Univ. of Kansas AD Jeff Long said that the athletic department is "still processing a potential extension with Adidas that was announced last September but was never signed." Long said that he has "had meetings" with KU Chancellor Douglas Girod and "other university officials" about the proposed 14-year, $191M Adidas deal. Long said, “We’re working through that. We’re very optimistic that we’ll finalize everything soon.” In K.C., Jesse Newell noted the original oral agreement "appeared to hit a snag following the FBI’s investigation into Adidas and its involvement with steering college basketball players" (K.C. STAR, 8/18).
COMING TO AN END: Iowa Corn, after 12 years of serving as the title sponsor of the Verizon IndyCar Series race at Iowa Speedway, is "not renewing the deal" beyond '18. Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Duane Aistrope noted the organization had the "2nd longest run" as an IndyCar title sponsor. Iowa Corn said that the sponsorship "helped address a number of topics on the 'local, national and international stage'" (KCRG.com, 8/20).
IT'S IN THE GAME: In N.Y., Ebenezer Samuel reviewed EA Sports' "Madden 19," which "delivers an on-field gaming experience that’s closer to true football than it’s ever been." The "look and feel of the action on the field also seems just right" (NYDAILYNEWS.com, 8/20).
