Smith College economist Andrew Zimbalist testified in court yesterday that Michael Jordan's identity "carries a 'fair market value'" of about $10M, and his endorsement income "surpasses that of many top players." In Chicago, Becky Yerak notes Zimbalist also "shared how image-conscious Jordan and his team are, occasionally turning down deals that don’t fit the image he wants to cultivate." He said that Jordan's value is "kept up" by "limiting the supply of the deals." The testimony came during Jordan's trial against defunct grocery chain Dominick's over an '09 ad (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/18).
COLORADO CLASH: Grocery store chain Albertsons/Safeway announced yesterday that it would serve as the title sponsor for the Rocky Mountain Showdown football game between Colorado State and Colorado on Sept. 19 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The company will work closely with Learfield Sports' Rams Sports Properties and Buffalo Sports Properties staffs to incorporate Albertsons and Safeway's trademarks with the game's brand in all ads, promotion and in-stadium signage. The grocer plans to engage fans through a social media "submit it to win it" campaign with a tailgate package as the grand prize (Albertsons/Safeway).
MCCONAUGHEY SPOOF: In Baltimore, Jon Meoli reported Ravens K Justin Tucker "channeled actor Matthew McConaughey in his latest commercial" for used-car dealer Carbiz. His delivery is meant to "get chuckles by way of being serious, as opposed to getting them just by being silly," a style that parodies McConaughey's recent Lincoln ads. Tucker in the spot "contemplates people who put their pants on one leg at a time, and drive with two feet" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 8/17).
HERMANOS DE ESPANA: In Chicago, Blair Sheade noted the NBA 2K16 videogame cover in Spain features Bulls F Pau Gasol alongside his brother, Grizzlies C Marc Gasol (SUNTIMES.com, 8/17).
