The AP's Stephen Wade reported the Rio Games are getting a boost from IOC TOP sponsor Panasonic "signing on as a sponsor of the opening and closing ceremonies," as the Games this summer are "facing severe budget cuts in almost all aspects." Panasonic in a statement said that it would "provide an array of equipment to project visual images and sound for the ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games." Wade noted "taking a role in the ceremonies is unusual" for a TOP sponsor and "reflects the reality of Brazil's dire economy" (AP, 1/9).
TROPIC THUNDER: CBSSPORTS.com's Kyle Porter wrote it feels like Nike "got a steal" in its deal with golfer Brooks Koepka. An equipment change is "dicey no matter the company, but Koepka was [launching] grade-A missiles all week" during the PGA Tour Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Maui. Now Nike "has two of the scariest drivers in the world" in Koepka and Rory McIlroy (CBSSPORTS.com, 1/10).
PIE IN THE FACE? In N.Y, Bob Raissman called ESPN his "Dweeb Of The Week" for allowing NFL reporters Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen to advertise for Domino's Pizza on Twitter, despite the fact that they "never disclosed it was a paid advertisement." Raissman: "When it comes to the self-anointed Worldwide Leader are there no boundaries that cannot be stretched? Or policies ignored?" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/10).
KEI TO SUCCESS: BLOOMBERG NEWS' Dave McCombs noted tennis player Kei Nishikori "renewed his endorsement deal" with Uniqlo. A source said that the deal "may exceed" $10M annually (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 1/8).
