Marketplace Roundup

Kevin Garnett, Adidas Partner To Create Limited Edition Chelsea-Themed Sneaker

In Providence, Robert Lee reported Celtics F Kevin Garnett, who is a fan of EPL club Chelsea, has "partnered with adidas to create a limited edition, blue and yellow basketball sneaker that combines his name with Chelsea's colors and logos." Chelsea "hopes that the sneaker with Garnett's backing of the club will help the sport grow." The shoe, named the TS Commander LT, "comes with an exclusive scarf and Chelsea jersey." It "will be available on Aug. 29 exclusively at the Boston-based retailer Bodega," and the package retails for $275 (PROJO.com, 8/19).

EASTERN PROMISES: In N.Y., Mitch Abramson reports New Jersey-based boxing promoter Dino Duva and investor Richard Davimos, in partnership with the Chinese Sports Industry, have "ventured into an exclusive agreement with the Chinese Boxing Federation to market, sponsor and promote the Chinese national boxing team in amateur and professional competition." Heavyweight boxer Zhang Zhilei is the "centerpiece of the deal." Duva said that he is "in the process of finalizing a television deal to broadcast amateur fights in China, and he says sponsors are lining up." adidas is the chief sponsor of China's national boxing team, and Duva said that he is "currently in talks with Reebok, Nike, Visa and Mastercard" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/20).

CHICAGO STYLE: In Chicago, Lewis Lazare reported the Chicago 2016 bid committee "hopes to rev up some last-minute excitement for the city's ... Olympic bid when a new music video-style TV commercial debuts next month featuring an array of local celebrities." Walter E. Smithe Furniture co-Owner Tim Smithe is "producing the video, which will be shot Aug. 26 in Millennium Park." Celebs expected to participate include White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, Cubs manager Lou Piniella and Bears coach Lovie Smith, while Bears QB Jay Cutler is "being courted." The video will include a "montage of celebrities using sign language to spell out the numbers '2016' and declaring that they back the bid" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 8/19).

ROUNDUP: In Indianapolis, Curt Cavin noted Bombardier is "no longer a sponsor" of Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Pagoda. Cavin: "I don't know all the details of the business transaction, but the logo has been gone for some time" (INDYSTAR.com, 8/19)....WWE is "researching an apparel line, new toy lines and other branded products targeted at females" (N.Y. POST, 8/20).