UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has signed a multiyear deal with Puma, and sources said that he "will be the face of Puma's Oceania division but will also be a part of its global marketing plans." ESPN.com's Ariel Helwani noted Adesanya's deal is an "apparel and shoe sponsorship, and he is the first MMA fighter to be sponsored by Puma" (ESPN.com, 9/17).
HOT SELLER: Nike released its Kaepernick Icon Jersey 2.0 to commemorate four years since Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem. The jersey was released on Nike’s SNKRS app and Nike.com at 10:00am ET Thursday and was "sold out" by 10:01am. The jersey was listed at $150 on SNKRS, and Thursday afternoon a "quick search on eBay showed dozens available for resale around $400" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 9/18).
CHILL BIRTHDAY: In K.C., Pete Grathoff notes Thursday was Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes' birthday, and to help celebrate, Coors "sent him a cake" in the "shape of a case of Coors Light Beer." Coors also is "donating $15,000 and will match donations made by fans to Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies Foundation during a virtual 'Birthday With The Mahomies' event" (K.C. STAR, 9/18).
