In London, Sam Green reported EPL club Arsenal is "set to earn a major cash injection by switching their kit designer" from Puma to Adidas. Arsenal wants to double the US$39M a year they currently earn with Puma. Arsenal's existing $195M five-year deal with Puma has two seasons left on it. Arsenal "could even end their deal with Puma early." When the club signed with Puma in '14, after 20 years with Nike, the deal was "considered a major coup" (THESUN.co, 8/7).
RAIN DELAY: AD AGE's Will Jarvis reported branded tarps are MLB's newest revenue stream, with major-market teams like the Yankees and Cubs "striking deals that spread messaging during the most dreaded period of any baseball game: rain delays." Last week, the Yankees unveiled a tarp branded by Glad wrap. The Cubs in '15 "unveiled a silver rain tarp with the logo for Reynolds Wrap." Last Thursday, the Nationals "showed off" a Skittles-branded tarp (ADAGE.com, 8/7).
CHEF'S HAT: In Boston, Nik DeCosta-Klipa notes free agent DT Vince Wilfork announced his NFL retirement yesterday "as only he could -- while dancing and grilling." In a video posted on Twitter, which was sponsored by Kingsford, Wilfork said, "No more cleats; I’m moving on to smoked meats." Wilfork is seen "wearing his trademark overalls." Wilfork has endorsed Kingsford since May. He also announced a "farewell tailgate" Sept. 7 for the Patriots' game against the Chiefs in the NFL regular season opener (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/8).
ON THE BOARDS: ADWEEK's Chris Ariens reported Orlando-based experiential marketing agency MVRK is "partnering with the NHL on its yearlong Centennial celebration, rolling out the hockey league’s traveling 'Fan Arena' road show to NHL markets and other cities across North America." In each market, MVRK is "deploying brand ambassadors who collect data from fans via real-time registration on iPads" (ADWEEK.com, 8/7).
