Marketplace Roundup

The Univ. of Central Florida's shoe and apparel deal with adidas ended in December, and UCF AD Keith Tribble said of the school getting a new deal, "We are still in constant conversation with a lot of different players and different people and different companies." Tribble: "We are closer today than we were a month ago. Hopefully within the next 30 days. We wanted to get something ready by March." He added, "It is safe to say there's high interest. It's just trying to find what's right for us" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 2/3).

adidas Taking Down Arenas Sign Above Outlet Store

LOSING STRIPES: In Atlantic City, Dan Good notes suspended Wizards G Gilbert Arenas is no longer an endorser of adidas, but he "remained larger-than-life in Atlantic City on Tuesday, as his image still hanged over the adidas Factory Outlet main entrance." adidas spokesperson Stephanie Von Allmen "was unaware of the sign," and said that it "would be taken care of 'immediately.'" Arenas was dropped by adidas two weeks ago (ATLANTIC CITY PRESS, 2/3).

BARKING UP A NEW TREE: The MLS Wizards have named Barkley, K.C., as the team's agency of record. The club "previously did advertising and media planning internally." Barkley "will handle advertising and marketing strategy as well as interactive and social media planning." Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Wizards "have not partnered with an agency since using VML Inc. in 1998" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 2/1).

TAKING FLIGHT: Ryder Cup Europe yesterday announced that Emirates will be the "official airline of the 2010 Ryder Cup" at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. Emirates also will be an "Official Partner of the European Team in 2012 when they travel to Medinah Country Club in Illinois" (GULF NEWS, 2/3).