VA-based Network Solutions has become a corporate
partner of S.F.-based America's Cup 2000 challenger
AmericaOne. In exchange for financial support, Network
Solutions will gain exposure for its domain registration
services as a lead sponsor on the boom of AmericaOne's two
boats as well as on the team's Web site (Network Solutions).
CALLING ALL-STARS: BRANDWEEK's Terry Lefton reports
that AT&T is "putting more weight behind" its NBA tie, as
the company is "due to launch soon" a promo for 1-800-CALL-
ATT, in which "everyone using the service is entered in a
sweeps offering trips" to the 2000 All-Star Game in Oakland,
with a $100,000 grand prize for making a three-point shot.
FCB will produce a "basketball-themed spot that will include
NBA footage" to support the promo, which is slated to run
from Christmas through January (BRANDWEEK,, 12/13 issue).
AUTO MANUFACTURERS GO TO EXTREMES: The SPORTSBUSINESS
JOURNAL's Marcy Lamm reports that Chevrolet has signed a
"multiyear deal" to sponsor the American Motorcycle
Association. OH-based Sport Management brokered the deal,
which includes title sponsorship of the AMA U.S. Superbike
Series and the AMA Motocross Series (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL,
12/13 issue)....BRANDWEEK's Jeff Green reports that Ford
Ranger, in its "first major effort to court younger buyers,
... jumps into alt-sports territory" with its "36-event
commitment including two annual title" deals to sponsor the
Vans Triple Crown Series. Ford joins Mountain Dew, Casio G-
Shock, Sony PlayStation and Rolling Stone as sponsors of the
series, which includes "three top championship events" in
several alternative sports (BRANDWEEK, 12/13 issue).
