The producer of the Copa America soccer tournament is looking to licensing to help build awareness for the tournament’s 2016 centennial. WeMatch, the partnership that holds the commercial rights to Copa America, will work with brand extension agency and soccer specialist One Entertainment to develop a U.S. and Canadian licensing program including apparel, accessories, toys and gifts for Copa America 2016. The centennial brings Copa America from South America north to the U.S. for the first time. The Pan-American tournament will be played from June 3 to June 26, 2016 in the U.S., bringing 16 national teams from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean to play for its title in 32 games. The U.S. and Mexico will automatically be invited to compete. Multiple U.S. host cities are expected… . . . read more
MLB & Majestic Re-up
Continuing a partnership that started in 1982, Majestic Athletic will remain the uniform licensee of Major League Baseball Properties through 2019 with exclusive rights to design, produce and distribute on-field uniforms, authentic collection apparel, replica jerseys and other men’s and women’s fan apparel for all 30 MLB teams…
Adidas to Give Up NBA Sponsorship
After 11 years of being the official apparel sponsor of the NBA, Adidas announced that it will not seek to renew its status after the 2016–2017 season. According to several reports, the announcement came about a week after the League told Adidas that it would open the bidding to other brands like Nike and Under Armour. Result:…
Bugs Back in Jordan’s Court
Nike’s Jordan Brand and Looney Tunes licensor Warner Bros. Consumer Products are poised to relaunch the iconic Hare Jordan campaign for the Air Jordan franchise’s 30th anniversary. Hare Jordan products will start hitting retail in the spring…
A Niche of Their Own: Touch by Alyssa Milano Is Catalyst For Fast-Growing Off-field Licensed Women’s Sportswear
Women represent the most dynamic seg- ment of the off-field sports apparel market. Women make up nearly half of all self-identified MLB fans and 44% of NFL TV viewers. More women watch the Super Bowl than the Oscars. Not surprisingly, women’s interest in sports is translating into growing sales of licensed women’s sports apparel…
Hornets’ Slam Dunk
With the NBA team’s return to its original Hornets name—and return to Charlotte following a 12 year run as the New Orleans Bobcats—retail sales of licensed merchandise for the team are up 77% so far this year over last, the team’s Peter Guelli tells The New York Times…