SMB.

After the $85 billion Federal Reserve's $85 takeover of insurance giant AIG in return of 79.9% and management replacement, gave US government control of Manchester United sponsorship.
AIG's $100 million shirt sponsorship deal, signed two years ago, was the largest at the time.

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A proactive public relations plan is a far more important and valuable strategy to pursue for the athlete by Darren Rovell

What is the most overused word in today’s athlete public relations and marketing lexicon? You probably guessed it: BRAND. Athletes and their handlers often talk about their efforts to build the athlete’s “personal brand.”

What is the reality? There are very few athletes who actually develop into a brand. Those athletes who do will certainly be the exception rather than the rule. My advice to all involved is: Don’t force the branding issue! In most cases the effort will be nothing more than an exercise. Truthfully speaking, you can’t be a brand if you don’t have a strong identity.

The real goal and focus of the public relations plan should favor maximizing awareness and building a universally recognizable identity instead of stressing the “branding” issue. A carefully crafted, clearly messaged, well executed, proactive public relations plan is a far more important and valuable strategy to pursue for the athlete.

The comprehensive and strategic plan should be effectively integrated with marketing partners, sponsors, business interests, teams, leagues, governing bodies and charitable or philanthropic initiatives. Be a good partner. I am a firm believer in the saying “rising tides lift all boats”. I am a strong advocate of promoting a collaborative effort between athletes and all of their partners and business interests. These partners should bask in the reflective glow of their association with each other. Each partner brings distinct value to the relationship. Don’t compete with each other. Be a team. Help each other create and seize media opportunities.

The plan should have a universal and clear message and aim to reach the largest possible audience. Athletes should seek opportunities across all media platforms and constantly look for ways to reach new audiences with their message in order to continue the process of creating greater awareness and building identity.

Focus on the message. Make sure that you are constantly promoting the right themes for you and your partners. Always know what you want to say and get those points across in interviews. Utilize every single media opportunity to promote the important messages and interests beyond your sport, including your goals, priorities, personal beliefs, sponsor partnerships, business interests and philanthropic initiatives. Every press conference, interview, book tour, sponsor day, charitable appearance, golf outing or speech is an opportunity so max out on every single one.

People love compelling stories and personalities that have depth that extends beyond the playing fields. The more access provided to introduce and promote the various aspects and dimensions of the athletes’ life and interests, the better. It takes time and a thoughtful and strong proactive effort; but in the quest to effectively build identity and increase awareness, it’s a critical step. Storytelling is often the great differentiator.

After all, the real goal is to stand out, not blend in. Maybe, someday, you actually may become a brand!

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Nike sent a letter to swimmers allowing them to wear the Speedo LZR Racer Suit during the Olympics. The statement tells that wearing the Speedo brand during the competition will not be seen as a compromise to their contract with the world's biggest shoe and apparel company.
The main reason behind this decision it´s due to technologic advantage that those suits offer, before been aproved by FINA (The international swimming governing body) it was considered technological doping.
Many national teams changed their swimmers sponsors because of LZR superiority, but Adidas is insisting that its home country Germany, which it has a $6.2 million contract with through 2009, wear their swimsuit despite outspoken comments from the team and their desire to go Speedo.
After LZR suit, Speedo sales are up to 9.3 percent and Nike´s are down 7 percent.

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The Top ten ball players are:

C- Jorge Posada 13.1 Million New York Yankees

1B- Jason Giambi 23.4 million New York Yankees

2B- Jeff Kent 9 million Los Angeles Dodgers

SS- Derek Jeter 21.6 Million Dollars New York Yankees

3B- Alex Rodriguez 28 Million Dollars New York Yankees

LF- Manny Ramirez 18.9 Million Dollars Boston Red Sox

CF- Carlos Beltran 18.6 Million Dollars New York Mets

RF- Bobby Abreau 16 Million Dollars New York Yankees

DH- Jim Thome 15.7 Million Dollars Chicago White Sox

SP- Johan Santana 17 Million Dollars New York Mets

RP- Mariano Rivera 15 million Dollars New York Yankees

Collectively these players have averaged 82 hits, 13 Home Runs, and 50 RBI’s.

That means Baseball fans are paying around 1 Million dollars for each hit, 6.3 Million dollars per Home Run, and 16 million dollars per RBI on average

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The NBA Draft was three weeks ago and two player still without a shoe contract, they are Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley.

During the summer league games, Rose wore Nike and Adidas. Beasley wore Jordans. But noe of the bands have confirmed that either of them have signed. According to Darren Rovell, Rose has an offer of $ 1 million a year and around $ 650,000 a year for Beasley.

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