Marketplace Roundup

Flynn Close To Agreeing To Endorsement Deal With Nike

T'Wolves G Jonny Flynn, the No. 6 pick in the NBA Draft, is close to agreeing to a deal to endorse Nike, sources said. Nike officials did not return a phone call Thursday, and Leon Rose, Flynn's agent, would not comment. In a down market for athlete endorsement deals, sources said Nike has targeted a handful of high-profile players selected in last month's draft. As previously reported, Nike is close to shoe deals with top-10 draft picks Clippers F Blake Griffin, Thunder G James Harden and Warriors G Stephen Curry (Liz Mullen, SportsBusiness Journal).

I DON'T WANNA GROW UP: In N.Y., Andrew Keh reported the Toys"R"Us store in Times Square this month is "inhabited not by toys but shelves and shelves" of MLS gear. League officials and Red Bulls F Juan Pablo Angel Thursday were at the store to "take in the bustling scene and promote the display." MLS VP/Consumer Products Stu Crystal said that the promotion is "part of the league's growing merchandise sales and marketing effort, which he said contributes to the growing popularity of MLS in the last few years." The expansion Sounders top the league in team merchandise sales, followed by the Galaxy, Toronto FC, DC United, and Fire (NYTIMES.com, 7/23).

DRIVE FOR DOUGH: Tiger Woods Thursday committed to play in the PGA Tour Buick Open next week, and in Detroit, Tim Twentyman notes Woods' presence will bring "higher tournament attendance" at Warwick Hills and "greater viewership for the television broadcast." The news "couldn't have come at a better time" for the event, as there has been "speculation for weeks this could be the last tournament for title sponsor" Buick and GM, which recently emerged from bankruptcy protection. Buick last year ended its sponsorship of Woods after nine years (DETROIT NEWS, 7/24).

KISSED BY A ROSE: Farmers Insurance Group has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the August 1 FC Barcelona-Galaxy exhibition game at the Rose Bowl. The company will receive LED Fieldboard signage, scoreboard exposure, in-game promotions and on-site activation (Galaxy).