Marketplace Roundup

The AFP reported Ligue 1 soccer club Paris Saint-Germain is "about to find a solution" to put itself within the new UEFA Financial Fair Play rules thanks to a US$130M annual sponsorship deal. The "enormous contract" is in advanced stages of discussion with an unknown Qatari bank, and "would most likely" be for four years. The bank "would like to become the jersey sponsor of PSG next season." It would replace Emirates Airline, whose contract runs through '14. Emirates currently pays the club US$4.6M annually. The Qatari investors “would also like” naming rights to the club’s Parc des Princes Stadium (AFP, 9/19).

COAST-TO-COAST: The Rockets yesterday announced East West Bank as a new marketing partner. The deal will provide the bank with both in-arena and on-air exposure. East West Bank also will collaborate with the Rockets to support community development programs in Houston (Rockets).

READING RAINBOW: The Chiefs, Hy-Vee, P&G and the K.C. Public Schools are collaborating for the Red Zone Reading Challenge, an effort designed to encourage healthy reading habits and classroom attendance. A total of 25 elementary schools will take part in the program (Chiefs).

CAT’S MEOW: EXAMINER.com’s Juan Martinez noted Bobcats F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist “posted a picture on his Instagram account on Wednesday showing him in his Bobcats uniform with the Jumpman logo overlooking him.” However, “a signature shoe this early is unlikely.” Jordan Brand’s “last highly-touted rookie” was F Carmelo Anthony when he was with the Nuggets. Anthony’s signature line “did not really begin until his second year” (EXAMINER.com, 9/19).