Mercury, LifeLock Break New Ground
The Women's National Basketball Association, the Phoenix Mercury, and LifeLock announced a groundbreaking arrangement today as the Mercury and LifeLock have launched a multi-year partnership to launch the first-ever branded jersey in WNBA or NBA history.
As CNBC's Darren Rovell writes in this article, corporate logos already adorn NASCAR suits and shirts in Major League Soccer (MLS). Plus, corporate logos are worn on team uniforms throughout international leagues for basketball and non-American football (re: soccer).
I'm sure some purists will have problems with the Mercury and the WNBA "selling out"; however, as a supporter of women's basketball, I'm glad to see the arrangement made.
Reportedly, LifeLock's sponsorship is in the "seven figures" which should definitely help the Merc and the bottom line. Sponsorships are vital to any team's success; and, of course, fan attendance is also important.
According to this New York Times article, during this past offseason, the WNBA "authorized its teams to let companies place their names on players' jerseys as part of broad sponsorship agreements".
If that is indeed the case, I have to ask once again, why aren't the Houston Comets playing ball in Houston in 2009? Last fall, I was told a few different groups were willing to buy the Comets; and, this idea of jersey branding seems like an idea which would have been very interesting (and beneficial) to a new ownership group.
But I digress...
Today's partnership announcement between the Mercury and LifeLock is a first in the WNBA. I wonder how many of the other 12 WNBA teams will follow suit.
As CNBC's Darren Rovell writes in this article, corporate logos already adorn NASCAR suits and shirts in Major League Soccer (MLS). Plus, corporate logos are worn on team uniforms throughout international leagues for basketball and non-American football (re: soccer).
I'm sure some purists will have problems with the Mercury and the WNBA "selling out"; however, as a supporter of women's basketball, I'm glad to see the arrangement made.
Reportedly, LifeLock's sponsorship is in the "seven figures" which should definitely help the Merc and the bottom line. Sponsorships are vital to any team's success; and, of course, fan attendance is also important.
According to this New York Times article, during this past offseason, the WNBA "authorized its teams to let companies place their names on players' jerseys as part of broad sponsorship agreements".
If that is indeed the case, I have to ask once again, why aren't the Houston Comets playing ball in Houston in 2009? Last fall, I was told a few different groups were willing to buy the Comets; and, this idea of jersey branding seems like an idea which would have been very interesting (and beneficial) to a new ownership group.
But I digress...
Today's partnership announcement between the Mercury and LifeLock is a first in the WNBA. I wonder how many of the other 12 WNBA teams will follow suit.
posted by Kris G @ 12:40 PM
2 Comments:
At Mon Jun 01, 12:54:00 PM CDT,
Anonymous said…
Another what if...!! This one is a good one. Think you can get the answer to that question, Kris? Just ashamed. Has to be an underlying deal, with Less and Donna O, that we aren't privy to. Sooo many unanswered questions.
At Mon Jun 01, 08:45:00 PM CDT,
Anonymous said…
I would say it is more a case of Hilton killed the basketball stars to paraphrase the first video ever on MTV. Hilton used and abused this team until it was no longer viable. HE should be held accountable! I remember all of those allegations about him not paying staff members that first year. Maybe we ALL should have paid closer attention!
Sad sad sad......
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