“We’re extremely pleased to establish a relationship with C Spire Wireless as the official wireless partner of the Memphis Grizzlies,” said Grizzlies Vice President of Corporate Sales and Sponsorship Chad Bolen. “C Spire is a true innovator in the wireless industry and we expect them to use the latest technological advances to enhance our fans’ experience and provide their superior wireless service and coverage for this venue.” (via Press Release)

Under the agreement C Spire Wireless will offer the Grizzlies exclusive category rights for marketing promotion while seeking to develop specialized mobile applications and various other engagement initiative technologies.

Red Bull has a new product endorser.

While New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams was scheduled to arrive at his NBA season kickoff party by helicopter, but inclement weather forced those plans to be canceled. That, of course, did not stop Williams from arriving at the party, or being introduced as Red Bulls’ newest spokesperson.

“Even though the original plan of checking out the skyline from a heli didn’t go as planned, it was an incredible night out,” said Williams. “I had a fun ride into Manhattan, and my friends at Red Bull threw a great party to welcome me to the family.” (via Press Release)

Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, Williams’ party, Red Bulls’ first major activation with Williams can be viewed on his page on the Red Bull website.

Williams joins an increasingly large roster of athletes sponsored by Red Bull, including NBA players Blake Griffin and Rajon Rondo, MLB players Tim Lincecum and Jimmy Rollins, NFL players Reggie Bush, and DeMarcus Ware, and a host of others.

The Miami Heat have signed a partnership deal with the Chinese-based Tsingtao Brewery Company which will marry the Heat brand to Tsingtao’s Chinese dance competition television show.

The deal, which seeks to increase both parties television exposure in part came to fruition once the Heat learned their games were being broadcast in China. Furthermore, the Heat are looking to continue to expand upon their footprint in China — the team already has an existing endorsement deal with a Chinese watchmaker — with the players already having exposure in the country due to their endorsements with global companies such as Nike (via BizJournal)

Adding a wrinkle to the typical partnership agreement is the aforementioned dance competition show sponsored by Tsingtao. The show, which is akin to the American version of “So You Think You Can Dance” may feature Miami’s dance team, The Heat Dancers during its next season. The Heat Dancers, along with Miami’s “big 3″, Heat president Pat Riley, head coach Erik Spoelstra, and owner Micky Arison were all present during the Tsingtao/Heat press event, held yesterday.

If nothing else, the Tsingtao agreement continues to show that American basketball is not only marketable in China, but that it potentially creates another lucrative revenue for the right NBA team or NBA player.

Case in point? New Miami Heat forward Shane Battier, has a shoe endorsement deal with the Chinese-based company Peak. Battier’s newest shoe is due out in Chinese stores in the very near future.

image via South Florida Biz Journal

Familia Camarena Tequila announced that they will continue their marketing sponsorship with the NBA’s Orlando-based team. It will be the tequila’s second season as a sponsor of the franchise. Under the second year of the agreement, Familia Camarena will maintain in-arena brand exposure and frequent exposure during the Magic’s English and Spanish radio broadcasts.

“Familia Camarena Tequila’s inaugural year with the Magic was an exciting foray into the Florida market for the brand,” said Gerard Thoukis, Director of Marketing for Camarena. “We embrace the opportunity to continue positive momentum and exposure with the only team in the “big four” sports leagues to play in the city of Orlando and look forward to many more great seasons with the Magic.”

“We are pleased to continue our relationship with Familia Camarena Tequila,” said Chip Bowers, Orlando Magic Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Marketing. “The 2010-11 season was an exciting year of new beginnings for us, from the opening of Amway Center to the start of our new partnership with Familia Camarena Tequila. We look forward to another exciting season with Familia Camarena Tequila at the Amway Center, home of the 2012 NBA All-Star game.” (via Press Release)

Familia Camarena has dived head-first into the sports marketing world since the company’s inception in 2010. Aside from this deal with the Magic, the company has also extended its agreement with the Phoenix Suns and signed sponsorship agreements with teams in both the NFL and MLB.

Under Armour is teaming up with the NBA.

The still-growing apparel giant has signed a multi-year partnership agreement with the NBA. Under the partnership, UA will be able to use official NBA team apparel with UA endorsers (including Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks and Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Bobcats) in the company’s various advertising and promotional campaigns.

Prior to this new partnership agreement, Under Armour endorsers did have the right to wear UA shoes during live basketball games, but UA was unable to use any NBA trademarks and copyrights (i.e. team uniforms).

“Partnering with the NBA allows us to showcase our innovative basketball footwear and roster of young, talented players through a platform that represents the pinnacle of the sport,” said Matt Mirchin, senior vice president, global sports marketing, Under Armour. “We share a passion with the NBA to help young basketball players get better, and our joint court refurbishment program will create more access to functional basketball courts where the next generation can hone their skills.” (via SportsOneSource)

As a wrinkle to a typical partnership agreement, the NBA and UA are teaming up to refurbish five basketball courts in local communities. The aim of both companies is to encourage the growth of basketball at a grassroots level. The refurbishing of the courts will be done under the NBA’s NBA FIT banner, which is part of the NBA Cares Community Caravan.

“Under Armour is a dynamic performance brand that is adept at capturing the imagination of athletes and sports fans alike,” said Mark Tatum, NBA executive vice president, global marketing Partnerships. “With its dedication to enhancing the athlete experience, Under Armour is an ideal fit to help us expand access to the game in a variety of communities through the refurbishment of basketball courts.”

The deal with the NBA continues an interesting calendar year for Under Armour’s basketball division. The company entered into an already crowded basketball market, dominated by Nike and the NBA’s official outfitter, Adidas, earlier in the year, and they’re looking to at least grab a foot-hold in the shoe market with their new NBA partnership.

The 2011-2012 NBA season begins on Christmas Day.

The McDonald’s All-American High School basketball game has a new, official footwear, uniform and apparel provider. Apparel company Adidas has agreed to partner with McDonald’s on the premier high school basketball showcase.

“Adidas has a well-deserved global reputation for delivering innovative, stylish, performance-based footwear and apparel,” said Douglas Freeland, director of the McDonald’s All American Games. “Teaming up with adidas further elevates, and cements, the McDonald’s All American Games as ‘best-in-class.’” (via SportsOneSource)

The timing of the deal could not be better for Adidas, as they, as official apparel provider of the NBA, could lose nearly $300 million dollars if the entire 2011-12 NBA season is canceled. While the McDonald’s deal clearly does not recoup the losses Adidas would suffer with an NBA cancellation, the deal will certainly help Adidas’ bottom line.

“The best young players in the country compete at the McDonald’s All American Games and we’re excited to partner with the most elite high school basketball showcase in the country,” said Lawrence Norman, Adidas vice president of global basketball. “Our latest on-court uniform innovations and industry changing lightweight footwear are a perfect fit for this prestigious high school basketball event.”

The McDonald’s All American High School Basketball game will take place in Chicago’s United Center on March 28, 2012, and will be broadcast live on ESPN and its affiliate stations.

The players? The league? The fans? Of course. But another party who is lost in the shuffle? Adidas. Analysts estimate that Adidas could lose half of its licensed NBA apparel sales if this NBA follows the trend set by the NBA’s last work stoppage with lost games,

Matt Powell, an analyst with market tracking firm SportsOneSource, said the 1998-1999 season—the only NBA season to ever lose games to a work stoppage—didn’t have a material impact on footwear sales, largely for the same reasons Nike and Adidas are confident in the current market. Kids are still playing, college programs are still strong, and the popularity of the game is growing.

Licensed apparel, however, took a major hit during the 1999 lockout, falling by almost half, Powell said. “Back in the ’90s, kids were wearing licensed apparel as serious fashion. (via Sporting News)

In 2006, Adidas signed an 11-year, $400 million dollar deal with the NBA to become the official apparel provider to the NBA. That deal was then expanded to include exclusive rights to all apparel sold in Europe in 2010. While a majority of Adidas’ basketball revenue is generated by footwear — 60 percent — some analysts have estimated their yearly annual revenue from their NBA contract at nearly $300 million a year. While $300 million may not be a lot for a company that generated over $18 billion dollars of revenue in 2010, Adidas is hardly in the business of taking losses, regardless of the size. That being said though, it seems as if the company has taken a stance that consists of a mixture of concern and indifference,

While we will certainly see some negative impact on sales of licenses apparel, we fully expect to continue capitalizing on the strong momentum we have in footwear which represents around 60% of our sales in the category. And here again, creating consumer excitement is what it is all about. A great example of this is our first ever interactive social media driven product in production for the adiZero Rose 2.0, the latest signature shoe for the youngest ever MVP winner Derrick Rose. With a dedicated marketing campaign, the Bull as a centerpiece, visibility of the product has spread like wildfire, already being viewed 2.8 million times on You Tube in just across few weeks. — Herbert Hainer, Adidas Group CEO during 3rd Quarter Earnings conference call

So…$300 million dollar losses arent a big deal because basketball footwear sales are actually more indicative of casual or lifestyle shoe sales and not specific basketball footwear sales. So much so, that the footwear sales dominate Adidas’ overall sales in the basketball category, and they can absorb the potential $300 million dollar loss. I mean, it’s just $300 million dollars, right?

Then again, if the owners had an extra $300 million dollars a year, it could be argued that ‘lockout talk’ would be a thing of the past.

This is day 133 of the NBA lockout.

Numerous sources are reporting that the NBA plans to cancel yet another two weeks of its rapidly shortening regular season.

Commissioner David Stern already canceled the entire preseason and the first two weeks of the NBA regular season over the past few weeks. The latest cancellation would allow the NBA to start their season at the beginning of November, at the very earliest.

There are currently no talks scheduled between the players association and the league, and according to some, the outcome is seemingly looking bleak,

“The competitive issues and the economic issues, certainly we don’t want to lose the season, I don’t think the NHL did either. It ended up happening,” Spurs owner Peter Holt, chairman of the owners’ labor relations committee, said last week. “There are certain things that we feel we must have.” (via ESPN)

An official announcement regarding the cancellation of two more weeks of the NBA regular season should come sometime today.

Although the sale has not yet closed — that is expected to happen next week — the sale has reportedly already been approved by the NBA Board of Governors.

The Sixers new owner? Joshua Harris, a buyout specialist from New York.  The sale ends Comcast’s 15-year ownership of the team, although the behemoth cable operator still owns the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers.

Harris purchases the Sixers as the NBA and the NBPA continue their labor dispute; the first two weeks of the regular season have already been canceled and David Stern has hinted at canceling games beyond Christmas if some sort of agreement isn’t reached before early next week.

The NBA…where missed regular season games happens.

NBA Commissioner David Stern officially canceled the first two weeks of the 2011-2012 NBA season on Monday night, officially confirming what many considered to be the inevitable.

With opening night initially scheduled for November 1st, the cancellation takes into account all games that were to be played through November 14th.  The NBA.com website already reflects the change, and all ticket holders will receive refunds for games that would take place during those first two weeks.

But, far more important than the refunds, or even the cancellation of the first two weeks, is the fact that there is little optimism going forward,

“The gap is so significant that we just can’t bridge it at this time,” said Stern, who added it’s doubtful a full 82-game season can be played. (via ESPN)

After today’s seven hour bargaining session, which followed up a fourteen hour session on Sunday, both sides, while choosing to remain in contact, have not scheduled any formal bargaining sessions beyond their meeting today.

“Despite extensive efforts, we have not been able to reach a new agreement with the players’ union that allows all 30 teams to be able to compete for a championship while fairly compensating our players,” NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver said. (via press release)

Money is still at the heart of the NBA’s dispute with both sides being unable to figure out a proper revenue split, and small market teams worried about retaining superstars, and profitability.  All of these issues have come to a head at a time where the league saw unprecedented television ratings and league revenue during the 2010-2011 season.

But, much like the NFL labor dispute, NBA owners are looking towards the future, and at a time where Stern is claiming that the league is losing upwards of $400M a year, rising league revenues are not enough to fix the problem (especially when the players receive 57% of league revenues under the old CBA).

The fact that there has been little headway by the two sides in negotiation talks leaves the league, the players association, and the fans in essentially the same situation as 100+ days ago, but now with a shortened NBA season, and the very real possibility that NBA fans will be without basketball in the 2011-2012 season.

On the other hand, for fans of 1-hour dramas on TNT, you may be seeing a lot more reruns of The Closer during the upcoming months.

Sheets, the energy strip brand launched by James, James’ marketing head, Maverick Carter, Purebrands CEO Warren Struhl and Marquis Jet founder Jesse Itzler, have entered into an agreement with California based AVT Inc. to create the Sheets’ first automated “retail consumer experience”.

The automated kiosks, which will be placed in various malls, office buildings, and stadiums in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida will include 4-packs, 10-packs of Sheets strips and branded hats and t-shirts.

“We are always looking for unique ways to break through the clutter of traditional marketing campaigns,” said Warren Struhl, CEO of PureBrands, LLC, the owner of Sheets™ Brand Energy Strips. “Sheets™ are all about convenience and simplicity. Sheets™ can fit into your wallet, pocket, or purse. Automated kiosks are the perfect way for us to increase awareness of the brand and make it easier for anyone to Take a Sheet™ on-the-go.” (via Sheets)

The automated kiosks will apparently be phased into more stores in the future, based on high demand.

Struhl added, “The creation of these machines was a no-brainer as we believe that Sheets™ are the most vendible energy product on the market today. The overwhelming response we’ve received thus far confirms that.”

In recent months, Sheets has also announced a partnership with Budget Rent-A-Car and Wrap Media Group, which allows customers to get rental car discounts when the rent one of the Sheets branded rental vehicles.

Sheets Energy Strips, which officially launched in June, are currently available nationwide.

Reports Sunday are claiming that the Hawks and the rights to their arena, Philips Arena, will be sold to Alex Meruelo, a California developer and pizza  chain owner.  The deal, which is subject to the approval of the NBA’s Board of Governors, is to be announced on Monday.  Assuming the deal is approved, Meruelo would become the first Hispanic primary owner of an NBA franchise.

According to Meruelo himself, the team will stay in Atlanta, where he hopes to bring that city an NBA championship,

Asked if there is any scenario in which he would seek to move the Hawks out of Atlanta, Meruelo said: “Absolutely no. None.”

He also said: “I want to bring a championship to the city of Atlanta.”

Owning an NBA team, he said, “has been a dream of mine and a passion, and you’ll definitely see that as I become, hopefully, the owner in a short period of time.” (via AJC)

Meruelo is acquiring the team from the Atlanta Spirit Group, which bought the Hawks, the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers, and the Philips Arena rights from Time Warner in 2004 for $208M.  The group, led by Steve Belkin, Ed Peskowitz, Bruce Levenson, and Michael Gearon Jr., was rife with internal disagreements, and split in 2005, mostly due to the Hawks trade for G/F Joe Johnson.  What followed was a five year legal battle — which led to the buyout of Belkin — and the group’s attempt to sell the franchises and the arena rights subsequently thereafter.

The Thrashers were sold this summer and moved to Winnipeg for a reported $170M.

According to Forbes, the Hawks are currently ranked 23rd in NBA team valuations, with the franchise being worth $295M.  Details of the yet to be approved deal with Meruelo were not disclosed.

The Atlanta Hawks president Bob Williams released the following message on their site regarding the sale of the team on Sunday,

To our Hawks Fans,

Today it was reported that our current owners, Atlanta Spirit LLC, signed an agreement to sell a majority ownership stake in the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena operating rights to The Meruelo Group.  Completion of the sale is subject to approval by the NBA Board of Governors, which is expected to occur later this year.

Our ultimate goal has always been and will continue to be bringing championship basketball and world class entertainment to Philips Arena and the city of Atlanta.  We value and appreciate your support, and look forward to sharing many more unforgettable moments with you, our fans. (via NBA)

Again, expect further details on Monday.

5 million units later, it seems as if 2K Sports was on to something.

Last year, the company released its 2K11 basketball game to much press and fanfare, in part because it was not only a well reviewed game…it had a legend on its cover.

A year later, that legend, Michael Jordan, is back for another cover, but he’s bringing some friends.

2K Sports announced Thursday that the cover art of their upcoming NBA simulation game, “NBA 2K12,” will feature not just the return of Michael Jordan but also covers featuring 1980s greats Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Each athlete will be shown separately on three distinct covers of the video game packaging.

The artwork of each athlete was created for 2K Sports by artist Adam Larson. Larson’s sports work has been highlighted in a cover of ESPN Magazine, featured in art galleries and won numerous awards.

Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports, said after the huge success of Jordan on the cover for “NBA 2K11,” the company signed His Airness to a multiyear partnership. But he said the company wanted to give fans more than just a repeat. (via CNN)

Jordan, Magic, and Bird. Three different covers but all for the same game. According to 2k Sports, the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game will feature an equal number of each cover at retail locations in the United States. Everyone else — other platforms and non-U.S. locations — will receive Michael Jordan for the second year in a row.

“We are constantly focused on breaking the mold, not falling into any sort of pattern,” he said. “We wanted to make a big statement and a big departure and continue to evolve and grow this franchise, which has been such a great level of success for us.”

Look for NBA 2k12, and your favorite cover, to hit stores this October.

The Miami Heat need to make some changes before they can win a championship.

The Miami Heat need to fill two positions before they can win a NBA Championship, PG and Center. There bench could use some work too. I have a way to fix both of these problems. Take a look at the Utah Jazz. They need a dominate Power Forward. Being stuck with Millsap is like making them run in place.

If Miami honestly wants to make a serious run they need to get a real point guard. Here’s a trade for you to look at:

PF: Chris Bosh

PG: Mike Bibby

1^st Round Draft Pick: 2013

To Utah for:

PG: Devin Harris

PF/C: Mehmet Okur

To me that looks like a reasonable trade. It honestly depends on the new salary cap. Whether or not Miami is willing to trade one of their big three is not up to me. “Not long after LeBron James’ Finals flameout, Miami president Pat Riley has sent word to other league execs: He’s not breaking up his Big Three.”As reported by Matt Moore. If this trade is not made, there are few ways to even get a draft pick with the Heat’s Bench. Imagine you’re the Utah Jazz’s GM. Would you even glance at this trade, Mike Bibby and Udonis Haslem for Okur and Harris? Neither would I. Harris has to much of an effect on the court to give away. Especially for a Point Guard who is out of his prime.

There are some less dramatic deals that are possible, like Bibby and Haslem to the Lakers for Bynum and a future draft pick. That deal is highly unlikely, and would take some time to develop because even if the Heat pick a Point Guard, who knows if he’ll be any good. They could also make an offer to the Timberwolves for the number two draft pick Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio. The Timberwolves are looking to unload the Ricky Rubio contract but not looking to trade away a future star.

All of these trades would benefit the Miami Heat more than the Jazz, Lakers and Timberwolves. Which we all know, is a problem. These drastic but necessary moves will win the Miami Heat a Championship. I think Pat Riley would rather resign than trade away Bosh, but he is a smart man. I hope he comes to his senses.

The trades are probably not going to happen, so let’s be reasonable. How about Haslem for Rubio? Or Bibby and a draft pick for David Lee? Those sound a little more likely, they add up money wise, but will not happen if the owners win the salary cap battle. But who knows? There probably won’t even be basketball this season.

If the lockout continues who knows how many players will end up in China or Turkey. Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic has all ready said playing in another country is fun, and he’s thought about going to China, a country were he’s popular. China has a higher budget than most other teams overseas, so he would definitely benefit financially from this lockout.

Dwight has already considered playing for China during this Lockout.

Other players like Kobe, Pau Gasol, Amare Stoudemire,Kevin Durant and Dwayne Wade have all considered Playing in Europe. More Playtime means more cash, more cash means more sponsors. Any player who wants to benefit from this Lockout can. It’s that easy.