SI.com's Michael McCann wrote the allegation that Arizona men's basketball coach Sean Miller discussed paying $100,000 to ensure C DeAndre Ayton would play for the school has been "damaging to the reputations of both Miller and Ayton." This is the type of accusation that can "influence the amount of money the player may be able to secure in endorsement deals." Regardless of the current scandal, the "major apparel companies will aggressively recruit Ayton once he turns pro." But those companies' calculus of the "projected value of Ayton's endorsement will be influenced by whether his reputation will be one fans and parents will embrace." Ayton could "argue that his personal brand has been unfairly tarnished by untrue accusations about his character" (SI.com, 3/1).
BOLD CHOICE: In Milwaukee, Rich Kirchen reported Jim Beam will become the "official bourbon" of the Brewers as part of a multiyear deal. Brewers COO Rick Schlesinger said that the deal gives the spirits brand "naming rights to Miller Park's terrace level bar behind home plate that will be known as 'Jim Beam Bourbon Bar.'" Another spot with the distiller's name will be the "Brew Crew Bar, presented by Jim Beam." That bar will be on the plaza outside Miller Park "between the Clock Tower and Hot Corner and will be open for 20 to 25 Brewers home dates and other designated events such as concerts" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/1).
HULU'S HOOPS: MSG’s 5,600-seat theater will now be known as The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden as “part of a marketing deal that Hulu has inked” with the arena. Hulu branding will be “featured throughout the theater” with new signs on Eighth Avenue, “rebranded entrance and exit signs that say The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden and Hulu branded directional and digital signs at Penn Station.” Attendees of the theater will also be “able to watch Hulu content in the lobby” (ADWEEK.com, 3/1).
