The CHICAGO TRIBUNE notes a "new commercial for Gatorade Recover protein bars," which debuted yesterday, stars Blackhawks RW Patrick Kane, Heat G Dwyane Wade, Texans DE J.J. Watt and Nationals LF Bryce Harper. The athletes "appear separately in their respective locker rooms and don’t have any lines, unless you count Kane’s enthusiastic, Ric Flair-like 'Wooo!'" Gatorade as part of its Recover campaign has "created a virtual locker room tour for each athlete" on the company website (
CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/29).
TRACK BANKING: Bank of America and Hendrick Motorsports yesterday announced an extension of their sponsorship deal through '15, adding to the agreement a presenting sponsorship of the race team's website and official mobile app. BofA will continue to utilize NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in marketing and advertising materials (HMS). BofA, which has sponsored HMS since '08, "most recently collaborated with the team to promote its 'Express Your Thanks' campaign and 'Hiring Our Heroes' initiative, which provide support to military service members and veterans" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/28 issue).
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: BLOOMBERG NEWS’ Scott Soshnick reported MLS expansion club NYC FC has signed a three-year deal with U.K.-based professional recruitment agency Hays PLC, which becomes the team's "official recruitment partner" and will help the club "secure off-field talent." Hays "will use the team's crest and player imagery in digital and social media platforms." It also will "receive game-day advertising at Yankee Stadium, where the team will play until it finds a permanent venue" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 7/28).
ON THE PROWL: adidas has signed a five-year deal to become Eastern Illinois Univ.’s official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand. The deal, which extends through ’19, will see adidas supply the EIU athletic program with all game and practice uniforms, travel and practice gear beginning this fall (EIU).
