USOC CEO Scott Blackmun last week sent a memo to athletes participating in upcoming Olympic Trials, asking them to honor USOC and IOC sponsor rights while they compete. Exclusive marketing partnerships have generated much of the $614M in USOC athlete support in the last four years, Blackmun said, and he asked "that we work together to protect these resources." The Feb. 12 letter comes a month after runner Nick Symmonds’ startup gum company sued the USOC and the USATF, seeking to overturn rules limiting athlete marketing to apparel and equipment manufacturers at the USATF trials. Blackmun’s letter reads in part: "Our sponsors support us -- oftentimes as a choice over other sports properties -- because they value the association with the US Olympic Team. When they sign up to support us, they do so with the expectation that we will allow them, and only them, to associate with the US Olympic brand. That is how we are able to continue to invest in your success.” He continued, "I am asking each of you to support our team and your fellow athletes by honoring sponsor rights at Olympic Trials events.” Symmonds’ lawsuit argues that the USOC’s rules go beyond enforcing category exclusivity, and violate anti-trust laws by prohibiting even non-competitive brands to advertise on athlete clothing. The letter was sent to the chief execs of each NGB that will operate trial events before the Rio Games, with the expectation of passing the note along to athletes. USOC Chief External Affairs Officer Patrick Sandusky said Blackmun’s letter was routine. Sandusky: “We are always updating and making sure that NGBs and athletes are aware of the rules of competition."
