In Philadelphia, Katie McInerney notes the phrase "The Process" has been "trademarked by the person who made it the most famous" in 76ers C Joel Embiid. The U.S. Patents & Trademark Office yesterday approved Embiid's application after he "first applied for the trademark protection" in October '16. This specific trademark application "allows Embiid to create shirts, sweatshirts, hats and flip flops with 'The Process' on them." It is "registered for Embiid by CAA Sports." Embiid also "intends to launch a line of bottled Shirley Temples under the name The Process'" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 5/15).
SHOE GAME: The Nike LeBron 3 St. Vincent-St. Mary’s “Home” colorway "will return to stores on May 23," marking the "first time the sneakers have been available" since '06. The shoes "feature the signature colors -- green, gold and white" -- from LeBron James’ high school days in Akron. They are "expected to retail at $175" (CLEVELAND.com, 5/14). Meanwhile, Stephen Curry’s new Under Armour Curry 6 Int'l Boulevard colorway shoes are "named after" Oakland's Int'l Boulevard and will be released Friday (SFCHRONICLE.com, 5/10).
A KIND OF MAGIC: Papa John’s will offer NBA 2K League team Magic Gaming fans in Orlando 50% off their online orders the day after a Magic Gaming win during the '19 season. Magic Gaming becomes the first esports property to partner with Papa John’s on a win promotion. In addition to the promotion, Papa John’s will receive in-game branding during Magic Gaming home games, social media campaigns and an enter-to-win consumer promotion (Magic).
HAVE A DRINK ON ME: Basketball HOFer Isiah Thomas was in Chicago ahead of last night's NBA Draft Lottery to promote a new partnership between the NBPA and Cheurlin Champagne, which is part of his Isiah Imports company. At a ceremony with NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts, Thomas said that he hopes his champagne "will eventually be used in NBA locker-room celebrations." He said, "That’s the dream" (NYPOST.com, 5/15).
