In Virginia, Harry Minium reports Old Dominion Univ. will earn close to $400,000 annually as part of a five-year apparel deal the school signed with Under Armour, a "nearly seven-fold increase over ODU's prior agreement with Nike." The UA deal calls for the football and the men's and women's basketball teams "to receive $350,000 in credit for uniforms and equipment" in '15-16. That drops to $325,000 "over the ensuing four years." Coaches and staff members will get $25,000 "of credit to purchase attire." UA also will "pay the university a $20,000 per year rights fee" (Hampton Roads VIRGINIAN-PILOT, 3/11).
HAVING A WHALE OF A TIME: GOLF DIGEST's Marty Hackel notes as part of Vineyard Vines' sponsorship of golfer Jason Dufner, both parties "have seen benefits." Dufner's "ruffled appearance seemed to clash with Vineyard Vines' New England preppy styles." But the "colorful choices have made the trimmed-down Dufner ... stand out since his signing." It also has the "potential to change how golf fans perceive" Dufner. Meanwhile, the deal has allowed Vineyard Vines "to set up accounts in on-course golf shops around the country" (GOLF DIGEST STIX, 3/11 issue).
THE D-A'S OFFICE: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has signed a multiyear deal with D-A Lubricant Co. that will see the company be the primary sponsor of Graham Rahal's No. 15 Verizon IndyCar Series entry at the Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana on April 12. D-A Lubricant will serve as an associate sponsor of the car the remainder of the season as part of the deal (RLL Racing).
