In London, Charles Sale reports the Football League is "set to lose" one of its major sponsors this week "despite another highly successful long weekend of play-off matches at Wembley," according to Charles Sale of the London DAILY MAIL. Capital One will not be renewing its backing of the League Cup when its four-year deal "expires at the end of next season." The loss of a $8.4M-a-year title sponsorship "is a considerable blow for the Football League," which "enjoyed good relationships with Capital One throughout three seasons in which the League’s flagship knockout tournament has gone particularly well" (London DAILY MAIL, 5/25).
FLAMBOYANT RORY: GOLF.com's Brendan Mohler noted Rory McIlroy's charitable foundation "has teamed up with Nike and the Cancer Fund for Children in Northern Ireland to hold a shoe design contest for kids whose lives have been affected by cancer." Four Nike Lunar Control 3 designs "have been chosen as winners, and McIlroy will wear a different pair" of the "flashy, limited edition shoes" during each round of this week's Irish Open at Royal County Down. The contest "was held to raise both funds and awareness for childhood cancer" (GOLF.com, 5/26).
LOWERING THE BOOM: In Cleveland, Kevin Kleps notes Boom Nutrition last November "became the official energy gel of USA Triathlon -- a critical step for a company that has a very specific customer base in mind." The company is targeting athletes "who compete in marathons, half-marathons and triathlons." Company President & CEO Tony Lammers said that the sponsorship deal with USA Triathlon, "helped Boom get its products into Dick's Sporting Goods stores." He added that Boom's energy gels "are sold at Dick's stores in four markets, and soon will be available at all of the retailer's locations" (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 5/24).
