The WALL STREET JOURNAL’s Terlep & Germano cite sources as saying that EPL club Manchester United’s upcoming kit deal “could top” $600M and “last about a decade.” The club is reportedly in talks with Nike, adidas, Puma and Warrior regarding the deal. ManU's current 13-year, $510M deal with Nike "entitles the sportswear maker to manufacturing and retail rights to the team's uniforms, as well as fan wear and merchandise." Nike "has the right to match any competing offer" for the deal (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 5/23).
MEMORIAL PLAY: U.S.-based MLB clubs will wear specifically-designed caps and jerseys featuring an authentic military digital camouflage design licensed from the U.S. Marine Corps on Monday in honor of Memorial Day. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays will wear a camouflage design based on the Canadian Disruptive Pattern used by the Canadian Forces. MLB and MLBAM will donate 100% of their net proceeds from sales of the U.S.-based clubs’ caps and jerseys to Welcome Back Veterans. They also will donate 100% of the sales of the Blue Jays’ jerseys and caps to the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services’ Support Our Troops Fund (
MLB).
THREE IS A MAGIC NUMBER: ESPN.com’s Darren Rovell noted Heat President Pat Riley "seems to be thinking about" licensing the phrase "Three-Peat" to companies "making championship gear." Riley "owns four trademarks to the varying versions of the phrase ‘Three-Peat.’" U.S. Patent & Trademark Office records show that an attorney representing Riley's company, Riles & Co., filed a trademark last Thursday to “use the phrase ‘3-Peat’ on ‘jewelry, namely rings and sports memorabilia.’” Riley “wouldn't have to file for a trademark if he had planned on putting ‘3-Peat’ on the Heat's championship rings,” should they win the NBA Championship this year, but he “would want to protect his investment if there were discussions about selling rings at retail” (ESPN.com, 5/21).
SUGAR HIGH: In New Orleans, Amos Morale III noted the Allstate Sugar Bowl will "become the title sponsor" of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association championship games as part of a "six-year partnership" beginning with the '14-15 school year. Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan said the organization "eagerly" pursued the opportunity to partner with the LHSAA (NOLA.com, 5/22).
