Marketplace Round-Up

In Memphis, Jason Smith reports Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc. and Regions Financial Corp. have entered a three-year title sponsor agreement for the ATP event at the Racquet Club of Memphis formerly known as the Kroger St. Jude. The event will continue to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Kroger, the tournament's sponsor for the past 12 years, will remain as "Super Presenter," and Cellular South "continues its role as the title sponsor for the WTA singles portion of the event" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 6/2).

IN CONTENTION: TELEVISION WEEK's Wayne Friedman cites media buyers as saying that Toyota and Nike are "close to major deals" on ad packages or sponsorships, priced at $8M-10M per episode, for NBC's boxing reality show, "The Contender," which debuts in January '05. Friedman notes the show is "aiming to pull in three or four major advertisers who will buy two to three spots in each show of its 16-episode run. Other major advertising categories that are being pitched include telecommunications and pharmaceutical companies" (TELEVISION WEEK, 5/31 issue).

GIFT HORSE: Visa USA President & CEO Carl Pascarella is featured in a Q&A with the WALL STREET JOURNAL's Suzanne Vranica, who notes Visa offers a $5M bonus to a horse winning the Visa Triple Crown, which Smarty Jones will attempt Saturday in The Belmont Stakes. Pascarella, on whether controversy around horse racing factored into the company's decision to become involved in the sport: "We don't sponsor the horse-racing industry. We look to a segment of that industry. ... A lot of people, who aren't horse-racing enthusiasts, watch the [Kentucky Derby]. If you look at who are watching, ratings-wise, it's a diverse crowd" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 6/2).