Topps reported a 13% decline in net income for the third
quarter (ended November 25). Net income totaled $1.3M, down from
$1.5M last year. Topps, which closed at $4.688, up 6.25 cents,
cited the decline in card sales (WALL STREET JOURNAL,
12/15)....The CBA has retained Advantage Int'l to create a series
of exhibition games overseas next summer. The CBA will give its
players the opportunity to participate, while allowing Advantage
to market the events (CBA)....Easton has combined four of its
separate operations into a new Team Sports Division. The
division will combine sales, marketing and promotion functions
with development, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution
(Easton)....In Chicago, Barry Temkin notes recent recommendations
by an NCAA committee that included treating manufacturers who
have contracts with schools like boosters. For example, Nike
would not be allowed to talk to prospects of schools with which
it has contracts. That recommendation received "a mixed
reception" among certain "NCAA constituencies" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE,
12/15)....Oscar De La Hoya, who will fight Jesse James Leija
tonight at Madison Square Garden, is being well marketed in
Manhattan, according to this morning's L.A. TIMES. Steve
Springer writes De La Hoya's image "is everywhere" in New Yrok --
billboards, newspaper racks, and TV screens. Ticket sales for
tonight have been strong, with 14,000 already sold (L.A. TIMES,
12/15)....Reebok is offering customers who visit its new Planet
Reebok store in King of Prussia, PA, a free T-shirt upon mention
of its ad in today's papers (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 12/15)....In
Boston, where BayBanks and Bank of Boston have merged, the
HERALD's Steff Gelson notes it is still unclear whether hockey
legend Bobby Orr will continue to pitch for BayBanks (BOSTON
HERALD, 12/14)....The D.C. United of the MLS has selected Arnold
Advertising of Washington as its agency of record. Billings are
estimated to be $2.5M over the next three years (ADWEEK, 12/11
issue)....Picabo Street, whose signing with Nike Sports
Management was announced yesterday, is profiled in this week's
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED. Street, who declined appearances on
Letterman and Leno after her medal winning performance in '94,
appeared on Sesame Street instead. Street's father, Stubby: "We
said to hell with Letterman and Leno. We don't need any late-
night, white, yuppie humor. By the 2002 Olympics, people
watching Leno will be in rest homes. Picabo talked to the kids.
They'll be in the mainstream" (SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, 12/18 issue).
