BLOOMBERG NEWS' Erik Matuszewski noted daily fantasy companies like FanDuel and DraftKings "have distanced themselves from competitors this year by pouring millions of dollars into sponsorships of professional leagues and teams." DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said, "It is a land grab. We’re trying to get customers on board as quickly and efficiently as possible, but what I love about working with the leagues and the teams is it actually enhances the experience and the product.” FanDuel CEO Nigel Eccles said of the company's league-wide NBA deal, "Having them as an investor really makes them a partner who says, ‘We want to go on the journey with you, and we want to build this entire category’” (BLOOMBERG.com, 12/18).
SNAKE BITE: In Phoenix, Andrew Joseph writes adidas "is going all out" to show its commitment to Arizona State. Former ASU QB Jake Plummer on Tuesday "tweeted a pair of custom snakeskin Adidas cleats with the ASU pitchfork on it." Joseph: "These snakeskin cleats are fantastic." The cleats say "Jake the Snake" on one side, and the "prominent display of the ASU logo is a great call" (AZCENTRAL.com, 12/17).
BIG STEP: SPORTING NEWS' Bob Pockrass reported NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Darrell Wallace Jr. has "joined Roush Fenway Racing and is expecting to compete full time" in the Xfinity Series in '15. Wallace will drive the No. 6 car, but "no sponsorship was announced and team officials confirmed whether he runs the full 33-race season is still being worked out." Wallace "was part of the NASCAR's 'Drive for Diversity' program" from '10-12 (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 12/18).
