Mavericks F Dirk Nowitzki recently conducted an interview with Spiegel Online Int'l, and in Dallas, Jon Machota noted Nowitzki "doesn't sound interested" in new endorsement deals. Nowitzki said, "There certainly isn't a shortage of offers. You wouldn't believe how many manufacturers have sent me their models. Just like that. I give them all away. I am satisfied with what I have. How crazy do you have to be when you can afford everything but still clutter up your life with all sorts of advertising appointments? No thanks" (DALLASNEWS.com, 7/5).
NEW ENDORSEMENT WORLD: GOLF WORLD MONDAY's Ron Sirak notes Tiger Woods' recent endorsement deal with Japanese pain relief brand Vantelin Kowa was Woods' "first new deal since his sex scandal unfolded." The deal "kicks off next month with TV commercials in Japan." The value of the deal was not announced, but agent Mark Steinberg said that it is "for three years." Sirak writes Woods' "rehabilitation as an endorsement vehicle is ... uncertain." Sirak: "At the peak of his popularity, any potential deal with Woods started at $5 million a year for five years. Clearly, times have changed" (GOLF WORLD MONDAY, 7/4 issue).
ROUNDUP: Palace Sports & Entertainment yesterday announced that it has "extended for another year" its "sponsorship sales relationship" with Oakland Univ. Financial terms were not disclosed. In Detroit, Bill Shea noted PSE has the "exclusive rights to sell sponsorships for OU athletic teams and venues." That includes "print, radio and television advertising as well as indoor and outdoor signs" (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 7/5)....SI.com's Jon Wertheim wrote, "Note to NetJets: if you insist on airing the spot of Roger Federer lugging his trophies ... it probably shouldn't occur in the first commercial segment following his defeats" (SI.com, 7/3).
