Marketplace Roundup

Nike Outfitting Some Ryder Cup Members With Specially-Designed Shoe

Nike will outfit some members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team with specially-designed footwear during this week's event. The brand is endorsed by captain Paul Azinger and four of the 12 U.S. players: Justin Leonard, Anthony Kim, Stewart Cink and Chad Campbell. The company does not own any rights to the Ryder Cup and is not planning any special print or TV ads featuring its staff members. Nike also has a deal with European team member Paul Casey (Jon Show, SportsBusiness Journal).

CLASSIC TREATMENT: In Alabama, Herndon & Hicks report San Jose-based Bell Micro, sponsor of last weekend's Bell Micro LPGA Classic, "brought in more than 100 people it does business with" to the tournament. Sponsor events included a "Casino Night at the Battle House, dinner at the Bragg-Mitchell mansion, an excursion to the USS Alabama, a bass fishing tournament, golf at Magnolia Grove's Falls Course, and a skybox on the 18th green." Bell Micro President, Chair & CEO Don Bell: "We believe in hospitality. In an event like this you can develop relationships, which is really the key part of it" (Mobile PRESS-REGISTER, 9/15).

Fathead Offering Wall Sticker Of Favre In Jets Uniform

MOMENTUM ON HIS SIDE: Cyclist Floyd Landis said that he "is negotiating with a U.S.-based team and hopes to begin racing shortly after he becomes eligible at the end of January." ESPN.com's Bonnie Ford noted Landis "confirmed reports that he is in talks with [Oakland-based] Momentum Sports Group ... which owns and operates a team primarily sponsored by the Health Net insurance company." However, Health Net's sponsorship ends after this season, and Momentum "is still seeking a financial backer, which is part of the reason Landis' contract has not been finalized" (ESPN.com, 9/14).

WALL HAUL: In N.Y., Richard Wilner reported Fathead has started selling stickers of QB Brett Favre in a Jets uniform. Fathead CEO Brock Weatherup said that Favre "was the company's No. 1 seller last season, with more than 10,000 posters sold." Fathead does not release sales totals, but Weatherup added that the company on the whole "expects sales to jump 50[%] this year after doubling last year." Fathead also "plans to add international soccer stars for the holiday season" (N.Y. POST, 9/14).