Nike last week informed IMG execs that the company would discontinue its sponsorship of the U.S. Open of Surfing. The company had been the title sponsor of the IMG-managed event in Huntington Beach, Calif., since '09 (Tripp Mickle, SportsBusiness Journal).
The MLS Red Bulls today announced a six-year partnership that will continue to make Hospital for Special Surgery the team's official hospital (Red Bulls).
A judge today ordered adidas to "temporarily stop producing and distributing its 'Primeknit' footwear in Germany" after Nike, the maker of a "Flyknit" shoe, filed a patent infringement claim. It is unclear whether the case "will be extended to other markets, including the U.S." (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/24).
The NFL and Microsoft today launched the "60 Million Minutes Challenge," which asks children "to pledge to be active for 60 minutes every day" and is part of the league's Play 60 program. The program features incentives "such as gift cards for merchandise and personalized autographs on Facebook to youngsters who join up" (AP, 9/24).
Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley today officially launched The LaMarr Woodley Foundation, which is designed to provide aid to underprivileged youth and adults in Pittsburgh and Woodley's hometown of Saginaw, Mich. (LWF).
