Under Armour yesterday announced a deal with Muhammad Ali -- "more than 30 years after the former heavyweight champion's last fight" -- for a "capsule collection of lifestyle apparel" for men, women and youth, according to Jonathan Lintner of the Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL. The initial line of products will be available at UA.com and at Under Armour Factory Houses next month before a "more broad line of apparel footwear and accessories" goes on sale worldwide in the fall. UA partnered with the Authentic Brands Group, which manages Ali's likeness, so while "specific product designs aren't yet available," the company "has at its disposal Ali's sayings, such as 'Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A Bee'" (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 2/19). ESPN.com's Darren Rovell reported a limited-edition graphic T-shirt yesterday went on sale "to launch the partnership, with a lifestyle apparel line rolling out next month." In November, Ali's name and image "will be on training apparel, footwear and accessories." Ali previously had a deal with adidas, which "unveiled a retro shoe and had a commercial in which Ali was digitally imposed to create a fight between him and his daughter Laila," but product releases were "few and far between" (ESPN.com, 2/18). In Baltimore, Jeff Barker reported UA's campaign "will feature a heavy social media marketing component" with Ali video clips and quotes "available on Under Armour and Ali-trademarked social media outlets." There are no plans for Ali "to appear in person" for UA, as he "struggles now with Parkinson's disease" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 2/18). USA TODAY's Bruce Horovitz writes Ali "might not seem a fit with some of the young-and-hungry athletes ... that Under Armour has in its stable," such as Panthers QB Cam Newton and Nationals LF Bryce Harper. But UA VP/Global Product for Men's, Outdoor, Team Sports, Accessories & Brand Licensing Glenn Silbert noted that the company last year "featured Bruce Lee's image on some products and in some marketing" (USA TODAY, 2/19).
