Marketplace Roundup

Donald Reportedly Signs New Deal With Mizuno

GOLFWEEK's Alex Miceli cited sources as saying that golfer Luke Donald has "signed a new deal with Mizuno" that will keep him affiliated with the brand for at least three more years. Donald will play Mizuno clubs and "display the company logo on his bag and hat, similar to his previous agreement." Mizuno did not renew its contract with golfer Brian Gay, who subsequently "signed a two-year deal with TaylorMade for the bag and the side of his hat." Gay is still playing Mizuno irons (GOLFWEEK.com, 1/13).

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE: GOLF.com's Woody Hochswender reported adidas has introduced an "elegant, high-end golf fashion line" called AdiPURE, designed to "appeal to the country club customer -- with nary a three-stripe logo in sight." The centerpiece of the line is a "sanded" golf shirt, "made of a fabric processed to give it an exceptionally smooth and silky feel." The line, which also includes sweaters, rainwear and shoes, is a "bit dressier than Adidas Golf's usual offerings" (GOLF.com, 1/14).

KICK OFF: Armani has released new ads featuring Real Madrid MF Cristiano Ronaldo, the first since he replaced Galaxy MF David Beckham as the face of the Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans lines. The ads will be used in the company's "Spring Summer 2010 advertising campaign in sport, fashion and lifestyle magazines and on signature billboards" in cities such as L.A. and N.Y. (BRANDREPUBLIC.com, 1/15).

ROUNDUP: BB&T has agreed to serve as the primary sponsor for Richard Childress Racing’s No. 33 Chevrolet driven by Clint Bowyer for eight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races this season. BB&T will serve as an associate sponsor for the other 28 events (SCENEDAILY.com, 1/14)....Braun Racing, a longtime NASCAR Nationwide Series team, is "expanding into the Sprint Cup Series" this season for "at least five races" with driver Reed Sorenson, including the Daytona 500 (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/15)....IOC TOP sponsor Coca-Cola will equip 550 vending machines in Vancouver during the Olympics with the "new Visa pay-Wave contactless terminals, allowing customers to simply 'wave and go' when buying a Coke" (VANCOUVER SUN, 1/15).