HOOPS HYPE's Bryan Kalbrosky noted sneaker startup Q4 Sports is "working one-on-one" with various NBAers. Q4 Sports co-Founder & Global Chief Designer Quintin Williams said that his company is "actively engaged in conversations with overseas partners who are very interested in distributing their line because it's a high-performance product backed by influencers in the NBA." Jazz F Jonas Jerebko "wore their kicks for 10 consecutive games last season" and Pacers G Lance Stephenson "rocks their kicks religiously." Pistons G Langston Galloway and Pelicans G E'Twaun Moore will have their sneaker lines launch during the '18 All-Star Weekend in L.A. and "pop up stores may appear in various cities around the country" (HOOPSHYPE.com, 11/9).
LEVEL UP: In Detroit, Justin Rogers noted the Lions are "looking to turn" their touchdown celebrations "into a profit." Apparel manufacturer Five Hundred Level "released its second shirt capturing a Lions’ touchdown celebration -- the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots skit" from Monday’s win over the Packers. The shirt is "officially endorsed by the NFLPA and available for $26.99." Lions WR Golden Tate is a "part owner of Five Hundred Level" (DETROIT NEWS, 11/9).
BOSS MOVE: MOTORSPORT.com's Jonathan Noble reports longtime F1 sponsor Hugo Boss has "revealed that it is set to end its involvement" with the series "in favour of a switch to Formula E." The German fashion brand has sponsored Mercedes since '15, "having previously been involved with McLaren for more than 30 years." Hugo Boss CEO Mark Langer said that he felt Formula E was a "better platform for his company" (MOTORSPORT.com, 11/10).
