Venus and Serena Williams are "talking with Avon about
a megabucks endorsement," according to sources of USA
TODAY's Michael McCarthy. Meanwhile, Reebok confirms
negotiating a "multiyear, multimillion" dollar contract with
Venus (see THE DAILY, 11/27), and Reebok spokesperson Denise
Kaigler said the company hopes to finalize the deal
"sometime next week." Williams' attorney Keven Davis said
that a press conference announcing the Reebok deal is set
for December 21. Wilsons Leather also announced a marketing
deal with Venus. Burns Sports President Bob Williams said
that the Williams sisters' "controversial image" has held
them back from endorsements in the past, but he added,
"There's a tremendous shift going on: You're seeing more
advertisers use top women athletes to connect with
consumers" (USA TODAY, 12/12).
A CONCESSION TO SPONSORS? REUTERS reported that future
Davis Cup and Fed Cup players "could wear national team
colors" if the ITF can "implement a proposed new dress code
for team competitions." But ITF President Francesco Ricci
Bitti "admitted Sunday that getting the players to swap
their personal outfits for shirts and shorts with national
designs would be difficult." So the ITF is "suggesting that
future national team strips could be designed in
partnership" with sportswear companies "to allow players to
keep their current sponsors" (REUTERS, 12/11).
