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SPORTS MARKETING
KEEPING SCORE

What Excited Marketers Most About April?
NBA Playoffs Begin 23.2%
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin 23.2%
NCAA Final Four March 31-April 2 14.3%
NFL Draft April 26-28 12.5%
MLB Openers April 2-8 10.7%
The Masters April 5-8 7.3%
Boston Marathon April 16 3.6%
Other: 5.4%

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    Finances

    • GM Drives To Manchester United

    • Sports Deals Rev Coconut Water

    • FTC Busts Kim Kardashian Ads

    • Avengers Amp Product Placement

    • Mission Athletecare Gets Cool

    • Who The L Wants Super Bowl 50?

      How about Los Angeles, Dallas, Seattle, Green Bay, Pasadena, Miami, New Orleans and . . .  London! MORE

    • Firms Spending More On Sports

      Will the NFL lockout be settled? You can bank on it, especially when a new report from IEG shows how much companies associated with the league spent in 2010. MORE

    • Changes Afoot At Nike, adidas

      Changes at the executive level at rivals Nike and adidas show that the companies are still serious about getting the upper . . . foot. MORE

    • Do Athletes Lack Celeb Power?

      A new list from Forbes of the top 100 celebrity power brokers has only 19 athletes, with endorsement-challenged Tiger Woods the top sportsman and Maria Sharapova the leading female athlete down at No. 80. MORE

    • LeBron Confronts Energy Brands

      LeBron James and friends — including Amar'e Stoudemire, Ray Rice, Pitbull and Melanie Collins — are taking on Gatorade, 5-hour Energy and others with new Sheets energy strips. MORE

    • WWE Rebrands, Reboots

      Now officially known as WWE, the wrestling-centric company will put more attention on TV and movies while enhancing its core events. MORE

    • LeBron Scores Liverpool Deal

      LeBron James and his LRMR Marketing firm have joined with Fenway Sports Management to develop global businesses, the first deal of which is a minority interest in Liverpool FC. MORE

    • Nets See Brooklyn In 2012

      No longer looking back in the rear view mirror, the Nets launch a 'Brooklyn Bound' campaign and put a specific date on their move from New Jersey. MORE

    • Melo Looks Good In New Move

      In his second deal since joining the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony signs to become spokesman for Johnson Products' line of men's grooming items. MORE

    • WWE Sets Attendance Mark

      WrestleMania XXVII sets new marks for the second consecutive year with Georgia Dome financial and attendance highs. MORE

    • AT&T Merger, NBA UberTeam?

      If the deal between AT&T and T-Mobile is approved, it would make marketing siblings out of Dwyane Wade and Blake Griffin. MORE

    • Marketers Test LeBron Comeback

      LeBron James has been relatively quiet on the national marketing scene, but State Farm, McDonald's and Nike are getting him ready for the post-season. MORE

    • Why MLS Nets Best Deals

      When it comes to stadium naming rights, jersey-front branding and other marketing deals, MLS may have the NFL, NBA and MLB beat. MORE

    • Everlast Moves Into Sears

      The iconic brand worn by such boxers as Jack Dempsey, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali has signed a deal for retail space in Sears and Kmart. MORE

    • Michael Vick Back In Play?

      The prolific quarterback knows that he still has major personal issues with which to deal, but can his first post-suspension deal drive up his marketing value? MORE

    • It's A New Era For CFL

      Fresh off a mega-deal with the NFL, New Era Cap adds the Canadian Football League to its roster of sports and entertainment licenses. MORE

    • Ovechkin Seeks Higher Ground

      The two-time NHL MVP has signed an international deal with P&G's Gillette and also is the focus of a new DVD, book and a Winter Classic campaign. MORE

    • Sports Deals Hit Stride

      Marketing and sponsorship deals are up across the major U.S. pro sports, a distinct turn of events from the alliances that were signed in 2009. MORE

    • Nets Deal Hits A Bump

      A New York State State Supreme Court judge has issued a ruling in favor of groups opposing the project that will bring the Nets to Brooklyn. MORE

    • NHL Discover: Deal The Cards

      Discover becomes the official card of the NHL in the U.S., presenting sponsor of the All-Star Game and other activations with the league's jewel events. MORE

    • Magic Plans NBA Future

      Earvin 'Magic' Johnson has sold his 4.5% interest in the Los Angeles Lakers, but is this a move that will garner him a larger interest in the Detroit Pistons? MORE

    • EA Faces Madden's Future

      EA Sports attempts to build Madden NFL the brand even as John Madden the man spends less time in the national spotlight. Will it work? MORE

    • NFL's Austin Inks New Deal

      Under Armour has signed Miles Austin, star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, to a multi-year deal as the company continues to build its roster. MORE

    • Brooklyn: NYC Sports Mecca?

      First NBA basketball via the Nets, then boxing and now tennis will find its way to Brooklyn, NY, all to take place in the Barclays Center scheduled for completion in 2012. MORE

    • PBR Bull Market

      Veteran marketing executive Dockery Clark joins the Pro Bull Riders as CMO and Kevin Camp moves to head of global partnerships. MORE

    • Jersey-Front Deals Are Hot

      Alaska Airlines signs a deal with the MLS expansion Portland Timbers that includes jersey-front space, giving the league more than 70% such alliances. MORE

    • Li-Ning Signs Evan Turner

      The China-based athletic shoe company signs the NBA's No. 2 draft pick, enhancing the company's push in to the U.S. vs. adidas and Nike. MORE

    • AVP Gets Spiked

      After a months long search to find new investors, the Association of Volleyball Professionals has shut down due to economic pressures. MORE

    • BP, Wal-Mart Do FLW Deal

      T. Boone Pickens makes a major investment in fishing and outdoors organization while Wal-Mart signs long-term title sponsor deal for global events. MORE

    • QSRs Losing Bite

      Restaurant destinations such as Burger King, TGI Friday's, Ruby Tuesday and IHOP are still hurting from the challenged economy. MORE

    • Sports In Vegas

      More pro sports are embracing long-forbidden territory by taking up deals with Las Vegas-based and other casinos. MORE

    • UFL Adds For 2011

      Legendary Super Bow QB Doug Williams will join owner Jim Speros when the UFL expands to Norfolk, Va. for the 2011 season. MORE

    • Strasburg Hits Market

      Rookie Stephen Strasburg is racking up Ks on the field and endorsement deals for himself and big sales figures for the Washington Nationals off the field. MORE

    • McD Shrek Recall

      Upward of 12 million giveaway glasses with images from Shrek Forever After could be part of a recall after being cited for containing cadmium by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. MORE

    • Poker Chips Now With Drinks

      At the 2010 World Series of Poker, chips can now be washed down with branded energy drinks and cocktail mixes. MORE

    • NY-NJ Gets Super Bowl XLVIII

      The first Super Bowl in a cold weather outdoor stadium could bring in $1 billion in revenue, naming rights and marketing. MORE

    • Needle Sticks NFL

      The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of American Needle's anti-trust battle against the NFL, but the league is still positioned to win the war. MORE

    • Nike Sees Its Future

      On the heels of a new 'Write the Future' campaign, Nike seeks to strengthen its future with global executive changes. MORE

    • Six Flags Post Time

      As it seeks a new CEO and emerges from Chapter 11, Six Flags signs a deal with Post Cereals to help re-establish itself as a primary family destination. MORE

    • Is Fitness Back?

      Running shoes, aerobics and baby boomers are seen as key drivers to reverse a two-year decline in sales of sports and fitness equipment. MORE

    • NFL Brews Deal

      No beating around the (Anheuser) Busch as NFL brews deal making Bud Light the league's official beer sponsor. MORE

    • NFL Back On Topps

      After resolving their differences, the NFLPA and Topps have renewed their deal for the 2010 season. MORE

    • WNBA Adds Bing

      The WNBA gets its third jersey-front sponsor but the deal with Microsoft's Bing may have a major impact on the future of such deals in the NBA and elsewhere. MORE

    • KFC Naming Rights

      Yum! Brands, which owns KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, gets ten-year, $13.5M naming rights to the new Louisville arena, home to men's and women's college hoops. MORE

    • Gatorade Xs Woods

      The division of PepsiCo has ended its marketing alliance with Tiger Woods but will continue to support the golfer's foundation. MORE

    • 3D TV In View

      3D TV dilemma: Content is growing, but when will consumers be buying? MORE

    • Gatorade Regroups

      Can PepsiCo's sports drink reach goal to regain ground with G Series? MORE

    • Super StadiumTray

      For food and soda consumers at Super Bowl XLIV, StadiumTray will be as vital off the field as Peyton Manning and Drew Brees will be on the field. MORE

    • Nike CR Report

      Nike takes social responsibility in new report on growth, innovation forecasts. MORE

    • E*Trade Super Baby

      The online financial services firm is taking 'baby' steps with new creative during the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl, including introducing a new star player. MORE

    • Gatorade New VP

      Gatorade continues its marketing overhaul, hiring Nike executive Andrea Fairchild as the new vp-brand marketing. MORE

    • Pepsi Thinks Super

      Soft drink giant not forsaking football despite passing over Super Bowl TV. MORE

    • Nets Net Haier

      Appliance and consumer electronics company Haier America has signed on to become a partner of the NBA's Nets planned Barclays Center. MORE

    • Year Of The Tiger

      Accenture and AT&T have cut ties with the beleaguered golfer, but EA Sports shows why sticking with him will be good for business. MORE

    • Sports Stamps 2010

      The Winter Olympics, the Negro Leagues, Tom Mix, Gene Autry and Calvin and Hobbes are among those to be featured on USPS stamps in 2010. MORE

    • WWE THQ Deal

      THQ has resolved a lawsuit involving World Wrestling Entertainment and former partner Jakks and has signed a new videdogame deal with WWE. MORE

    • Disney Adidas Deal

      The House of Mouse and the sports apparel/footwear company are joining to reach kids with characters ranging from Mickey and Minnie to Buzz and Woody. MORE

    • Nets Court Win

      The NBA's Nets get a win - in, not on, the court - in battle to move franchise to Brooklyn, NY. MORE

    • Fathead Goes Prep

      The company signs a deal to expand its full-size wall graphics into the high school arena. MORE

    • Sports Authority

      National sporting goods retailer, currently seeking a new CEO, has hired Jeffrey Schumacher to the newly created position of evp-CMO-COO. MORE

    • Air Jordan 2010

      Nike division Jordan Brand unveils Air Jordan 2010, and will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the line with marketing and an on-ccourt debut by Dwyane Wade. MORE

    • Mission Skincare

      CVS has signed a deal with Mission Skincare, the health and beauty company whose investors include Serena Williams, Mia Hamm and Steve Nash, to roll out a line of products. MORE

    • Globetrotters Deal

      The iconic basketball team seeks to reconnect with older fans and make new ties with young fans via a licensing deal to create games, cards and a TV show. MORE

    • Staples AEG Deal

      Office supply company signs lifetime naming rights deal for venue that is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings and was site of the Michael Jackson memorial. MORE

    • IMG Legends Pact

      Sports, entertainment and media company IMG Worldwide joins the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees in a new venture targeting the college market. MORE

    • Live Nation Coke

      Coca-Cola has signed a deal with events and concert promoter Live Nation for exclusive pour rights. MORE

    • NFL U.K. 2009

      Bridgestone said it would not return as title sponsor of the NFL International Series, possibly opening the door for new league partner P&G. MORE

    • LA Marathon Deal

      K-Swiss joins as an official partner as the Los Angeles Marathon steps up marketing for its 2010 event. MORE

    • Kobe Joins Panini

      Why Kobe Bryant holds the cards in his new marketing deal. MORE

    • Sport Loses Spirit

      Anheuser-Busch ends LPGA Michelob Ultra Open sponsorship; Brown-Forman concluding deal with Nascar's RCR. MORE

    • WWE CEO Runs

      Linda McMahon is resigning as CEO of WWE in order to seek the Republican nomination for senator in Connecticut. MORE

    • Wheaties Fuels Up

      Wheaties fuels the launch of its new Fuel cereal with a sweeps dangling tickets, airfare to the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas. MORE

    • Oudin On Up

      Melanie Oudin's run at the 2009 U.S. Open will net her a score of new marketing deals. MORE

    • Disney Marvel Deal

      A $4 billion deal brings under one corporate unbrella Mickey Mouse, Hannah Montana, ESPN, Spider-Man, Wolverine and Captain America. MORE

    • JCPenney Sports

      The national retailer signs a deal with Dreams Inc., to expand its sports memorabilia, merchandise offerings. MORE

    • New Era Takes 5th

      Headwear company acquires rival 5th & Ocean. MORE

    • Lakers Tequila

      Bottom's up: NBA's Los Angeles Lakers sign marketing deal with 1800 Tequila. MORE

    • Sports Collectibles

      Card collecting category cold, card collecting category war hot thanks to recent alliance between Topps and MLB and Upper Deck's response. MORE

    • Baseball Promo

      How do Minor League teams get fannies in the seats? Liposuction, the Pillow Fight League, Waffle Appreciation Day and other offbeat promotions of 2009. MORE

    • CableV MSG

      Cablevision moves closer to spinning off Madison Square Garden business. MORE

    • Nike China

      Behind Kobe, LeBron and Chris Paul (as well as Charles Barkley and Gary Payton), Nike is still seeking the great haul of China. MORE

    • UFL Jerseys

      The upstart United Football League will not get to sign QB Michael Vick, but has scored a uniform deal with GameWear. MORE

    • UA McCarthy

      Under Armour names Gene McCarthy, previously with Timberland, Nike/Jordan Brand and Reebok, as its new svp-footwear. MORE

    • Amazon Zappos

      Amazon acquires e-retailer Zappos.com, whose inventory includes Nike, adidas, Reebok and other sports-related brands. MORE

    • Market Bad Boys

      Unless you become a social outcast like former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, Madison Avenue has a spot for such star bad boys as Kobe Bryant, Michael Phelps, John McEnroe and Manny Ramirez. MORE

    • Nike D-Wade

      Dwyane Wade's move to Nike's Jordan Brand is bad news for adidas, Converse. MORE

    • Nicklaus Chu

      Jack 'Golden Bear' Nicklaus seeks golden results from new alliance with branding and design firm DCMG, headed by David Chu. MORE

    • Storms Gatorade

      Two of the most influential women in sports marketing are on the move, with Jenny Storms going from Turner to Gatorade and Dockery Clark leaving MillerCoors. MORE

    • Shaq Cleveland

      O'Neal and James in Cleveland: Let the rock 'n' roll marketing begin. MORE

    • Nike Van Halen

      Rock guitarist files suit against Nike for copyright infringement regarding competing shoe lines. MORE

    • Nike Kobe Champ

      Kobe Bryant's "Most Valuable Puppet" gets to celebrate while LeBron James looks on in a "Championship" spot from Nike. MORE

    • WWE RAW Trump

      Donald Trump "wrestles" Monday Night RAW franchise away from WWE. MORE

    • Nets Deadline

      CEO Brett Yormark says canceling move from New Jersey to Brooklyn "not an option." MORE

    • Nike Puppets Too

      Nike is in fast-break mode with its 'Most Valuable Puppets' campaign in case LeBron James fails to make the NBA Finals. MORE

    • Nike Puppets

      Puppet versions of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant star in a new series of TV and online spots from Nike. MORE

    • Nike Trainer 1

      Nike invokes the spirit of its classic 'Bo Knows . . .' campaign from 20 years ago to launch the Nike Trainer 1. MORE

    • Pep Boys

      The Pep Boys has named former Pro Bass Shops marketing executive Ronald Stupa as its new vp-marketing. MORE

    • Crunch Fitness

      Even fitness companies are feeling the economic crunch, and Crunch has filed for Chap. 11 and will be acquired by private equity firm NEFC. MORE

    • Yankees Seats

      The economy, in the form of empty seats, has forced the New York Yankees to drastically cut some of their higher-end ticket prices. Meanwhile, a former teammate of Michael Jordan has put three Chicago Bulls title rings up for auction. MORE

    • Spira Shoes

      An upstart running shoe company has Disney on its side and has picked up the pace to gain a bigger share of a category controlled by Nike and adidas. MORE

    • Gatorade Lawsuit

      Lawsuit filed by PepsiCo claims Coke is making false claims in PowerAde marketing in targeting sports drink consumers. MORE

    • Armato AVP

      Longtime AVP chairman, CEO and commissioner Leonard Armato is out amidst a shakeup at management level. MORE

    • WWE Mania

      If you were watching the NBA, NHL or NCAA this past weekend, you missed a record-setting event from WWE. MORE

    • DOL Dogs Vick

      The Department of Labor has filed a lawsuit alleging that Michael Vick violated employee benefits law "by making a series of prohibited transfers" of more than $1.3 million. MORE

    • Nike Q3 Financial

      Nike said Q3 '09 revenues declined 2% and that revenue could fall vs. prior-year levels in  Q1-2 of fiscal 2010, then unveiled a organization with "reduced management layers." MORE

    • Adidas '08 Profit

      Adidas AG reported a 17% rise in full-year net profit but tempered that by saying the current economic crisis will mean lower sales and earnings in 2009. MORE

    • Museum For Sale

      The Sports Museum of America has put up a "For Sale" sign, with the asking price of $5 million. MORE

    • Nike Q2 2009

      The company's Q2 financial results can be called somewhere between a slam dunk and an air ball. MORE

    • Footwear '08 Sales

      Sales of athletic footwear to men 13+ used for “casual/everyday use” were up 8.1% for the quarter ending in September 2008. MORE