Marketplace Roundup

In London, Amanda Andrews reported "key advertising agencies have pulled out of the pitch" for the '12 London Games after "being told they will effectively have to pay for the privilege." Several agencies had official meetings at LOCOG's HQs "following a long process in which agencies have been competing for the prize contract." But sources said that the agencies "soon discovered that they would need to become a tier-three sponsor at a cost of nearly [US$14.2M] if they wanted the honour of developing the London Games' official advertising campaign" (London TELEGRAPH, 3/29).

Gilliland's Car Features Large White Rectangle Representing His Lack Of Sponsor

SPONSOR WANTED: In N.Y., Stephanie Clifford noted the hood of TRG Motorsports' NASCAR Sprint Cup entry driven by David Gilliland contained a "large white rectangle" during the March 22 Food City 500. TRG Motorsports Principal & CEO Kevin Buckler was "desperately seeking a sponsor" and was "advertising his lack of an advertiser, in other words." Buckler: "When it goes around on TV, it's obviously getting the message out without being cheesy about it." Buckler said that he "recently received a sponsorship inquiry about the car ... from a television production company in one of the few industries that is growing in this difficult economy: reality TV" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/30).

FOR ONE AND ALL: Tennis player Serena Williams said of the Signature Statement collection of handbags and casual jewelry she launched last week for Home Shopping Network, "It's important for me to have the best price point so everyone can wear it. No matter who they are or where they are." Williams added she will wear the line "while playing and sweating." Williams: "When I walk out there, everyone is always wondering what I'm wearing. Just because you're an athlete doesn't mean you have to act like a male athlete." Williams already has developed the Aneres apparel line (MIAMI HERALD, 3/29).

ROUNDUP: In Orlando, David Whitley noted during the PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational, a woman had a "full-time job handing [Tiger] Woods bottles of Gatorade." Woods has an endorsement deal with Gatorade, and Powerade, the official sports drink of the PGA Tour, appeared "in the coolers at every tee box" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 3/28)....In Minneapolis, Sid Hartman noted Dodge, which "has been the primary advertiser in right field at the Metrodome for years," will be replaced this year by Stanley Tools (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/29).