In DC, Steven Goff reported MLS DC United is "finalizing a deal" with Virginia-based government contractor Leidos Inc. to replace Volkswagen as the club's primary sponsor. Sources said that the sides have been "discussing a five-year agreement at a figure consistent with" VW's previous deal with the club. VW paid an estimated $2.8M annually between '08-'12 "before agreeing to a lower -- but undisclosed -- figure last season." Leidos "operated as Science Applications International Corp. before splitting into two companies last year." Sources said that without SAIC’s "name recognition, Leidos is seeking to build brand identity locally and nationally." DC United's talks with Leidos are "unrelated to naming rights for the proposed stadium at Buzzard Point" in Southwest DC (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 2/17).
ICE TIME: In Boston, Shanahan & Goldstein reported Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia recently "put on a pair of skates ... to shoot a commercial for Sullivan Tire & Auto Service." In the ad, which "begins airing in March, Pedroia gets a few pointers" from Bruins C Gregory Campbell (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/14).
FISH STORY: BASS and Booyah Baits have reached a deal for '14 making Booyah supporting sponsor of all '14 Bassmaster tournament circuits, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens presented by Allstate, BASS Nation events and Carhartt Bassmaster College Series (BASS).
