And1 Inks MMA Fighter Nate Quarry To Unique Sponsorship Deal
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Quarry First Fighter To Land
Deal With Shoe Company |
And1 has signed a multi-fight deal with UFC fighter Nate Quarry, making him the “first pro fighter to gain a primary sponsorship from a basketball shoe company,” according to Mike Chiappetta of NBCSPORTS.com. The deal, which will be unveiled during Quarry’s fight November 15 against Demian Maia, includes a “logo on his fight shorts and octagon signage.” Quarry: “On paper it almost makes no sense whatsoever. I can’t wear basketball shoes into the octagon. But And1 believes it’s great exposure for their overall brand. They are big fans of the sport and the whole company is excited about it.” Chiappetta reported the deal was reached in part due to Quarry’s friendship with Trail Blazers G and And1 endorser Steve Blake. The two have trained together in the offseason, and Blake talked to And1 Dir of Brand & Sports Marketing Rod Keller “about sending Quarry some gear.” Keller then “grew intrigued with the idea of signing a mixed martial artist to the brand.” Keller: “Certainly, this is a basketball brand, but we have to be willing to throw traditional logic out the door and capitalize on opportunities.” He added that it is “not certain if And1 will move into the MMA apparel world.” However, Keller said that the company “does own multiple brands and could use the Quarry sponsorship as a platform to develop an MMA line if they decide on entering the market” (NBCSPORTS.com, 10/31).
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