Hamm’s agent using Venus, Kournikova deals as benchmarks for Nike

Mia Hamm and her agent, David Bober of Bober Associates Inc., have started negotiations for a new contract with Nike.

Hamm's four-year endorsement deal expires in August, and according to Bober, "We're trying to come up with something that's fair to her and recognizes her popularity and place in women's sports and in sports in general."

Bober wouldn't say what Hamm's current deal is worth and said he couldn't begin to speculate about the value of a new deal. He did say that he is using Venus Williams' five-year, $40 million deal with Reebok, Anna Kournikova's deal with Adidas and Lindsay Davenport's deal with Nike as barometers.

"The reality is you could probably count on two hands the number of athletes, male or female, that have significant relationships with national companies and that really transcend sports," Bober said. "[Hamm is] one of those 10."

Bober said he is seeking a six- to eight-year deal.

Nike officials wouldn't comment.

 ADIDAS SIGNS PEARCE: Christie Pearce, a member of the U.S. women's soccer team and defender for the WUSA's New York Power, signed an agreement with Adidas to endorse and promote its product.

The deal started Friday and will run through
Dec. 31, 2002, with an option to extend. It includes Adidas gear, a base payment and an incentive structure for performance with the Power and on the national team, said Pearce's agent, Sue Rodin.

Rodin wouldn't comment on financial terms.

As part of her agreement, Pearce will wear Adidas apparel and shoes and will make appearances for the company. Additionally, Adidas can use her in company promotions, Rodin said.

Pearce had endorsed Kappa products prior to her current Adidas deal.

  LUCY OPENS STORES: Lucy, the athletic apparel and footwear company founded by former Nike exec Sue Levin, has made good on its promise to start opening additional stand-alone stores.

The Portland company already has a store in New York. Now it says it will open a second store this summer in San Francisco. That store will feature an expanded offering of athletic apparel, footwear and accessories and is scheduled to open in August.

Lucy was founded as Lucy.com, a Web retailer, in November 1999. The company shifted its business plan and name to be known simply as Lucy in 2000 when it decided to shut down its Web site and focus on stand-alone retail stores.

Jennifer Lee can be reached at jlee@amcity.com.