*By Michael Teich*
Puma’s integration of music and fashion could be the key to the resurgence of its basketball division, said former ESPN host Bram Weinstein in an interview with Cheddar.
“It’s the one sport that really has a symbiotic relationship with pop culture.”
The athletic brand has inked deals with projected number one overall pick Deandre Ayton, in addition to standout players Marvin Bagley III and Zhaire Smith, but the addition of music mogul JAY-Z might be what gives Puma an edge over rival Nike. Weinstein said that if Nike does not transition from marketing that focuses solely on fitness, it could be a “miss” for them.
“This is a lifestyle thing. This is not necessarily about who’s scoring the most points,” Weinstein said.
Despite signing three of the last number one overall picks in the NBA Draft, Nike has yet to announce a new deal with a prospect from the 2018 draft, which takes place on June 21. Adidas has signed deals with Trae Young and Lonnie Walker IV. Puma has not had a deal with an NBA player since Vince Carter in 1998.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/pumas-full-court-press-on-nike-and-adidas).
YouTube VP Tara Walpert Levy told Cheddar that the Big Game is still a place to capture a national audience.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Monday, February 3, 2020.
What if I told you that you could score a Super Bowl ticket if you gave up one thing? What would it be? A kidney? Sex? Well, some fans said just that, according to a survey from Ticketmaster.
When the San Francisco 49ers face off against the Kansas City Chiefs this Super Bowl Sunday, the team's brand will be in the best position that it's been in for decades. But it's how the franchise thrives through good and bad times that defines success, 49ers CMO Alex Chang told Cheddar.
With Roku set to possibly lose Fox channel by the end of Friday, Cheddar looks into alternate ways owners can still watch the Super Bowl on Sunday.
This Sunday, the hip hop legend will appear in a Super Bowl ad spot for Cheetos that plays on the snack food’s famous messiness.
Easy Aerial CEO and co-founder Ido Gur talked to Cheddar about giving police a "bird's eye view" of the Hard Rock Stadium parking lot this Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers square off.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Friday, January 31, 2020.
The NFL has teamed up with Goldman Global Arts to infuse the championship game with works from local artists, which can be seen both inside the arena and throughout the city.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Thursday, January 30, 2020.
