Marketplace Roundup

REUTERS' Thomasch & Adegoke noted with the "economy making progress and marketers willing to spend on national campaigns to promote cars, clothes and cell phones, the TV advertising market is blistering." Execs said that advertisers can expect to pay 30-40% more for last-minute commercial time "than they would have when buying time under longer term deals a year ago." CBS Corp. President & CEO Les Moonves predicted that "rates for TV commercial time would rise by double digits during next month's advanced sales period." He said, "We are very encouraged by the ongoing strength of the advertising marketplace" (REUTERS, 5/3).

LOVE POTION: Right Guard announced yesterday that it is partnering with T'Wolves F Kevin Love to launch the "Love in the Shower" campaign. The effort, kicking off this month on ESPN, ESPN.com and ESPN mobile, allows fans to enter for a chance to win tickets to this year's NBA Finals at LoveInTheShower.com or on Right Guard's Facebook page (THE DAILY).

ROUNDUP: U.S. Cellular has reached an agreement with the Thunder to become the team's official wireless sponsor. The deal, which will include an interactive kiosk for fans at Oklahoma City Arena next season, also calls for an enhanced seating area called U.S. Cellular Loft (NEWSOK.com, 5/3)....The Detroit Free Press Marathon yesterday announced a deal for Talmer Bank & Trust to serve as the co-title sponsor of the Oct. 14 race (Detroit Free Press Marathon).