Hakamura already does this with Red Bull. As far as equipment goes I doubt it as the FIDE standard sets/boards/clocks will be standard. But it is interesting to think about it but they can't even elect a FIDE president with a modern view. (well he does say he goes for rides on flying saucers) I guess thats modern 
Endorsements-I Often Wonder Why...
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Apr 26, 2015
0
#2
Doesn't Carlsen have sponsors on his jacket and shirt collar?
Apr 26, 2015
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#4
Levon Aronian and Judit Polgar have DGT clocks bearing their name. Personally, I don't mind that chess has less product endorsements than other sports. It's about the player, not the equipment.
Its nice that todays chess Masters are getting sponsors. Look at Nascar, the drivers have tons of sponsors.
Apr 27, 2015
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#7
The more sponsorship in chess, the better it will be to attract and retain top talent in the future. I know Carlsen has an agent of sorts, but not sure in what capacity they are developing sponsorships.
I do envision someday that these top players will reach sports agents from the bigger "mainstream" sports markets to help develop other avenues of cash flow. If I were a grandmaster, I'd be calling Lebron James' agent every day until he gave in and agreed to help me!
Apr 27, 2015
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#8
Yea I guess they might endorse web sites for chess like poker players do. In fact that is a great idea.
wiscmike wrote:
Yea I guess they might endorse web sites for chess like poker players do. In fact that is a great idea.
That's a good idea. Or they could be sponsored by online retailers like House of Staunton, The Chess Store, Wholesale Chess, ACE, or Chesshouse.
As far as equipment goes, clocks are a fairly competitive market. Would you by Chronos, DGT, Saitek or etc., just because yuor favorite player endorces it? About 10 years ago I remember Kramnik advertised DGT clocks. As for as pieces most wood pieces are probably all made in the same factory in India and most plastic pieces are probably all made in the same factory in China. I don't suppose it really matters from which retailer you buy. Maybe if there had been a promenent chess player willing to endorce Drueke in the USA several years ago then they would still be in buisness. Perehaps or perhaps not?
Lee: You pasted Magnus's face from Wikipedia onto a NASCAR driver, right?
See, I knew it at once it was from Wikipedia Commons.
No. That's him right before the last world championship.
Something to ponder... In almost every other sport we have professionals that are paid to endorse and play certain equipment. I often wonder why we don't see that so much in chess. It would seem to me that it would be beneficial to the major manufactures and maybe even some of the top players. Will we see hats and patches increase on the pro circuit on players in the future...? Only time will tell I guess...