REUTERS' Conor Humphries noted golfer Rory McIlroy "has settled a legal dispute" with his former sponsor Oakley. McIlroy yesterday made the announcement "without disclosing the terms of the deal." McIlroy switched sponsors in January when he signed with Nike, prompting Oakley to "launch legal action to try to retain its sponsorship deal, saying it had the right to match any improved agreement with another company." A statement released on behalf of McIlroy said, "The legal claims brought by Oakley against Rory McIlroy in California have been amicably settled to the satisfaction of both parties" (REUTERS, 11/24).
WELL PLAYED: In Nashville, G. Chambers Williams III notes entrepreneurs Will Schreiber and McArthur Gill with help from Nissan North America in August "launched Stadium Stock Exchange, which they describe on their website as 'a fantasy stock market for college football.'" Now, as the '13 college football season nears its end, Schreiber said that the project "has been a success." They already are "planning improvements and an even bigger game next year." Schreiber said that Nissan's sponsorship "was crucial to the success of the project’s first season." Nissan already has "signed on for a second season, at the same price." If the game "becomes more popular, as expected, Nissan will get even more exposure for its money" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 11/25).
QUENCH YOUR THIRST: Michelob Ultra and U.S. Road Sports & Entertainment Group on Friday announced a new partnership that will see the beer brand become the title sponsor of the Michelob Ultra 13.1 Marathon Series. Michelob Ultra will receive naming rights for each of the seven races, logo placement on all marketing materials -- including finishers' medals -- and on-site activation opportunities at each race to provide entertainment and engage with runners and spectators (Michelob Ultra).
POWER DOWN: REUTERS' Alan Baldwin reported electronics company LG on Thursday announced "the end of a five-year global partnership deal" with F1. LG in a statement said that it would be "refocusing its sponsorship strategy towards regional platforms from 2014 onwards." LG signed a deal with F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone in November '08 "to be a technology partner with the company's branding on the international broadcast feed and timekeeping systems" (REUTERS, 11/21).
