IMG Managing Dir, Senior VP & Head of Global Consulting David Abrutyn said that Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin “has signed a long-term endorsement deal with Nike,” according to Tarik El-Bashir of the WASHINGTON POST. Ovechkin’s previous endorsement deal with CCM “expired earlier this week.” Abrutyn said, “I can confirm that Alex has signed a long-term global partnership with Nike. Alex is going to be supporting all of the products that Nike makes -- apparel, footwear, performance apparel, casual wear, accessories and other elements of the Nike family of products.” Ovechkin on Tuesday is scheduled to hold a news conference, and Abrutyn “would not comment on the reason.” El-Bashir noted Ovechkin “might reveal the company that will supply his sticks, skates and equipment beginning next season.” Abrutyn also “wouldn’t comment on the length of Ovechkin’s contract with Nike, nor would he say how much it’s worth.” Abrutyn: “All I can tell you is it’s a long-term deal.” Abrutyn “did seem to indicate that the deal will run at least through the Sochi Games in Ovechkin’s native Russia in 2014, and perhaps longer” (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 9/1).
