In Portland, Matthew Kish noted adidas yesterday "unveiled the sneakers" Trail Blazers G Damian Lillard "will wear this NBA season." The shoes are "updated versions of the D Lillard 1, his first signature shoe, which released in January." Lillard will "wear a primarily white version for home games and a shoe with a black upper for away games." The white version of the sneakers, "known as the 'Rip City,' will release on Oct. 23." The "Road" shoe "releases Nov. 13" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/19).
PACKING A PUNCH: On Long Island, Mark La Monica reports undefeated UFC fighter Chris Weidman "will be sponsored by Reebok." The UFC "entered into its partnership with Reebok late last year." Since July '15, UFC fighters "have only been allowed to wear Reebok gear during fight week and at UFC-sponsored events." Fighters "receive a percentage of Reebok sponsor money for each fight based upon their tenure with the promotion." In addition, Reebok has "signed 13 UFC fighters to individual contracts," including Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor (NEWSDAY 10/20).
ESSENCE OF LIFE: Washington state-based Symetra announced a four-year extension through '21 of its deal as title sponsor of the LPGA's developmental series. The life insurance company will continue its role as the umbrella sponsor of the Symetra Tour and two events on the tournament schedule. Symetra also has pledged incremental dollars to a purse subsidy fund that provides a financial match to tournaments that raise their purses starting in '16 (Symetra).
GETTING A KICK OUT OF YOU: In Cincinnati, Cameron Knight reports local clothing company Cincy Shirts has designed a new shirt that "utilizes the image of a horrified Michigan fan reacting to the fumbled punt that resulted in a last second loss" to Michigan State on Saturday. The "shocked look" of disappointment "makes up the 'O' in the Ohio State logo." The company has "received hundreds of orders through its website for the shirt, which should hit stores later this week" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 10/20).
