Baltimore-based The Leffler Agency has been retained by
the Bears to "find new sources of revenue" worth between
$20-30M annually, according to June Arney of the Baltimore
SUN. Leffler is "helping with some of the planning" for the
proposed renovation of Soldier Field, and will "analyze
potential naming rights, develop sponsorships, conduct
broadcast negotiations and evaluate the sales and marketing
force." Leffler President & Owner Bob Leffler said that the
contract with the Bears is "equivalent to a $1 million
capitalized advertising account in cash and trade." Leffler
has worked with the Ravens, Bucs, Bengals and Broncos "as
their new stadiums came online," and Bears Dir of Business
Operations Jim Miller said Leffler "understands what each
side is looking for in a negotiation" (SUN, 4/22).
DITKA NOT LEAVING BEARS BOOTH: In Chicago, Mike
Mulligan reported that Mike Ditka will serve as the Bears'
color analyst for preseason games "despite the firing" of
team VP/Marketing & Broadcasting Ken Valdiserri, "the man
who brokered the deal" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/21).
