MA-based ThingWorld.com is joining with the NFL to
"deploy its digital collectibles technology on all on-line
venues of the league and its teams," according to Gregg
Krupa of the BOSTON GLOBE. The relationship allows the NFL
to "create protected interactive content" that can be
downloaded by computer users. The two companies will
"comanufacture and comarket" NFL branded materials,
including interactive games and icons. The league, which is
expected to use the on-line service to sell collectibles,
currently sells less than 1% of its projected $3B annual
license-product market on-line. Deal details are expected
to be announced today (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/19).
MORE WEB INVESTMENTS: The SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's John
Rofe reports that Pistons Owner William Davidson and two
other individuals invested a total of $5M into CA-based
Praja Inc., which produces interactive highlight videos and
stat package for NCAA Div. I football team Web sites. Praja
hopes to use the "infusion" to expand into the NFL, MLB, NBA
or MLS (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 1/18 issue).
