Nike and the Univ. of Texas "are 'far apart'" on terms for a renewal of their shoe and apparel deal, and Under Armour is "already planning to make its proposal" during the first week of October, according to a source cited by Chip Brown of HORNS DIGEST. Nike’s "exclusive negotiating period to strike a new deal with Texas" ended yesterday. Sources said that former UT men's AD Steve Patterson was "never going to agree to a Nike deal until he had at least heard a proposal from Under Armour and/or any other potential bidders such as Adidas." Sources added that Patterson's strategy is "still in place" under UT women's AD Chris Plonsky and Senior Associate AD & CRO Steve Hank, a "Patterson protégé" (HORNSDIGEST.com, 9/30).
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Under Armour timed publicity for its release of Ali
apparel around the "Thrilla in Manilla" anniversary |
THE CHAMP IS HERE: In Baltimore, Jeff Barker noted UA before releasing its line of Muhammad Ali-themed apparel on Nov. 1 "tried to imagine a younger Ali as he might appear" in '15. The company yesterday promoted the line in advance of its release, and the publicity was "timed to mark the 40th anniversary this week of the 'Thrilla in Manilla,' in which Ali bested Joe Frazier." UA Senior VP/Global Product Creation Glenn Silbert said, "You’ll see some stuff out there in the market around the Thrilla in Manila. Next year, with the Olympics, you’ll hear about his time in Deer Lake (Pa.) when he was training for the Olympics." Barker noted some Ali gear, such as T-shirts, has "been out for months," but "much more is due out in November, including shorts, leggings and pullovers." UA is integtrating the 73-year-old Ali "into its multimedia 'Rule Yourself' campaign" with golfer Jordan Spieth, Warriors G Stephen Curry, Patriots QB Tom Brady and ballerina Misty Copeland (BALTIMORESUN.com, 9/30).
PROTECT THIS AD: The SUN's Barker cited court reports as showing that a settlement has been reached for a lawsuit in which UA alleged Skechers "violated copyright protections by copying the look and feel of its 'Protect This House. I Will' ads." A federal judge "dismissed the case on Sept. 21," and terms of the settlement "weren't disclosed" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 9/30).
