences.

Pre-Game Tailgates and Pop-Up Lounges

Vape brands often set up booths or mobile lounges outside stadiums to allow sampling, discussions, and social media contests. For example:

  • Free merch for fans who show up in full club colors.
  • Sampling stations featuring MLS-themed vape flavors (like “Mint United” or “Peach Pitch”).
  • QR code scavenger hunts around the stadium for vape discounts.

Influencer Collaborations

MLS has a rising influencer scene — from lifestyle YouTubers to Tiktokers who document their matchday experiences. Vape brands tap into these micro-influencers to share authentic content about how vaping fits into their fan rituals. These collaborations often show vapes being used responsibly and stylishly in everyday soccer moments.

Limited-Edition Drops

Similar to how teams release special jerseys, vape brands have launched limited-edition hardware or packaging during major tournaments like the MLS Cup or All-Star Game. These products, especially those with collectible designs, build hype and exclusivity — something soccer fans love.

One good example of marketing crossovers is seen in campaigns similar to those done by PAX Labs, where seasonal releases or colorways tap into timely trends, mirroring what’s happening on the pitch.

How These Collaborations Strengthen Brand Identity

When done right, these partnerships don’t just sell vapes — they build community. They position the brand not just as a sponsor, but as part of the fan experience. Soccer fans are fiercely loyal, and once a brand earns their trust, they stick with it like they stick with their team.

Here’s why this approach works so well:

  • Shared rituals: Soccer fandom is built on routines — pre-game meetups, halftime chats, post-match analysis. Vapes become part of those rituals.
  • Tribe mentality: Fans want to feel they belong. Vape brands that speak the same language, honor the same traditions, and share in the highs and lows of the season earn deep emotional equity.
  • Gameday enhancement: Whether it’s the buzz from a nicotine hit or the cooling effect of menthol on a summer matchday, vaping intensifies the gameday atmosphere.

Conclusion

The relationship between vaping brands and soccer fans is built on more than just marketing. It’s about understanding passion, culture, and the desire for something meaningful beyond the product. As MLS grows in popularity, vaping brands that commit to authentic, fan-driven engagement strategies will continue to thrive in this space.

And while regulation remains a key consideration, smart brands are proving that they can contribute to soccer culture in tasteful, relevant ways — from sponsoring events to releasing flavors that scream team spirit.

For a deeper look into how fan behavior shapes brand success in lifestyle markets, check out this Forbes article on brand loyalty and community