Harden's bottle features his jersey number, Adidas-branded logo and '18 MVP season accoladeBODYARMOR
BodyArmor has created a limited-edition bottle featuring partner and investor Rockets G James Harden to commemorate his NBA MVP win. The bottle will feature Harden's name and likeness, jersey number, Adidas-branded logo and '18 MVP season accolades (BodyArmor). Meanwhile, Papa John's Pizza is offering Harden-inspired "MVPizzas" to Houston-area customers (Papa John's).
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: FILA announced Tennis HOFer Björn Borg's son, Leo, will "sport its branding during competition." FOOTWEAR NEWS' Peter Verry noted the sponsorship agreement will "have Leo in the brand's footwear and apparel both on and off the court and will be featured in advertising" starting in '19. FILA announced in March that it had "partnered once again with the elder Borg as a brand ambassador, reigniting a relationship" that dates back to '75 (FOOTWEARNEWS.com, 6/25).
HIGHEST BIDDER: FLOTRACK's Johanna Gretschel noted the women's triple jump at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships last week in Des Moines was "marred by a viral blog post" from jumper Tori Franklin's former sponsor, Oiselle. The brand revealed that she "broke her contract to wear Nike while competing at the national championship." Oiselle "signed Franklin last fall to a 'basic gear and travel contract.'" However, Nike "offered Franklin 'a greater offer'" to wear their logo at the USATF Outdoor Championships, though her Oiselle contract "wasn't up until August." Terms for Nike's deal with Franklin "were not disclosed." Franklin said that she will "return all of the $3,500 that Oiselle gave her during their brief business" (FLOTRACK.org, 6/22).
