*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).
Nike's decision to tap Colin Kaepernick as the new face of the 'Just Do It' campaign is inspiring some and offending others. Mashable's Marcus Gilmer joins Cheddar to discuss how the new deal came together.
When the NFL season kicks off Thursday, the league will have a new official pizza partner. Pizza Hut executives Marianna Radley and Artie Starrs announced new deals for fans and what it hopes to get from the partnership.
Nike shares were lower after the company announced it would feature Colin Kaepernick as part of its new ad campaign. #NikeBoycott trended on Twitter as users showed themselves destroying Nike apparel.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.
Maryann Turcke, the COO of the NFL, is the highest ranking woman in professional sports leadership. She talks to Cheddar about gender inequality in the industry and what she's doing to reach a younger audience that's cutting the cord.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.
After criticism from the French tennis federation that her much-loved "catsuit" was disrespectful to the sport, Serena Williams took the court at the U.S. Open in a tutu -- and blew open a conversation long-asked in offices everywhere: just what is "work appropriate attire"? Vanessa Friedman, fashion critic for the New York Times, said it's about time.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.
Three-time Stanley Cup champion Martin Brodeur is returning to the sport to head business development for his former team, the New Jersey Devils.
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland is headed to Washington to continue trade negotiations with the U.S. On Monday, Mexico and the United States agreed to terms for a new trade deal.
Electronic Arts is canceling three qualifier events for its 'Madden NFL 19' tournament in the wake of Sunday's deadly shooting in Jacksonville, Florida. The company says it will conduct a review of safety measures to ensure the security of competitors and spectators.
And Kathy Ireland, Chairman Emeritus and Chief Brand Strategist at Level Brands, joins Cheddar after ringing the Opening Bell Tuesday morning. She talks about what has driven the recent success of Level Brands, a brand management and licensing company.
