ESPORTS OBSERVER's Hongyu Chen noted Nike has "signed an endorsement deal" with "League of Legends" player Jian Zihao, who will help "promote" the LeBron James-fronted “Dribble &” marketing campaign. The deal is the "first time that Nike has partnered with a professional esports player" ( ESPORTSOBSERVER.com, 10/19 ).
TAKING A YEAR OFF : GOLFWEEK's Forecaddie reported TaylorMade "will not take part" in the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, a "blow to the annual January gathering of golf business principals." The show now will "lack a company known for buzz-generating announcements." The company's departure is the "biggest since Acushnet’s five-year sabbatical from" '04-08 ( GOLFWEEK.com, 10/21 ).
PANTS PARTY : WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY's Jean Palmieri notes Michael Strahan is "launching jeans to add to his successful men’s wear collection at J.C. Penney." Strahan "teamed with denim guru Eric Goldstein of Jean Shop, RRL, Gap and Denimrepair.com fame to create a collection under the Collection by Michael Strahan moniker." The line "includes a denim jacket." The line is "priced at $70 for the jeans and $80 for the jacket" ( WWD.com, 10/22 ).
