247SPORTS.com's Thomas Goldkamp reported the Univ. of Florida "will be moving" to Jordan Brand for apparel for its football and basketball teams beginning in '18. Sources said that an official announcement is "expected some time in the near future." Michigan was the first school to swap to Jordan in '15. North Carolina and Oklahoma have "also made the move" (247SPORTS.com, 12/4).
BRAND IDENTITY? The NFL suspended Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski one game for a hit in Sunday's game against the Bills, and in Boston, Marie Szaniszlo writes Gronkowski's brand "could take a significant hit." Marketing Evaluations Exec VP Henry Schafer, whose company produces the Q Score said, "The key is how he reacts to the suspension." Gronkowski generally has been "perceived as both a talented athlete and an easygoing personality ... traits that have helped him win lucrative deals with companies like Nike and Dunkin’ Donuts." Sports marketing expert Eric Wright said that he "doesn’t see Gronkowski’s brand suffering any long-term damage" (BOSTON HERALD, 12/5).
DRINK AROUND THE WORLD: Beer brand Estrella Jalisco yesterday announced an agreement with Soccer United Marketing to partner with the Mexican Soccer Federation. As part of the agreement, Estrella Jalisco becomes the Official Beer of the Men's Mexican National Soccer Team throughout the annual U.S. Tour of El Tricolor, on the "Road to Russia" for the '18 World Cup and beyond (Estrella Jalisco).
