MARKETING NEWS
MARKETING AND LICENSING AGREEMENTS
The A-League soccer San Diego Flash renewed its Hispanic marketing and public relations agreement with Furati. Tijuana, Mexico-based Furati will provide the Hispanic media with information on the team and host all Flash Hispanic news conferences in Mexico. The company will also promote the team throughout the Tijuana area and provide signage opportunities at its indoor soccer facility.
Action Performance Cos. signed a three-year exclusive merchandise licensing agreement with open-wheel driver Al Unser Jr. and the Galles ECR Racing team. Under the agreement, Action Performance obtains the rights to market, promote, distribute and sell licensed merchandise for Unser and the Galles ECR Racing team through the end of 2002.
Worldwide Entertainment & Sports Corp. negotiated licensing contracts for Crews Inc. with NASCAR teams, drivers and sponsors including Dale Jarrett, Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, Rusty Wallace, Terry Labonte, Ricky Rudd and Casey Atwood. Under the agreement, Crews can use the drivers' names and likenesses, likenesses of the cars, names of sponsors, team names and logos on eye and face safety glasses. Worldwide Entertainment & Sports Corp. is a management, marketing and commercial endorsement agency for various sports entities.
International Sports Wagering Inc. signed a licensing agreement with Global Interactive Gaming Inc. allowing Global Interactive to use its SportXction software on the Internet and interactive television for contests and wagering on sporting events. Under the agreement, International Sports Wagering receives 25 percent of the gross profit, less direct expenses, for the use of its technology for contests. For wagering, International Sports Wagering will receive the lesser of 25 percent of the gross profit or 1 percent of the gross handle less direct expenses.
G-2 Communications Inc. was appointed communications agency of record for all General Motors Corp. motorsports and heritage activities. G-2, which specializes in automotive public relations, will manage the strategic planning and implementation of General Motors' motorsports communications programs and actions with an emphasis on coordinating key messages globally to target audiences.
BROADCAST DEALS
The WNBA Miami Sol and Sunshine Network signed a multiyear agreement providing the network with the rights to televise a minimum of six Sol games a season. The 2000 broadcast schedule includes eight games.
SPORTS AGENCY NEWS
CLIENT SIGNINGS
David Bober of Bober Associates Inc. signed surfer Layne Beachley and ice hockey player Sue Merz.
ENDORSEMENT DEALS
Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly of the 1999 Women's World Cup championship team signed two-year endorsement agreements with Quaker Oats cereal division. Both will appear on packages of selected cereal brands, make appearances and appear in print and possibly television advertising. Hamm also renewed her deal with Fleet Bank to be a part of Fleet's "All Stars" program and entered into an 18-month memorabilia agreement with Steiner Sports Marketing. Hamm will sign various items for sale exclusively through Steiner Sports distribution. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Mia Hamm Foundation. She will also make two personal appearances as part of the deal. Lilly signed an agreement with Sports Illustrated for Women to write five columns for the magazine as a contributing editor. Hamm and Lilly are represented by Bober Associates Inc.
Softball player Michele Smith signed a two-year endorsement agreement with Jugs Pitching Machines. She will appear in print advertising and make personal appearances. Smith is represented by Bober Associates Inc.
Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers signed on as spokesman for Real Pure Beverage Group LLC, Resonated Spring Water and Resonated Real-Pro Hi-Energy Sports Drink.
Senior PGA Tour member Mike McCullough signed an endorsement deal with Bite Golf, a golf footwear company. McCullough will wear the company's X-Golf Sandals.
J. Royale Fine Furniture, a Hickory, N.C.-based upholstery and fabric company, signed LPGA Tour member Beth Daniel. Daniel will wear J. Royale headwear and carry a J. Royale golf bag.
Prescription Management Services Inc. signed skier Sarah Will as spokeswoman for its Pharma Complete program. Pharma Complete is a personalized program for chronically ill and catastrophically injured people offering home delivery of pharmacy, medical supplies, medical equipment, home health care and specialized services.
BUSINESS NEWS
BUSINESS DEALS
Swing Solutions signed a non-binding letter of intent with Clubessential Inc. Under the agreement, Swing Solutions will sell its patented golf video analyzer systems to Clubessential. The systems will be installed at golf facilities associated with or managed by Clubessential's equity investor, KSL Recreation. Facilities include PGA West and LaQuinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, Calif.; Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami; the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Maui; Claremont Resort & Spa in Berkeley, Calif.; and the Grant Traverse Resort & Spa in Traverse City, Mich. Clubessential will also use Swing Solutions technology in Clubessential software.
MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
VP Sports Inc. acquired privately held Torpedo Inc. Montreal-based Torpedo manufactures sporting goods, toys and recreational products. VP Sports Inc. manufactures and distributes bicycles in Canada and the United States.
E Com Ventures Inc. signed a binding letter of intent with The Sportsman's Guide Inc. that will make E Com Ventures a significant minority shareholder in The Sportsman's Guide. E Com Ventures provides financing and support for companies in introducing products and services into e-businesses. The Sportsman's Guide markets outdoor gear and general merchandise, specializing in outdoor clothing, equipment and footwear.
Source: Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal research
