In Columbus, Evan Weese reported Nationwide Insurance is "keeping tabs" on the allegations Broncos QB and company spokesperson Peyton Manning used HGH. Nationwide has had "ties with the NFL and Manning since signing separate sponsorships deals" in '14 (BIZJOURNALS.com, 12/28). In addition to Nationwide, Manning has sponsorship deals with DirecTV, Gatorade, Papa John's and Reebok, among others (THE DAILY).
GETTING POLITICAL: In Boston, Chris Cassidy reported Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush's "independent super PAC Right to Rise has already reserved" two local 30-second ads on Boston's WBZ-CBS during Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7 for $600,000. The game is "just two days before the New Hampshire primary." The super PAC also has "blocked off air space in Boston during the NHL Winter Classic ... and multiple NFL playoff games in January." Fellow presidential hopeful Marco Rubio's super PAC Conservative Solutions "has also reserved a 30-second Super Bowl ad on WBZ" (BOSTON HERALD, 12/27).
FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES: ADWEEK's David Gianatasio noted Nike's new five-minute "Bring Your Game" ad that debuted in shorter clips during Christmas Day NBA broadcasts features kids who "can't decide on their favorite player," so they "jet around the country to hang out with" some of the company's top endorsers. The ad, via Wieden + Kennedy, begins at Thunder F Kevin Durant's house, then involves more "quirky meet-and-greet scenarios" with Cavaliers F LeBron James, Lakers G Kobe Bryant, Pacers F Paul George, Cavaliers G Kyrie Irving, Pelicans C Anthony Davis and WNBA Sky F Elena Delle Donne (ADWEEK.com, 12/28).
