Cavaliers G Kyrie Irving "has signed on to make more" installments of his web series, "Uncle Drew," sponsored by Pepsi Max, according to Darren Rovell of ESPN.com. Pepsi "originally signed Irving to a local marketing deal during his rookie of the year season," but he "became a national star when he executed the role of 'Uncle Drew' to perfection." The "Uncle Drew" character as part of Irving's new multiyear deal "will be attached to the greater Pepsi brand, and the company is expected to further leverage the character in retail, such as on point-of-purchase displays." The spots "are overseen by Irving, agent Jeff Wechsler, Smeeton and Perry Rogers of PR Partners, as well as Pepsi's ad firm Davie Brown." Both Irving's reps and Pepsi "attempted to trademark the 'Uncle Drew' name early on, but the sides abandoned their filings in the name of a greater partnership." Viewers should not "bank on" Cavaliers F Kevin Love's character "Wes" or a character played by Cavaliers F LeBron James "finding their way into future episodes." Love, since appearing in an earlier "Uncle Drew" episode, has "signed to endorse sports drink BodyArmor, and James gets paid by Pepsi's competitor Coca-Cola" (
ESPN.com, 11/21).
