The "biggest hurdle" to adidas' renewal of NBA jersey rights for '17 could be adidas Chair & CEO Herbert Hainer's contract expiring at the same time, according to a note from Citi Group cited by Sara Germano of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The note also stated that the NBA "may need more clarity around the future" of adidas leadership "to feel comfortable renewing jersey rights." Bids also are "expected" from Under Armour and Nike. A potential bid from Nike "could be similar" to the brand's efforts in keeping Thunder F Kevin Durant away from UA (TWITTER.com, 3/11).
SUNNY DAYS: In Portland, Allan Brettman noted adidas yesterday named 72andSunny, L.A., "its global creative ad agency to lead its sport campaigns for basketball, running, soccer and women's apparel." The agency's office in Amsterdam also is "expected to help create the ... brand's next major global campaign." adidas Dir of Communications Lauren Lamkin said that the first example of 72andSunny's work "is expected this fall." Brettman notes Sid Lee, Montreal, created adidas' "last major brand campaign -- dubbed 'All In' and launched" in '11. That campaign "marked the first time the company featured its Adidas Sport Performance, Adidas Originals and Adidas Sport Style sub-brands in a single campaign." It is an approach that "apparently will not be repeated." adidas will retain Carat, London, "as its media agency of record worldwide" and Johannes Leonardo, N.Y., "as the lead creative agency for Adidas Originals" (Portland OREGONIAN, 3/12). AD AGE's Maureen Morrison noted the work going to 72andSunny "had been handled" by 180LA. The adidas account "did not come to 72andSunny through a review." adidas VP/Global Brand Communications Ryan Morlan said that the company "approached the agency to work on future business, in part because it was impressed with 72's work on clients like Samsung." Morland added that adidas "plans to be more aggressive and frequent in its marketing" (ADAGE.com, 3/11). ADWEEk's Andrew McMains noted 180LA "had created ads for Adidas" since '01 (ADWEEK.com, 3/11).
