GM announced this morning that it will be the exclusive
national and local automobile sponsor of the WNBA and will
carry the title of "Official Car and Truck" (WNBA). In
Detroit, the NEWS' Daniel Howes reported the package as a
three-year, $12M deal, which gives GM sole rights to
national and local advertising during nationally televised
games on NBC, ESPN and Lifetime. The WNBA's Rebecca Lobo
and Lisa Leslie will become GM's WNBA spokespeople when play
begins in June. The NEWS' Howes notes the sponsorship is
"aimed squarely at GM's efforts to connect with women" and
"likely will be paired with support of Concept Cure, a
breast cancer research effort" (DETROIT NEWS, 3/23).
NIKE'S GREETING CARDS: More than a dozen women's pro
basketball players -- most from the Nike-sponsored WNBA, but
some from the Reebok-backed ABL -- will be at the Women's
Final Four in Cincinnati to promote the sport through
clinics and events, according to Sharon Ginn of the ST.
PETERSBURG TIMES. Nike is also introducing a line of
greeting cards featuring top women athletes. Four in a set
feature photos of Leslie, Gail Devers, Mia Hamm and Briana
Scurry. All open with, "If someone says you run or throw
like a girl, ask them which girl." The cards then open with
phrases that include -- referring to Leslie -- "The girl who
was a three-time All-American, who won a gold medal and can
dunk a basketball?" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 3/23).
