Marketplace Round-Up

In Ft. Lauderdale, Ralph De La Cruz reports that during the World Baseball Classic’s first round games at the Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando last week, tournament merchandise “was practically nonexistent” after the first day. However, there were “plenty of caps bearing the logo of ESPN,” and “kiosk after kiosk” selling Braves merchandise. The Braves hold Spring Training at the ballpark (Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 3/16).

AUTO BILL: The Bills have signed Toyota to a multi-year deal as the team’s official/exclusive car and truck. Toyota receives category exclusivity, as well as in-stadium signage, in-game promotions, hospitality on game days, ads on BuffaloBills.com and Bills TV, entitlement of the Van Miller Club and the right to use team marks. Each parking lot at Ralph Wilson Stadium will have the name of a different Toyota brand (Bills).

TAKING ACTION: Dodgers minor league P Aaron Klusman has launched AK Industries, an online action sports clothing company that sells hats, T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts. AK Industries sold $10,000 in merchandise during its first four weeks and has signed pro snowboarder Jef Groff as its spokesperson (Dodgers).