CT-based Clarion Performance Properties "has been
forced" to resign Sprint, its largest account, because of a
conflict with parent agency DMB&B's client, Southwestern
Bell, according to Terry Lefton of BRANDWEEK. Clarion has
handled Sprint's event marketing for "around" five years,
including its NFL and World Cup sponsorships. But "concerns
about the developing marketing wars" between local and long
distance telecom companies caused SW Bell "to exert
pressure" through DMB&B for Clarion to resign the $1M
account. Lefton notes the "prime beneficiary of Clarion's
misfortune" is MO-based Marketing Associates Int'l, who has
handled Sprint's local marketing, and now adds its
postseason and Super Bowl business (BRANDWEEK, 12/8 issue).
BUCS STOP HERE: adidas has inked a three-year licensing
deal with the NFL that will see its shoes on NFL fields
starting next season. adidas, which will supply apparel to
the Bucs next season, is also expected to sign "as many as"
five additional NFL endorsers to add to Eddie George and
Keyshawn Johnson (BRANDWEEK, 12/8 issue).
NOTES: IL-based Halo products has added stair signage
at the Charlotte Coliseum, Reunion Arena and the L.A. Sports
Arena. Halo now has signage in 16 major league sports
venues....True Value "is ready to drop kick" its three-year-
old NFL corporate sponsorship, which expires in March. Ace
Hardware "is a likely successor"....NY-based Momentum
Partners is the exclusive worldwide licensing agent for
figure skater Michelle Kwan (Terry Lefton, BRANDWEEK, 12/8).
