*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).
Peter Feigin, President of the Milwaukee Bucks, joins Cheddar to discuss the new arena fans and players have to look forward to in 2018. The new building will cost around $524 million and most of that cost is going towards customizing the fan's experience.
Bitcoin futures start trading on the CME, and Congressional Democrats call for a hearing on the Disney/Fox deal. Plus tax reform gets closer, weather could have an impact on holiday shopping, and the rise of ICOs.
Football fans will now be able to stream their favorite games on their phones, after Verizon signed a multi-year deal with the NFL. Paul Kelly, Chief Revenue Officer of Whistle Sports joins Cheddar to discuss the ever-changing landscape for sports media.
Paul Kelly, chief revenue officer at Whistle Sports, says that this deal will allow Verizon to tap the millennial market with more than just live sports.
Season 3 of Nickelodeon's competition series "Paradise Run" kicks off in 2018. Host of the show, Daniella Monet, shares what to expect in the new season of this series.
The first box office forecasts for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" are in and it's looking like the sequel is the hit Hollywood has been waiting for this year. Bauer Xcel Media's Kate Spies and FHM's Nick Dimengo join Cheddar to discuss the early reviews and more top entertainment headlines.
It's official: the final four teams have been selected for the college football championship. Nick Dimengo, Senior Editor at FHM Magazine, joins Cheddar to discuss his picks for the Clemson vs. Alabama and Oklahoma, vs. Georgia games.
Jennifer Cunningham, Senior Editor at Bossip.com, and Todd Johnson, Managing Editor at The Grio, discuss Colin Kaepernick winning Sports Illustrated's Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. Kaepernick was honored for fighting social injustice against African Americans, and his pledge to continue to fight, despite not having an NFL contract.
When veterans return home from service, many struggle to find jobs and careers. That's why Quick Lane launched the "Trading One Uniform For Another," program to help veterans fund an automotive education and career.
The rodeo circuit has been one of the sporting world's biggest boys' clubs for over a century. That's changing, thanks to women like Duke Wimberly, one of the bronc riders featured on Ride TV's new series "Cowgirls."
