*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).
Two-time reigning champions United States came an inch short of Women's World Cup elimination, but Portugal's late near-miss helped the Americans avoid the biggest upset in tournament history.
Women who were sexually assaulted by former Michigan State University sports doctor Larry Nassar filed a lawsuit Thursday saying school officials made “secret decisions” about releasing documents in the case.
Lindsey Horan scored an equalizer late in its second first-round World Cup match against the Netherlands to finish 1-1, in a rematch of the 2019 final when the U.S. prevailed 2-0. The U.S. will finish its group-stage games against Portugal next week.
Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, was hospitalized after going into cardiac arrest while participating in a practice at Southern California on Monday, a family spokesman said Tuesday.
