Marketplace Roundup

Evan Turner Beats Imaginary Defenders In His New Commercial For Li-Ning

ESPN's Chris Palmer reported 76ers rookie G Evan Turner recently was in L.A. "to shoot his first commercial" for China-based sneaker company Li-Ning. The spot has Turner "slicing up imaginary defenders while earning the respect of his competition, an important aspect of Chinese culture." Li-Ning Brand Initiative Dir Brian Cupps, who oversaw the shoot, said, "We wanted a voice to speak to consumers in the global marketplace. Evan is going to be the guy that helps us get a foothold in America" (ESPN.com, 11/14).

QUICK SCORE FOR THE RED WINGS: The Red Wings yesterday announced that they have "signed an agreement with Quicken Loans and Fathead, which will provide internal and external signage, multiplatform advertising, fan-based opportunities" and sponsorship of the new Budd Lynch Veterans Suite at Joe Louis Arena. The suite is used to "host veterans and active military personnel during home games." Other elements of the partnership include "virtual signage for Quicken Loans and Fathead on Joe Louis Arena's end glass" on FS Detroit, LED dasher board signage and "external pole banner advertising" from Compuware Center (where Quicken Loans is headquartered) to Joe Louis Arena (FREEP.com, 11/15).

MAKE NEW FRIENDS, KEEP THE OLD: MSG this week will debut Knicks ads that "draw comparisons between today's team and the Knicks of the 1970s glory days." Actor and Knicks fan John Turturro appears in the spots, "rapping to a montage of classic and recent footage." MSG is said to be dropping "significant" money on the six-week broadcast, print and outdoor campaign, via Amalgamated, N.Y. MSG Networks Exec VP & GM Dan Ronayne said, "Our goal was to create a campaign that brings the Knicks' rich history and tradition full circle with this years' team" (CRAIN'S N.Y. BUSINESS, 11/15 issue).