In L.A., Meg James reports major advertisers in the just-concluded upfront ad sales market placed orders for $19.7B "worth of prime-time commercial spots on cable and broadcast TV networks, an increase of 5.9% over last year." The ad sales volume was "higher than what several analysts were expecting." The total "represented a new record for the upfront market." ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the CW "increased their combined upfront ad haul 4.1% over last year" to an estimated $9.1B (L.A. TIMES, 7/19).
YOUNG GUNS: PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Michael David Smith notes the jersey of Steelers rookie RB James Conner, a cancer survivor who went to Pitt, is the "No. 1 best seller among NFL rookies this year" at Dick's Sporting Goods. Among all NFLers, only Cowboys QB Dak Prescott and Patriots QB Tom Brady have sold more jerseys this year. The other rookies in the Top 5 in jersey sales are Texans QB Deshaun Watson, Browns DE Myles Garrett, Bears QB Mitch Trubisky and Steelers LB T.J. Watt (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 7/19).
SWOOSH SURE DOES FEEL GOOD: THE UNDEFEATED's Aaron Dodson wrote if Lakers G Lonzo Ball's decision on which sneaker brand to play is based on his performances in Summer League, he will "go with Nike." That could mean "completely reshaping" LaVar Ball's vision for Big Baller Brand by not choosing to play in the ZO2s. Playing in Nike shoes, Ball "dazzled" (THEUNDEFEATED.com, 7/18).
NOTES: USA Volleyball and Adidas have entered into a multiyear partnership that will see the company become the official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand for USA Volleyball. Adidas replaces Mizuno. Beginning with the '17 season, Adidas Volleyball will also become the official sponsor of USA Volleyball (USA Volleyball)....Astros RF Josh Reddick made an autograph appearance at a Houston Whataburger yesterday. The restaurant's parking lot was "flooded with people" more than 30 minutes before he was set to arrive (CHRON.com, 7/18).
