PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are "poised to contest the right
to become the next" sponsor of the Premier League, as the
status of current sponsor Carling has been left "in doubt,"
since its parent company Bass was bought out by Interbrew.
Carling paid $59.1M under a four-year deal signed in '97,
but the soft drink companies are "expected to table bids
worth up to" $90.1M over three years (London MIRROR, 6/26).
CALLING IN A FAVOR? The PBA and Microsoft Network
reached a deal for title sponsorship of the PBA's Tucson
stop next week. The MSN Open, to be televised on FSN, marks
the first event title deal since the PBA was purchased by
former Microsoft execs Chris Peters, Rob Glaser and Mike
Slade in April (PBA).
ON THE VERIZON: The Bills signed a two-year deal making
Verizon Wireless the team's Official Wireless Provider. The
deal includes signage at Ralph Wilson Stadium, as well as an
exclusive training camp presence. Also under the deal, fans
will be able to cast their 2001 Pro Bowl votes at over 60
Verizon retail locations throughout Upstate NY (Bills).
