While the WNBA "expects soon to announce several three-
year, multimillion-dollar" marketing deals with "new and
existing sponsors, some original sponsors may be cutting
ties" with the league, according to Liz Mullen of the
SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, who writes that Lee Jeans, adidas
and Reebok are "among those who may not" renew their deals.
Mullen cites numerous sources who say that the WNBA is
"seeking" $3M a year for a sponsorship, "up from" the
league's original $2.5M deals. But "some sports marketing
experts" say that it is a "tough time" for the league to
"renew deals, especially at a higher price tag," as
leaguewide attendance was "down" 6.1% this season. WNBA
Senior VP/Marketing Partnerships Ken Derrett "acknowledged"
that Lee Jeans may not renew, as it is "not sure if some of
their new marketing and branding strategies 'are still
married to the WNBA.'" adidas Dir of Sports Marketing
Robert Erb: "We did not feel we were getting a reasonable
return on our investment that was being requested by the
WNBA." Reebok Dir of PR Dave Fogelson: "I can assure you we
are not looking to increase what has been a very modest
presence." Derrett is in renewal talks with A-B, Kellogg,
GM and AmEx (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 8/30 issue).
