Marketplace Roundup
In the U.K., Ewan Turney reported Czech beer Pilsner Urquell has "agreed [to] a five-year deal to become the official beer" of the British Open, beginning with the '09 event at Turnberry. The deal will see Pilsner Urquell "served within all public and VIP hospitality facilities," and SABMiller group companies "around the world will be able to utilise the association" with the tournament through advertising, promotions, ticketing and hospitality (MORNING ADVERTISER, 1/13).
KICK IT UP A NOTCH: In DC, Steve Goff noted U.S. men's soccer players "have little or no presence in the promotions business," other than ads "geared toward the soccer audience -- Dick's Sporting Goods spots during MLS matches, for instance." Goff: "We've seen [FC Barcelona F] Thierry Henry, who is unfamiliar to most Americans, join [golfer Tiger] Woods and tennis champion Roger Federer in Gillette ads. But U.S. soccer does not have a single figure who transcends the sport and appeals to Madison Avenue" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 1/13).
LET'S MAKE A DEAL: Golfer Bubba Watson has signed a deal with All Sport to wear the logo of the isotonic drink on his shirt sleeve. The company gains image and likeness rights for advertising. Watson, No. 125 in the official world golf rankings, is repped by Jens Beck at ProSports Management. All Sport was represented in the talks by Charlotte-based Motoractive (Jon Show, SportsBusiness Journal).
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| Topps Releases 90-Card Obama Series |
NOTES: U.S. Gold Medal-winning swimmer Michael Phelps yesterday said that he is "considering a merchandising business that capitalizes on his feat of winning a record eight gold medals" at the Beijing Games. Phelps: "There are a lot of things that can be done and we're sort of taking our time with everything and sort of going with the flow and not overloading" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 1/14)....The Topps Company has released the Barack Obama Inaugural Edition series, a commemorative trading card series paying tribute to President-elect Barack Obama. The 90-card series features nearly 200 photos and fact-filled text, and each pack contains six cards and a sticker for $1.99 (Topps).
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