In K.C., Gary Bedore noted Raptors G Gradey Dick has “added Canadian energy drink GURU to his impressive list of product endorsements.” Dick yesterday was “introduced as a brand ambassador” for GURU Organic Energy Corp., a company "based in Canada." GURU indicated Dick will “take part in events designed to promote basketball in Canada.” According to sportskeeda.com, Dick in his one year at Kansa also had endorsement deals with Meritrust Credit Union, Continental Tires, Tommy’s Express Car Wash and Beats by Dr. Dre. He signed with WME Sports “for NIL representation” in May 2022 (K.C. STAR, 9/6).
MAMBA MENTALITY: FOOTWEAR NEWS’ Ian Servantes wrote with Nike recently relaunching its Kobe Bryant line, six NCAA basketball programs have been selected to “represent the late basketball great by wearing his products on the court.” As announced by Vanessa Bryant on Instagram, the programs will be the Univ. of Connecticut, Univ. of Southern California, Univ. of Kentucky, Univ. of Oregon, Duke Univ. and Louisiana State Univ. and players for both the men’s and women’s teams “will wear Kobe sneakers in colorways tailored specifically -- and in all likelihood, exclusively -- to their respective program” (FOOTWEAR NEWS, 9/6).
DRINK PLEASE: In San Diego, AleSmith Brewing Company and USL Championship club San Diego Loyal have partnered to “produce SD Loyal Pub Ale.” The English-style ale “will be on tap at AleSmith’s Miramar Tasting Room starting on Saturday,” when the brewery “hosts a watch party for the Loyal’s match at Charleston.” Fans of the team (or the beer) can “buy 16-ounce four-packs from the tasting room or at shop.alesmith.com” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 9/6).
SELLERS ON THE MOVE: WOMEN’S WEAR DAILY’s Miles Socha wrote German luggage-maker Rimowa has “peopled its latest campaign with celebrities who are always on the move”: Blackpink member Rosé, Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton and PSG F Kylian Mbappé. The ads break today “across cinema, digital, outdoor and print, hinged on short films that depict the three stars packing, rolling and loading their Rimowa suitcases.” Created in concert with agency Anomaly London, the campaign is “meant to show ‘a more personal, human side to the global icons, joining each of them on the journeys that move them, showcasing not only where they travel, but why.’” Previous “Never Still” campaigns -- which kicked off in 2018 -- have “featured likes of Rihanna, LeBron James, Roger Federer, Kim Jones and Patti Smith” (WOMEN’S WEAR DAILY, 9/7).
