Sports clothing and equipment company Under Armour is preparing to end its licensing contract with the National Football League, according to a report in the Financial Times. Under Armour has not officially confirmed the contract termination, but the Financial Times reported this week the deal will end later this year. The company's licensing deal with the NFL allowed the brand … [Read more...] about Under Armour Ending Licensing Deal With NFL
Sporting Goods
Fanatics & Lids Reach Long-Term Deal With BNED
The sports merchandise company Fanatics has added to its long list of critical deals in 2020 with a long-term merchandising partnership with Barnes & Noble Education Inc. (BNED), the campus store division of the Barnes & Noble parent company. Fanatics will offer BNED campus stores an expanded product selection and a direct-to-consumer platform. Fanatics' partly-owned … [Read more...] about Fanatics & Lids Reach Long-Term Deal With BNED
Casetify Kicks-Off Bruce Lee Collaboration
Casetify has announced the latest partnership from its collaboration program, inspired by film star and martial arts legend Bruce Lee. The new collection spans an wide ranging lineup of tech accessories and limited-edition lifestyle products commemorating what would have been Lee’s 80th birthday. In the Bruce Lee x Casetify collection, Casetify introduces Lee-inspired motifs … [Read more...] about Casetify Kicks-Off Bruce Lee Collaboration
Jordan Brand Partners With UCLA
UCLA Athletics has announced a six-year agreement with NIKE, Inc. to make Nike and Jordan Brand the Bruins’ official athletic footwear, apparel and equipment provider beginning July 1, 2021. “UCLA is elite, and our student-athletes deserve every resource in their pursuit of excellence. We sought to partner with the best in the world; that is Nike and Jordan Brand,” says UCLA … [Read more...] about Jordan Brand Partners With UCLA
British & Irish Lions Partner with Titleist
Renowned rugby squad the British & Irish Lions have reached a licensing agreement with golf industry giant Titleist, in advance of their upcoming 2021 matchup against the world champion Springboks from South Africa. World-renowned as a performance equipment brand, having earned the overwhelming trust of tour professionals, club professionals, competitive amateurs and … [Read more...] about British & Irish Lions Partner with Titleist
Celeb Watch: Lifestyle, Fitness & Fashion
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Cindy Crawford launches a new health and wellness lifestyle brand, Ladder, with the help of founding partners LeBron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Lindsey Vonn. Ladder aims to engage its users of all types with content like personalized regimens and workout videos, community, and product via direct-to-consumer … [Read more...] about Celeb Watch: Lifestyle, Fitness & Fashion
Roundup: Sports & Sportswear News
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Athletic specialty retailer Hibbett Sports will acquire City Gear, a city specialty retailer of premium athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories with 135 stores in 15 states, by early December. The transaction includes $88 million in cash to be paid at closing and the potential for up to $25 million in additional … [Read more...] about Roundup: Sports & Sportswear News
Legal Watch: Sporting Goods & Apparel; Toys & Games
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. CrossFit and Reebok settle their litigation-related licensing disputes and "look forward to continuing their work together as partners mutually dedicated to improving individual health and fitness globally." In 2010, the companies entered into a 10-yr. licensing and sponsorship agreement where Reebok would act as the title … [Read more...] about Legal Watch: Sporting Goods & Apparel; Toys & Games
Sports-based Brands & Goods Score a Goal
By: Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Retail sales of sports-based licensed merchandise grew 3.5% worldwide in 2016—and in the U.S./Canada, growth exceeded 4% to reach $15.4 billion in licensed retail sales. Soccer is one of the fastest-growing segments, growing over 10% year-over-year in retail sales. Fanatics secures a $1 billion investment from Japanese … [Read more...] about Sports-based Brands & Goods Score a Goal
Corporate TM/Brands Up 2.7% in 2016; Food/Bev & Tech Lead
By: Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Retail sales of corporate trademark/brand-based licensing were up 2.7% worldwide in 2016, according to The Licensing Letter's Annual Licensing Business Survey. The U.S./Canada made up almost 80% of retail sales worldwide in 2016, and, in fact, grew at a faster rate than the rest of the world. The U.S./Canada counted $28 … [Read more...] about Corporate TM/Brands Up 2.7% in 2016; Food/Bev & Tech Lead