USA TODAY’s Sam Amick writes, “Mass appeal is the name of the game in Nike’s advertising campaigns,” and the company views Thunder F Kevin Durant “as one of a select few athletes who can reach and push products beyond just basketball.” Durant recently was the “main attraction at two more ‘House of Hoops’ sneaker launch event in the New York area,” and the appearance was the “continuation of an effort to spread his brand on the largest of platforms.” Sports Business Group President David Carter said of Durant playing in Oklahoma City, “I don’t think the small market is necessarily going to hold him back.” Durant’s sponsor portfolio includes Nike, Gatorade, 2K Spots, Sprint, GE, Skullcandy and Panini (USA TODAY, 12/6).
FROM THE TRACK TO THE CATWALK: In London, Alice Newbold notes Gold Medal-winning British heptathlete Jessica Ennis is on the cover of this month's issue of Bespoke magazine. Ennis said, "I'd love to start my own fashion label -- whether it's collaborating with (a sportswear brand) or doing the more fashion-y side of things.” Newbold writes Ennis is "fronting lucrative advertising contracts with Adidas, Olay, Jaguar and British Airways." Ennis said she is "busier than I'd ever imagined" (London TELEGRAPH, 12/6).
PLOWING THROUGH: USA Ski Jumping announced an agreement that extends through July 31, '14 for The Boss Snowplow to become the national governing body’s official snow and ice removal equipment sponsor (USASJ).
