The Univ. of Akron signed a 10-year multimedia rights extension with IMG on Monday. The existing deal has two years remaining with an additional eight years now added on for a pact running through '28. IMG has worked with the school since '07 (Akron).
BACK TO SCHOOL: WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY's Jean Palmieri notes Tommy Bahama is "introducing the Collegiate Series," which will feature 40 of the "top universities across the country." Styles include "polos, camp shirts and half-zip pullovers in two fits." Tommy Bahama CEO Doug Wood said that the Collegiate Series "expands the company’s portfolio of sport products" that include MLB and the NFL. It was "developed in conjunction" with licensing partners, IMG College Licensing, Fermata Partners and 289c Apparel Ltd. (WWD.com, 8/9).
STEPPING IN: In Denver, Ben Miller noted Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders will "soon be seen touting CenturyLink in television and radio ads, as well as in online promotions." Sanders replaces Broncos LB Brandon Marshall, who "lost his CenturyLink endorsement deal last year after he joined with other NFL players in a protest during the playing of the National Anthem" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/8).
CENTURY CLUB: GOLFWEEK's Brentley Romine noted Ernie Els "will be sporting some new" Ecco golf shoes at this week's PGA Championship. The shoes have Els' name and logo on them, "along with a '100' to signify Els' 100th career major start." There will be "100 pairs of these shoes available for purchase, and all proceeds will go to Els For Autism, Els' foundation" (GOLFWEEK.com, 8/8).
