USA Rugby has switched official outfitters, embracing Adidas in a multiyear deal. The governing body had previously worked with Australia-based BKL Sport. Adidas will be the primary creator and supplier of all training and competition apparel for the US national teams, in addition to age-grade teams and representatives sides such as the Collegiate All-Americans and Falcons (Ben Fischer, Staff Writer).
ALL BUY MYSELF: In Cincinnati, Steve Watkins noted FC Cincinnati will "open an expanded standalone retail store downtown." Club President & GM Jeff Berding said, "One of the reasons we’re doing this is because our merchandise sales were so successful last year. ... We’re responding to customer demand." The space is "four times bigger than FC Cincinnati’s small merchandise area on the ground floor of its headquarters building across the street from the new retail store" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/4).
RUN FOR FUN: Richard Branson's Virgin Sport will run its first event in London later this month, and Virgin Sport Global CEO Mary Wittenberg said that the business is "now ready to do deals with sponsors." Wittenberg: "We will go fewer rather than more partners and try and integrate partners across our events, our content and eventually our community." A footwear and apparel sponsor "will be announced soon," and Wittenberg is also "looking for a director of business development who will be responsible for finding sponsors" (CNBC.com, 4/4).
