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MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER IN MIDST OF SUPPLIER QUANDARY
Published March 20, 1996
Nike, Reebok, Puma and Adidas have all "anted up" about $500,000 a year in their roles as "official supplier" for MLS franchises that begin play next month. But each company is "rapidly learning" that the designation does not prevent approaching individual players for six-figure endorsement deals, according to BRANDWEEK. Reebok has signed a footwear deal with Clash player Eric Wynalda -- while the Clash have signed with Nike. Adidas has signed the Revolution's Alexi Lalas -- a Reebok-endorsed team. Nike's pre-existing deal with Marcelo Balboa will continue even though he plays for the Puma-supplied Rapids (Steve Gelsi, BRANDWEEK, 3/18).
