Marketplace Round-Up

NAMES & FACES: While Kings F Chris Webber has a shoe deal with L.A.-based DADA and does promotional work for ESPN, Shawn Bryant, who handles Webber's endorsement deals, said that "neither ESPN nor DADA approached him with any concerns about Webber's legal woes," stemming from allegations that he lied to a grand jury. Bryant: "I expect he will retain his appeal over the long term" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 9/13)....U.S. diver Kimiko Hirai Soldati has signed a three-year endorsement deal with Speedo. Soldati is repped by Elite Operations & Sports Unlimited (Speedo).

NOTES: NEW MEDIA AGE's Ben Carter reported Reebok is set to market its Rbk brand in the U.K. Reebok will support the foray with "some of its most significant online activity" in the U.K, and the company has launched a "dedicated site to push the new brand." The Rbk brand will also be promoted through print and TV spots.

	NHRA Craftsman Car

While Reebok will initially focus on basketball, it is "hoping to tap into street culture with the brand" (NEW MEDIA AGE, 9/12)....Racing Champions and Sears' Craftsman Tools will co-sponsor the September 26-29 NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series event at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL. The race will be called the "Craftsman 75th Anniversary NHRA Nationals presented by Racing Champions" (Racing Champions).