The BOSTON HERALD reported Patriots WR Wes Welker, who “underwent a hair restoration procedure last month at Leonard Hair Transplant Associates, will appear later this year in television, radio and print ads with Dr. Robert Leonard to talk about his experience and to raise awareness about hair loss." Welker also recently appeared in ads for Depends brand adult diapers (BOSTON HERALD, 7/23).
NOTHING BUT NETS: ESPN N.Y.’s Mike Mazzeo noted the Nets yesterday in Brooklyn "unveiled a 'Hello Brooklyn' marketing campaign" featuring G Deron Williams, G Joe Johnson, C Brook Lopez and F Gerald Wallace. The Nets in a release said that the campaign features advertisements of the stars, along with a personalized message that "enables fans to learn more about their hometown team.” Billboards will also be put up “on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway; by the Manhattan Bridge; Atlantic Avenue and Eastern Parkway; Kings Highway and Utica Avenue; 86th Street and 4th Avenue; and Surf Avenue.” This is the “second phase of a three-part campaign" before the team opens the '12-13 season at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Nets Exec VP & CMO Fred Mangione said, “This one now is the launch, just, as I like to say, 'Putting the face to the name.’” He added, “Our goal is to own Brooklyn” (ESPNNY.com, 7/23).
STX IN THE MIX: In Baltimore, Lorraine Mirabella notes equipment maker STX has “formed a one-year partnership with USA Field Hockey.” The company signed former U.S. Olympic field hockey team player Carrie Lingo "as a product and brand advisor.” STX said that Lingo will be “featured in a new field hockey marketing campaign for STX” (Baltimore SUN, 7/24).
PATCH ADAMS: ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel last night discussed sponsor patches on NBA jerseys and said, "The NBA Board of Governors has approved the use of advertising on player uniforms. They’re going to put small patches on the jerseys. It will be just like NASCAR, but with black people. ... Some basketball purists are unhappy about this. Major League Soccer has ads on their jerseys and nobody seems to care about Major League Soccer, right? ... The NBA estimates they could make $100M dollars on ad revenue per year and the changes will be subtle. The Celtics will still be the Celtics. They’ll just be the Boston Market Celtics. In Denver, they’ll be the Chicken McNuggets. In Dallas, the team will be the ‘Dallas Maverick,’ starring Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson” (“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC, 7/23).
