In Minneapolis, Jennifer Bjorhus reports Wells Fargo "probably won't" pursue a naming-rights deal for the Vikings' new stadium. Wells Fargo Chair & CEO John Stumpf yesterday said that the company "likes to hang signs on its own buildings, and has skipped naming rights other than" Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, which it "inherited with its purchase of Wachovia" in '08. He added, "We traditionally don’t name stadiums" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/14).
JOHNNY TRADEMARK: ESPN.com's Darren Rovell reported both Browns QB Johnny Manziel and the family of his longtime friend, Nate Fitch, "filed to trademark 'The House That Johnny Built,' but the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office notified the Fitch family on Monday that its registration was refused." The Fitch family "has six months to respond, but the preliminary ruling puts Manziel in the driver's seat to one day own the trademark" (ESPN.com, 5/13).
RAISE YOUR CUP: A GLAM SLAM's Heather Zeller reported Forever 21 last week debuted its "Soccer Collection" line, which "includes a variety of World Cup-themed pieces." Styles for the U.S., France, Germany, England, Italy, and Brazil "are represented in the line," which "consists of apparel and accessories for men and women, including tees, crop tops, tanks, muscle tees, dresses, hats, and bandanas." Items "feature team colors and logos" (AGLAMSLAM.com, 5/12).
LET'S KICK IT: adidas on Monday unveiled its Battle Pack soccer cleat collection, which will be worn by every adidas-sponsored player during the '14 FIFA World Cup. The cleats' black-and-white design is inspired by the war paint of native warriors and features gold stripes representing the World Cup trophy. Argentina F Lionel Messi's signature shoe from the line -- the adizero F50 -- includes a blue-and-white pattern, representing his native country (adidas).
