The NFL has launched a new Web site at
NFLRETAILBUZZ.com that allows retailers and licensees to
obtain news on NFL products, hot markets, research and
league-wide marketing platforms. The password-protected
site is designed to provide a source of information on new
product lines from both apparel and hardline licensees. A
photo of each item will be accompanied by a description of
the vendor, product and targeted fan. A research section
will provide retailers information on the league's fan base
from the ESPN/Chilton Sports Poll. The site will be updated
weekly. The NFL calls the effort the "first-stand alone
site offered to the industry by a sports league" (NFL).
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: The NFL is "reaching out to
young people like never before," according to CNBC's Garrett
Glaser, who profiled the NFL's youth movement on "Business
Center." NFLP President Sara Levinson said that the
league's total fan base numbers about 160 million: "On an
average Sunday, you have four million kids watching football
games on television. We're at a very good place and we want
to make sure we stay there." The NFL is now "repackaging
football as a cool sport for fans, especially kids and
women," and the strategy includes a six-year, $60M deal with
Hasbro, as well as cartoon shows, TV movies and "electro-
charged" highlight shows ("Business Center," CNBC, 9/16).
