*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).
J&J Shelf Life, Pulse Nightclub Memorial, Consumer Prices Rise. Here is all the news you need to know for Friday, June 11, 2021.
The NFL will spend up to $1 million funding up to five studies that will examine how to better help players ease their pain and find alternatives to opioids.
Simone Biles looks ready for the Tokyo Olympics. The 24-year-old easily captured her record seventh U.S. national title, beating runner-up Sunisa Lee by nearly five points.
After teasing the Yurchenko double-pike for the better part of a year and then unveiling it during training on Friday — a move that caught the attention of people like NBA star LeBron James — Simone Biles made it official in front of the women trying to join her on the Olympic team this summer.
Blockfolio CEO Sam Bankman-Fried talked to Cheddar about garnering an endorsement deal with the Jacksonville Jaguar's first pick in the NFL Draft, QB Trevor Lawrence.
Catherine Carlson, a senior vice president with the Eagles, discussed the NFL team's partnership with LifeBrand, a brand protection firm specializing in social media health checks.
Justin and Taylor Norris, co-founders and CEOs of LIT Method, talked about the investment from Jay-Z in their fitness company.
As COVID vaccination numbers have increased in the U.S., Cheddar's Michelle Castillo visited the home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park, as it welcomed back fans earlier this month.
NYC officials are beginning to rethink the layout of city streets as biking ticks up in the city. Now, thousands of bike racks are being installed across the city. Cheddar's Chloe Aiello reports.
Along with other celebrities, Venus Williams is partnering with Delos' International WELL Building Institute in order to safely welcome back fans and attendees to live events.
