Names & Faces: Parker Preparing For Future Marketing In Beijing

Parker Using Trip To Beijing For Olympics To Further Her Future Marketing Potential

WNBA Sparks and U.S. women's Olympic basketball team F Candace Parker said of her sponsors' advice on her presence in China for the Beijing Games, "They've told me a lot about the potential marketing. Planting my foot in the door and opening the door. Obviously I'm going to come back here in the near future." In N.Y., Pete Thamel noted "more doors may open for Parker" when the WNBA season ends, as Parker said that she "would like to endorse products that are not necessarily related to sports" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/18).

GAME CHANGER: With MLS Toronto FC (TFC) F Maurice Edu agreeing to a five-year deal with Scottish Premier League club Glasgow Rangers, Electronic Arts will "rejig the North American cover” of its “FIFA 09” videogame. A FIFA spokesperson said that Edu now will be “featured in a U.S. jersey rather than his TFC sweater” (TORONTO SUN, 8/19).

NOTES: Packers WR James Jones "has signed a marketing agreement" with Milwaukee-based Lammi Sports Management (LSM). LSM will represent Jones in "all marketing and endorsement deals" (BUSINESS JOURNAL OF MILWAUKEE, 8/15 issue)....Men's personal-training gym franchisor Athletic Nation Franchise Corp. has signed Ravens FB Lorenzo Neal to a three-year endorsement deal that includes TV and print ads (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/18)....English Premier League club Manchester United F Wayne Rooney two weeks ago signed a two-year deal with Mercedes Benz and "has already received a brand new customised Mercedes Benz CL63 Coupe" worth US$225,595 (TELEGRAPH.co.uk, 8/17).