With reports from the U.K. stating Nike could spent $1B to outfit EPL club Manchester United for the next 10 years, CNBC's Dominic Chu noted the "arms race for soccer gear is going nuclear with this particular deal." CNBC's Bob Pisani said it "sounds like an absurd amount of money, but look at how big Nike is." Pisani said if Nike pays ManU $100M a year, that would be 4% of "profits last year." Pisani: "I do think that's a lot, but it's not a ridiculous amount of money. Obviously, they've done the math and think they can pull it off" ("Power Lunch," CNBC, 3/10).
LOOKING TO THE EAST: The Royals yesterday announced a partnership with Magniflex, marking the team's first deal with a Japan-based firm. The partnership will include TV-visible signage behind home plate. Royals RF Nori Aoki serves as a spokesperson for Magniflex' Magni Sports mattress line. Due to the high media and fan interest of Aoki in his native Japan, the Royals expect to have more than 60 games broadcast back to Japan in '14. MLB Japan assisted the Royals in securing the partnership (Royals).
CELEBRATE WE WILL: In Arizona, Chris Gabel noted Baseball HOFer Ozzie Smith and Budweiser are "releasing three commercials to drum up support" for MLB Opening Day being recognized as a national holiday. A film crew last week "shot a 'parade' scene in downtown Chandler." The first video in the campaign "was released last week." The next two, each with "scenes from Arizona, are scheduled for release March 18 and March 25." All the videos "will be posted at Budweiser.com/opening-day" (EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE, 3/9).
NAME GAME: The LPGA yesterday announced South Korea-based broadcast company JTBC has signed on as title sponsor for the Founders Cup in Phoenix, set for next week (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 3/10). JTBC replaces Chicago-based RR Donnelly, which title sponsored the event since its founding in '11 (THE DAILY).
