A "multimillion-dollar sponsorship bidding war is
underway" for South Korean golfer Grace Park, who will be a
rookie on the LPGA Tour next year. One source said that
"potential sponsors" include Hyundai, Ford and Mobil. But
Park's camp says she will not sign with a management company
or any endorsement deals "until she has won or until she has
played on tour for six months" (GOLF WORLD, 11/19 issue).
MORE GOLF: On "Business Center," Sun Microsystems CEO
Scott McNealy spoke on his company's title sponsorship of
the Sun Microsystems Par-3 Challenge that airs on FSN on
Thanksgiving Day. McNealy was wearing a Hal Sutton golf
shirt which featured the Sun Microsystems logo. McNealy:
"We pay him a little money to wear our logo." McNealy, on
the tournament: "It's a little chance to have some fun and
get some brand recognition" (CNBC, 11/16)....BRANDWEEK's
Terry Lefton reports that a "recent restructuring" of Tiger
Woods' Titleist deal leaves his golf bag "open" for
branding. IMG's Mark Steinberg: "It could go to an existing
sponsor, but it's probably time to add one more company and
we're looking to project an image of accessibility, as
opposed to him being on an island" (BRANDWEEK, 11/15 issue).
NBA: BRANDWEEK's Terry Lefton reports that adidas has
signed Pacers rookie F Jonathan Bender to a five-year
endorsement deal "at less" than $100,000 per year, with
"incentive clauses tied to on-court performance." AND 1 was
"also pursuing" Bender (BRANDWEEK, 11/15 issue)....Puma is
"in talks with" Celtics G Kenny Anderson and Knicks F John
Wallace about endorsement deals (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL,
11/15 issue)....NBC's Jay Leno showed a mock print of Jazz F
Karl Malone's NRA ad that read, "Guns don't kill people,
Shaq's free throws kill people" ("Tonight Show," 11/16).
