The Professional Fighters League has filled its energy drink category, as Rich Energy has signed on with global sponsorship rights to the MMA circuit. Assets included in the deal are on-cage and on-mat branding; ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ commercial inventory, digital and social content; and entitlement to a new premium hospitality area, starting with the postseason in October, PFL CEO Peter Murray said. Other PFL sponsors include A-B InBev, Geico, Air Force Reserve, SeatGeek and Kaged Muscle (Terry Lefton, THE DAILY).
THE MAIN MAN: Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch has "landed his first major sponsorship," signing a "long-term endorsement deal" with Mizzen+Main. His "first campaign is being called 'Starch is for potatoes. Not your dress shirts' -- fitting for the Idaho native." This is the "first national marketing deal" for Vander Esch (1053THEFAN.RADIO.com, 8/27).
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: Amazon has "added a slew of info" to Alexa's repertoire that "includes 'comprehensive, in-depth' stats for NFL teams and their players." Alexa can also "answer simpler questions about games that may be closer to home." Users can "ask questions about college football players and team stats, and get basic schedule and score info for high school teams" (ENGADGET.com, 8/27).
