In Sacramento, Dale Kasler reports Surf Air, a “members only” airline that is launching service to Sacramento this month, has "signed up" the NBA Kings. The Santa Monica-based carrier yesterday announced that the NBA team has "become Surf Air’s first corporate member in Sacramento." The Kings "will use Surf Air planes to fly executives around the state." Surf Air President & CEO Jeff Potter said the deal will “enhance our visibility in the city of Sacramento" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 8/12).
A GRONKING TO REMEMBER: ADWEEK's David Gianatasio noted Grey Group, N.Y. "juxtaposes the pre-game rituals" of Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski with those of a Hispanic neighborhood schoolboy in an "understated 60-second launch spot for the NFL's 2015 season." The message -- that football is, "at heart, a kid's game, and that the NFL is the epitome of every pee-wee leaguer's dream -- comes through loud and clear." It is a "heartfelt, intuitive positioning, delivered in compelling fashion with help from one of the league's most likable stars" (ADWEEK.com, 8/10).
ROCKET MAN: ESPN’s Michelle Beadle noted Nike reportedly will not match the $200M contract adidas has offered Rockets G James Harden to become the “new face” of the company. ESPN’s Max Kellerman said, “You don’t want a center endorsing shoes. No one ran out and bought Shaqs, because by the standards of the NBA, you can’t relate to that guy. You can relate to the backcourt players more. Those are the guys who move those sneakers, and Harden is the best available guy. Then you look at the fact he’s dating a Kardashian” (“SportsNation,” ESPN2, 8/11).
