*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).
Gewn Goldman got to be a Yankees' bat girl on Monday night at age 70 — a full 60 years after she was turned down because of her gender.
At the 2021 U.S. Olympic track trials, Sydney McLaughlin finally outraced Dalilah Muhammad to earn the victory, and the record, that Muhammad kept grabbing whenever they met.
The Tokyo Olympics are not looking like much fun: Not for athletes. Not for fans. And not for the Japanese public.
German soccer clubs are banding together to display rainbow colors during the country’s match against Hungary at the European Championship after UEFA rejected host city Munich’s plan to do the same.
he Supreme Court has decided unanimously that the NCAA cannot enforce rules limiting education-related benefits that colleges offer to student athletes — things like computers and paid internships.
Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will be the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics.
A sharply limited number of fans will be allowed to attend the Tokyo Olympics. The decision announced Monday comes as organizers try to save some of the spirit of the Games where even cheering has been banned.
The trend of removing sponsor bottles at European Championship news conferences was started by Cristiano Ronaldo. UEFA has now asked teams to stop it.
Sports remains one of the last things people are willing to watch live, which is making it lucrative for networks and streamers alike — and leagues are asking them to pay up.
J&J Contamination, New Israeli Government, Djokovic wins. Here are the headlines you Need2Know for Monday, June 14, 2021:
