Lindsay Davenport is "attracting more marketing
attention as the time approaches for her to defend her U.S.
Open title," according to Terry Lefton of BRANDWEEK, who
reports that Davenport is "close to re-inking with Nike in a
deal that would legitimately be one of the biggest, if not
the largest, by a female athlete." Sources say that
Davenport "stands to make upwards of" $12M, plus performance
bonuses, from the five-years-plus deal. Davenport also
signed a deal with U.S. Open sponsor AmEx (BRANDWEEK, 7/26).
FILA'S OPEN POLICY: Lefton also reports "as part of its
U.S. Open sponsorship," Fila will "produce and market a
tennis shoe bearing U.S. Open marks" starting next month in
an "exclusive distribution deal" with N.Y.-area Just For
Feet stores. It is "believed to be the first time that the
Open has lent its trademark to a sneaker." Just For Feet
"has committed to a large purchase of the Promagna shoes"
and licensed apparel for the tournament (BRANDWEEK, 7/26).
THAT'S BRISK, BABY! The SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's
Langdon Brockinton reports that CBS's ad sales for the U.S.
Open "are brisk." Sources say that CBS "has sold more than"
95% of its commercial inventory for the tournament. USA
Network VP/Ad Sales John Cronopulos says that USA, which has
the cable rights to the tournament, "has sold about" 75% of
its ad time (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/26 issue).
WHERE'S THE LOVE? In S.F., Michelle Smith wrote that
while the WTA Tour has seen an increase in popularity with
many marketable players, the Tour is "struggling to secure a
title sponsor." WTA Tour VP/Communications Joe Favorito:
"We are very confident we will have someone by the end of
the calendar year. It's just a bump in the road." Nike
Business Dir for Tennis Skip Lei said he finds the Tour's
sponsorship situation "baffling," as "right now, women's
tennis is just rockin'." Lindsay Davenport: "Why we don't
have a title sponsor is anybody's guess. The players have
done our part" (S.F. EXAMINER, 7/25).
