DOES THIS NFLPA BALLY DESIGNATION FIT? In N.Y., Richard
Wilner writes that the NFL "could be ready" to give the
NFLPA "its second legal slap in a month," as the league is
investigating a deal the players' union signed with Bally's
Fitness Centers, designating it as "The Official Training
Center for NFL Players" (N.Y. POST, 8/16).
TWO MORE INK ESPN/ABC NHL AD DEALS: The SPORTSBUSINESS
JOURNAL's Langdon Brockinton reports that Wendy's and A-B
have joined Dodge in signing "major" NHL ad deals with
ESPN/ABC Sports. Each gains "advertiser exclusivity" during
ABC Sports' NHL telecasts within the QSR and beer
categories, respectively, and dasherboard signage on both
ABC and ESPN NHL telecasts (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 8/16).
NOTES: Titleist takes out a full-page ad in USA TODAY
congratulating Tiger Woods on his PGA Championship win under
the tag, "The Thrill Of Victory. The Equipment Of Titleist"
(THE DAILY)....In N.Y., John Markoff profiles video game
manufacturers which have "turned to" athletes in order to
"improve the reality in virtual reality." Markoff:
"Electronic Arts, which uses motion capture for more than a
dozen sports titles and many of its other games, is seen as
the leader in this field -- in aesthetics as well as
technology" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/16)....Reds merchandise sales
"are up about" 60% this year at 18 Cinergy Field stands and
at a downtown store run by Sportservice, which "handles
concession sales and retail outlets" inside the stadium.
After "more than 500 requests for merchandise since May 1,"
the team set up an Internet store Tuesday on its Web site.
Also, Russell Athletic execs said that the company has "seen
an increase in sales of the Reds jersey it sells in stores
throughout the country" (CINCINNATI POST, 8/14).
