ESPN.com's Darren Rovell cited a source as saying that Hyundai's new four-year sponsorship of the NFL "doubles the amount GM paid" to $50M per year. This is "impressive considering that, unlike the GM deal, which was exclusive, the NFL can still sell the truck category and the rights to give away that vehicle to the Super Bowl MVP" (ESPN.com, 6/29).
FORE SCORE: In Baltimore, Jeff Barker reported Under Armour has "more than doubled its golf-related earnings" since signing Jordan Spieth to wear UA "from head to toe." The brand's scouting of potential endorsers "includes meticulous assessments of character and drive." UA VP/Sports Marketing & Sponsorships Ryan Kuehl: "I try to really get into their head and their heart to see if I can figure out: Are they motivated by money? Are they motivated by fame? What's their work ethic like? What's the family like? What's pulling them? What can be a distraction to them? Do they need help getting focused? Do they love to compete?" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 6/26).
MAKING SURE TO STAY DRY: Wimbledon-branded towels have long been a collector's item, and ESPN’s Brad Gilbert said the question he was asked the most when he was an active player was, "Can you bring me back a couple of towels?" Gilbert: "Back in the day when I used to play I would snag about 20 or 30 during the tournament. But now, no more.” ESPN's Chris Fowler asked, “You would steal 30 to 40 towels?” Gilbert said, “Every match that I would play I would at least sneak four and try to sneak as many as you could.” Fowler noted, “I guess the statute of limitations has run out on theft.” Gilbert: “I have a nice collection at home” (“Wimbledon,” ESPN, 6/29).
SHAKE AND FAKE: In S.F., Jenna Lyons notes Homeland Security agents in S.F. "seized almost $500,000 worth of bogus" Warriors merchandise as part of a "monthlong operation." Officials said that beginning with the Western Conference Finals on May 19, the customs agents "cracked down on roughly 100 vendors -- some repeat offenders -- who sold more than 14,000 items ranging from T-shirts with faulty stitching to hats with tags missing the official NBA holograms" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/30).
