SPONSOR NEWS & NOTES: BRANDWEEK's Terry Lefton reports
that MasterCard is renewing its NHL sponsorship for another
three seasons in a deal which includes NHLPA rights for the
"first time." Lefton writes that MasterCard may feature the
NHL in its "Priceless" campaign. Lefton also reports that
Fuji and Bandai -- both "subject to Asian economic woes" --
are "unlikely to return" as MLS sponsors next year. As a
result, the uniforms of the MetroStars and Mutiny would be
available for branding (BRANDWEEK, 11/23 issue)....ESPN's
Mike Tirico, Chris McKendry, Dan Patrick and Chris Fowler
appear in a new Head & Shoulders ad with the tag, "Three
things you'll never see on ESPN: team hopscotch, competitive
knitting or flakes" (ROLLING STONE, 12/10 issue)....CA-based
Pro Specialties Group and CART signed a multi-year licensing
deal where PSG will market a full line of pins, pin sets,
key chains, lanyards, ticket holders and earrings with CART
marks (PSG)....As part of his pact with Lea Industries,
Pistons F Grant Hill will introduce a collection of youth
bedroom furniture on December 3 (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 11/24).
