The Mavericks are now free to find a new jersey partner after exiting the 5miles deal earlygetty images
The Mavericks have ended their jersey patch partnership with 5miles, a Dallas-based e-commerce application, one year ahead of schedule in a decision both sides called "mutual." The team is now "free to find a new jersey partner." The NBA's jersey sponsorship program will be in the "final season of its pilot test" this year. The Mavericks' partnership with 5miles began in the '17-18 season (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 8/9).
ONE-STOP SHOP: The Univ. of South Carolina has signed a long-term deal with Fanatics to manage all e-commerce services. It marks another Power Five win for Fanatics, which two years ago decided to make a bigger move into the college space. The company in the past year has also become the primary apparel provider for Power Five schools like Florida and Oregon. Its e-commerce deal with UF dates back to '06 (Michael Smith, SBJ College).
BOOTING UP: The AP's Doug Feinberg noted the WNBA is "expanding its reach in video games," as its players will "appear in NBA 2K20." WNBA players first appeared in a video game in NBA Live 18. Many of the "top WNBA players," including L.A. Sparks F Candace Parker, Las Vegas Aces F A'ja Wilson and Seattle Storm F Breanna Stewart were "scanned into NBA 2K20 earlier this summer." All game modes featuring the WNBA will be "available to play next month when NBA 2K20 is released on Sept. 6" (AP, 8/8).
