The NFL "is close to landing" Delta as its new official
carrier, according to Terry Lefton in BRANDWEEK. With the
deal "all but finalized," the formal announcement is
"pending" the completion of the airline's ad agency review.
American was the NFL's last "full-time" airline sponsor.
A NICE GALLO? Gallo has re-upped with the NFL for
another three-year deal that includes "increased marketing
commitments." The wine maker, which had kept sponsorship
activities to FSIs and POPs, will now sponsor the NFL's
Quarterback Challenge, support "some custom publishing,"
advertise in the NFL's "Game Day" program, and work with
local teams....In the consumer electronics category, the
competition is between incumbent Sony, Thomson's RCA brand,
and Matsushita's Panasonic. In the salty snacks category,
"With no rivals," Frito-Lay has "no compelling reason" to
re-sign as an NFL sponsor. NFLP faces "the challenge" of
"creating a promotional platform that equates to an offer F-
L can't refuse." In cereal, incumbent General Mills "is
getting some competitive bidding" from Kellogg. Other
categories up for renewal include rental car, with incumbent
Avis, and film/camera with Kodak. New categories being
pursued include financial services.
NEWS AND NOTES: Lefton notes "look for fewer, but
larger promos" from telecom sponsor Sprint....The NFL is
dropping its "Pledge Allegiance" campaign used for NFL
merchandise, and will use its "Feel the Power" slogan....Two
publishing projects for next year include an NFL cookbook,
and a kids book series with Disney that has a "Monday Night
Football" link (BRANDWEEK, 2/3 issue).
