Rebecca Lobo, who led the UConn Women's basketball team to a
national championship, has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal
with Reebok, according to this morning's HARTFORD COURANT. The
terms, which Reebok said are subject to NCAA guidelines until
Lobo's graduation, were not disclosed. But Reebok's "enthusiasm
indicated the company is ready to develop a diverse" ad campaign
which could make Lobo "one of the most prominent female athletes
in the United States." Lobo will promote women's footwear and
apparel, with an emphasis on a line of basketball footwear, and
represent Reebok in community service activities and appear in
national ads beginning this fall. Reebok will also make a annual
donation in Lobo's name to organizations promoting women's
sports. Reebok VP/Women's Footwear Patricia Hambrick said the
company sees Lobo "becoming one of our lead female icons."
Hambrick said the deal is not "tied to Lobo's next step," but
noted that an Olympic tie-in is possible (Sean Horgan, HARTFORD
COURANT, 4/28). Lobo is also the subject of a N.Y. TIMES profile
today: "Every day brings more kudos" (Evelyn Nieves, N.Y. TIMES,
4/28).
