Sponsorships are a link building tactic that you should avoid, because you're basically just buying a link

Sponsorships are not inherently a link building tactic to avoid. While they involve an exchange of value (money or goods for exposure), they can legitimately result in a backlink if the sponsorship is disclosed and the link is editorially relevant. Google's guidelines focus on preventing manipulative link schemes. A transparent sponsorship that provides genuine value to an event or organization and results in a natural, relevant link is generally acceptable. The key is transparency and relevance, not simply the act of "buying" a link. Avoiding them entirely would mean missing a legitimate opportunity for brand exposure and potential SEO benefits.