In California, Andrew John notes the ATP/WTA BNP Paribas Open has “extended its sponsorship deal" with Fila. The company will “continue to be the official apparel sponsor of the annual event.” Fila also will have an "expanded role at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden throughout the year, outfitting teaching pro and tennis club staff, while providing local high schools and junior colleges with the option of a team purchase program." Fila will “continue to have an on-site retail store," with the shop unveiling its '16 collection of "tennis apparel and new performance shoes at this year’s tournament" in March (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 1/14).
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Cerrone suggested that Reebok give the fine to a
charity involved with the U.S. military |
FLAG ON THE PLAY: In Orlando, Jay Reddick noted UFC fighter Donald Cerrone wearing an American-flag patch on his shorts during a match last month cost the fighter “a good bit of money.” The patch is “considered a violation of the company’s uniform policy, implemented after Reebok became the official outfitter of UFC fighters.” Cerrone “wouldn’t specify the fine.” But on Monday he told “The MMA Hour” podcast the fine was “quite a bit more” than the NFL’s $5,000 uniform violation penalty. Cerrone “suggested Reebok give the fine to a charity involved with the U.S. military” (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 1/13).
THE OLD COLLEGE TRY: In Baltimore, Jeff Barker notes it is “not difficult to see the value for Under Armour of signing its first Ivy League school” -- Yale Univ. -- to an endorsement deal. The school and its conference peers are “known for wealthy, influential alumni and the global prestige of their brands.” That “tempers the reality that few Ivy-team football or men’s basketball games” are on national TV. Student newspaper the Yale Daily News reported that the basketball team “will retain its ongoing contract with Nike" until the '17-18 season (Baltimore SUN, 1/14).
