Visa will be releasing a new ad with Starbucks this weekend featuring Panthers RBs Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey. This marks the first national spot for McCaffrey, who is in his rookie season. The creative involves a series of payment options, all of which are available at Starbucks. Visa is an official partner of the NFL and the Panthers (Liz Mullen, Staff Writer).
LET'S TOAST: In Chicago, Madeline Kenney reported Blackhawks C Jonathan Toews posted online a "hilarious commercial -- that gives off a 'Masterpiece Theatre' vibe -- of him sitting in a large leather, wingback chair while promoting a toaster that seriously brands his face into a piece of bread." Toasters that "brand bread with Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid's faces are also available" (SUNTIMES.com, 11/16). Also in Chicago, Chris Hine noted the "Toews-ters" are "being sold by Canadian Tire," which sponsors Toews, and "will benefit the company's Jumpstart Charities, which helps makes sports accessible for kids who may not have the resources to participate" (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 11/16).
PROFESSOR STEPH: ESPN.com's Chris Haynes noted Warriors G Stephen Curry is partnering with education brand MasterClass to "embark on his first online courses in which he'll teach, in a video component, the fundamentals of what makes him one of the most skilled, creative players in the NBA." Curry is the "company's first basketball player" spokesperson. The enrollment fee is $90 for an individual class and $180 for a "year of unlimited access to all classes taught by their professionals." Curry will "occasionally pop in for Q&A sessions" (ESPN.com, 11/16).
EAT, SLEEP, REPEAT: Patriots QB Tom Brady is promoting Under Armour's new "'athlete recovery' bed sheets and pillowcases," a follow-up to the company's "performance pajamas." The "bedding and sleepwear employ technology based on research into the effects of far infrared radiation." The bedding set costs $250-350 (BALTIMORESUN.com, 11/16).
