The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Sara Germano writes many in the sports apparel industry "have been anxiously watching" Warriors G Stephen Curry "to see if his popularity and success can translate into bigger sales of his namesake Under Armour shoes." Curry is UA's "chief basketball endorser," and the company introduced his first signature shoe earlier this year. Sporting Goods Intelligence Publisher John Horan: "They’re going to get a foothold in basketball with Steph Curry and this suburban business, but transitioning that to the urban market, it’s going to take some time." UA Exec VP/Global Marketing Adam Peake: "There’s the shoe business, and then there’s being a part of the culture. It’s something our brand has been working hard to be a part of. It’s not an overnight success. It takes time and some level of patience" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 5/29).
HE'S STILL GOT IT: In L.A., Ryan Parker reported Eagles QB Tim Tebow "has become the fifth-best selling NFL player" on Fanatics.com since signing a one-year deal with the team last month. Tebow merchandise "has been sold to fans in all 50 states during that time." Titans QB Marcus Mariota is the "current best-selling NFL player" on the site (LATIMES.com, 5/29).
SOUTH SIDE SPONSOR: The White Sox have reached a multiyear agreement with Old Dominion Freight Line, marking the company's first partnership with a pro team in the Chicago market. The deal includes on-site activation rights for 30 games at U.S. Cellular Field this season. Old Dominion also will receive permanent brand exposure during game broadcasts with home plate and first base rotational signage at the ballpark (White Sox).
