02/17/21: adidas announced plans to sell Reebok

Wednesday February 17, 2021

Adidas announced plans to sell US fitness brand Reebok as part of a strategic overhaul and is now launching a formal process “aimed at divesting Reebok.” The announcement comes 15 years after picking up the brand for $3.8 billion. “Reebok and Adidas will be able to significantly better realize their growth potential independently of each other,” CEO Kasper Rorsted stated. “We will work diligently in the coming months to ensure a successful future for the Reebok brand and the team behind it,” he added.

PROGRAMMING

ESPN’s The Jump celebrates five years on the air on Thursday at 3p. Phoenix Suns superstar Chris Paul, who also appeared on the first show when it debuted in 2016, will join host Rachel Nichols for a special interview. Additionally, ESPN NBA analyst Richard Jefferson and senior writer Brian Windhorst are scheduled to appear on set. The anniversary episode will also include a look back at highlights from the show’s five-year history.

Tennis Channel signed on-air personality Prakash Amritraj to an extension through 2023 with the former college tennis champion and professional tour player continuing to serve as one of the year-round personalities on the network’s air, appearing regularly in its Los Angeles studio and from tournaments around the world. He has been with the network since 2016. “Prakash brings Tennis Channel viewers a unique perspective borne from his college, professional and international successes,” said Bob Whyley, senior vice president of production and executive producer. “He is adored by our on-air team and production crew, and he’s proven to be a gentleman who is never lacking in positive energy and exuberance. We’re happy that Tennis Channel will remain his home.”

World’s Strongest Man announced a multi-year deal with the Visit Sacramento Sports Commission that will see the popular competition head to California’s capital, in 2021, 2022, and a third year to be announced at a later date. Taking place June 15 – 20, this year’s show will also once again be televised on CBS Sports Network and CBS Television Network in the US.

Peacock Premium will stream Premier League coverage in both Spanish and English for the first time when Arsenal faces Manchester City on Sunday at 11:30a. Streamed exclusively on Peacock Premium, Telemundo Deportes will produce the game as well as pre- and post-game coverage. Spanish-language coverage will kick off with Liga Premier Extra at 10:30a.

Speaking of soccer, the sixth annual SheBelieves Cup Tournament kicks off Thursday on FS1 as the USA, Argentina, Brazil and Canada teams compete in a four-team international tournament \ The network’s lead announce team of JP Dellacamera and Aly Wagner has the call for all U.S. Women’s National Team matches. The duo of play-by-play announcer Jake Zivin and former U.S. Women’s National Team defender Danielle Slaton are on the call for the non-U.S. matchups. Sara Walsh hosts USA-Brazil studio coverage alongside Heather O’Reilly and Alexi Lalas.

Don’t miss EBS University! Esports Business Summit is taking our readers to school, launching EBSU, a two-day event fully dedicated to the exploding business of collegiate esports, from recruitment to sponsorship to tech to inclusivity and competition, we’ve got a killer lineup of speakers ready to build this community. Join us from March 23-24 and click here for more info.

IMPACT Wrestling reports that the org locked in an international deal with StarTimes to bring more than 250 hours of IMPACT Wrestling content to the platform in 2021. The acquisition extends IMPACT’s reach even further across the globe, bringing a slate of the promotion’s series to over 13 million DVB subscribers and 20 million OTT users throughout Sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, among others.

PBR and the Bill Pickett Invitational announced a partnership to create new events and opportunities for the largest and longest-running rodeo celebrating Black cowboys. PBR will co-produce and co-market BPIR events that will take place alongside competition in PBR’s top two U.S. tours in select markets. The rodeo events alongside the PBR Unleash The Beast and Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour will be offered for television broadcast. Additionally, working with WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance), PBR will create new special qualification opportunities for Black rodeo athletes at WCRA events including its new Women’s rodeo World Championship, which is returning to Las Vegas in November.

The Milwaukee Brewers and Sinclair Broadcast Group locked in a new multiyear media rights agreement for FOX Sports Wisconsin (rebranding to Bally Sports Wisconsin soon) to continue as the television home of the Brewers. The agreement begins with the 2021 MLB season.

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SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION

New Balance and AS Roma are pairing up in a deal that will see the global sports brand become the Club’s official kit supplier from the 21/22 season. New Balance and AS Roma officially confirmed the deal via a specially created AR filter game for Instagram. New Balance will design and manufacture all technical kit and training apparel for the Italian giants – holders of three Serie A, nine Coppa Italia, two Supercoppa Italiana titles and one Inter-cities Fairs Cup.

Skeeter signed a multi-year agreement to continue as an Official Premier Boat Sponsor of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk and the Bassmaster Tournament Trail through 2024. Skeeter, which has been a B.A.S.S. sponsor since 2008, will be a Premier Sponsor for the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation regional and championship tournaments.

DIGITAL, DATA & TECH

Sportradar Integrity Services announced the launch of the Universal Fraud Detection System. Evolving from its current bet monitoring service, the UFDS will be funded by Sportradar and offered free of charge to any sports federation, or league worldwide, and will be made available in October 2021. “We believe that integrity is fundamental to public confidence in sport, and that wrongdoing at any tier of competition affects all levels of sports and its fans,” said Carsten Koerl, Sportradar Group CEO. “Today marks a very special day in the history of our company, as we announce the upcoming launch of our core bet monitoring system, at no financial charge to any sports federation or league that wants to use it. By making this significant investment in integrity via the UFDS initiative, we are demonstrating our commitment to support the sustainability of sport around the globe.”

Getty Images is now the Official Photographic Agency of Formula 1 and will cover every F1, F2, F3 and Porsche Super Cup race with its team of motorsport photographers. “We are thrilled to be working with such a globally renowned photography agency, who are the best in their class,” said Adam Crothers, Head of Digital Media Rights, Formula 1. “Photography and capturing the true essence of our sport is incredibly important to us and working with Getty ensures we continue to drive the quality and reach of the sport.”

All Sports Television Network entered into an agreement with AAB-Labs. Under the terms of the agreement ALL SPORTS and AAB will collaborate in the development and exploitation of linear and non-linear broadcasting technology. Additionally, the two companies will work together in creating new eSports gaming technologies.

La Vida Baseball announced the launch of “The Year of 21,” a multi-platform content initiative created to inform, engage and educate fans worldwide about the life, the impact and the legacy of Roberto Clemente. La Vida Baseball has been acquiring exclusive content assets, securing commitments – headlined by full support of the Clemente Family – and conducting more than 100 in-depth interviews with current and former MLB players, fellow Hall of Famers, star-struck celebrity fans, Clemente family members and others to power the project.

ESPORTS

Rockstar Energy Drink announced a new partnership for 2021 with 100 Thieves. The partnership actually kicked off during the brand’s Super Bowl ad when 100 Thieves Founder and CEO Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag appeared in the spot. Nadeshot and the wider 100 Thieves team will become primary faces for Rockstar Energy in 2021, with plans to deliver original social content and interactive experiences to “inspire gamers to reach their next level.”

CSL Esports revealed details of the 2021 CSL playoffs, which will launch on Saturday with the Grand Finals airing live on CSL Esports’ Twitch channel on April 24 and 25. The top collegiate teams in six different games qualify to compete for a prize pool totaling over $60,000 with the playoff format featuring the top 36 CS:GO teams, the best 9 Dota 2 teams, the top 39 Valorant teams, and 117 League of Legends teams, all in best-of-three series; the best 48 Rocket League teams in a best-of-seven series; and the top Street Fighter V players in a Top Eight single elimination format.

Caps Gaming, the esports sub brand of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, announced Zipchair as the Official Chair of Caps Gaming. The two-year partnership marks the first of its kind in the NHL esports community, with Caps Gaming becoming the first NHL esports affiliate to announce a chair partnership. The deal sees Caps Gaming use Zipchair’s line of gaming chairs across Caps Gaming streams, events and content

FlyQuest announced the addition of streamer Joedat “Voyboy” Esfahani into the team umbrella as an official partner and influencer where he will stream under the FlyQuest banner this year. “I met Joey in 2012 at IPL4, and having worked with him previously, I really wanted to work with him again at FlyQuest,” said FlyQuest CEO Tricia Sugita. “Joey embodies so many of our values like gratitude, positivity, thoughtfulness, and generosity of spirit. Joey’s a natural fit for FlyQuest, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase greatness together.”

INDUSTRY & ROSTER MOVES

Former professional baseball player Ben Verlander is joining FOX Sports as an MLB contributor for the new FOX Sports app, FOXSports.com and social platforms. Verlander previously served as a host of FOX Sports’ 2020 World Series Watch Parties, which drew more than 5.7 million viewers across platforms.

ESPN executive Rosetta Ellis-Pilie has been named ESPN Vice President, Talent Development and Negotiations, effective May 1. In that role, Ellis-Pilie will lead the day-to-day efforts of ESPN’s Talent Office, which is responsible for hiring, developing and guiding ESPN’s commentator team, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with many ESPN departments and external contacts on all matters related to commentator roles and responsibilities.

GSE Worldwide is welcoming Katrina M. Adams, former President, CEO and Chairperson of the United States Tennis Association to its Board of Directors. “I’m excited to continue this new chapter in my career and life,” said Adams. “I think I can bring a unique perspective to the Board as a former professional athlete and executive leader of a sports league.”

VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, named radio industry veteran Jon Goulet to the newly created position of Program Director. Goulet joins VSiN from national sports talk show, The Herd with Colin Cowherd and will oversee the network’s slate of sports betting podcasts and continue to build out its broadcast radio footprint.

DraftKings named Jennifer Aguiar as the company’s Chief Compliance Officer. As Chief Compliance Officer, Aguiar will be responsible for overseeing corporate compliance and enterprise risk management. Among other responsibilities, she will ensure DraftKings’ compliance with all U.S. and international licensing requirements related to daily fantasy sports, sports betting and iGaming.

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On this Day
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Job of the day

COMMUNITY MANAGER
JUKIN MEDIA
LOS ANGELES
Set overall community strategy as it relates to supporting brand initiatives, structure implementation of community-facing strategy across FailArmy, communicate on behalf of the brand across multiple channels. Min 3 yrs experience in brand communications, strong expertise in and a passion for current and emerging social and OTT platforms. Full info HERE (3/6)

DIRECTOR, CURRENT PROGRAMMING >>
JUKIN MEDIA/LOS ANGELES: Responsible for overseeing, guiding and elevating all programming for each of the Streaming TV channels, Works with VP Streaming to establish long-term creative programming strategy to achieve business unit KPIs. Plan and budget to help develop, help commission, and acquire programming for Jukin streaming channels. 7+ years in creative production for digital/streaming/television required. Full info HERE (3/6)

SENIOR MANAGER, NEWS & CONTENT >>
SPECTRUM NETWORKS/NYC: Actively and consistently support all efforts to simplify and enhance the customer experience, ability to oversee production of Live Newscasts. Drive integration and collaboration with other managers to achieve station goals. Work closely with other managers to determine daily scope of coverage. Full info HERE (3/6)

DIGITAL MANAGING DIRECTOR >>
SPECTRUM NETWORKS/NYC: Lead the talented and resourceful journalists, manage digital teams in multiple locations and editorial content; encourage innovation and unique story telling techniques. Impeccable integrity and ability to support our writers and editors in making tough journalistic calls in fast-moving news cycles. Full info HERE (3/6)

MANAGER, PROGRAM & CONTENT STRATEGY >>
CNN/NYC OR REMOTE: Creates schedules/rollout plans for series/films, live news, and special events on CNN & HLN. Manages inventory and evaluates performance to optimize usage. TV Programming exp, 5+ yrs. Can project manage/multi-task. Must know current events. Full info/apply HERE (3/6)

DIRECTOR OF PRIME TIME TELEVISION >>
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY/ HOLLYWOOD: Responsible for building out relationships with writers, directors, agents, managers, and talent in the prime-time arena, identifying new projects and talent in both comedy and drama for live-action and animation, and will oversee development of series to pitch A background in prime time television required and demonstrated knowledge of television development and production processes a must. Full info HERE (3/6)

VP of GAMING and ESPORTS >>
GRAVITY ROAD/NYC: Gravity Road is a creative company bringing together marketing, entertainment, and technology to create things people want to spend time with. We are looking for someone that is a commercially minded gamer, a strategic thinker and a proactive doer to join as our VP Gaming and Esports. Full info HERE (3/6)

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Directs, co-develops/delivers locally prod programs and PSA for nat and inter’l audiences. Also oversees prod crew that produces regular, special and live shows related to various political, historical and other appropriate topics. Min 3 yrs exp in directing Live television news, studio-based programming or similarly related professional media productions. Full info HERE (3/6)

VIDEO ENGINEER & ROBOTIC CAMERA OPERATOR >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Exp in configuring and setting up all broadcast studio cameras both manned and robotic for daily use. Maintains network-level camera blocking and composition. Monitors/adjusts video signals including cameras, monitors, playback sources, color correction equip/incoming feeds. Min 4 yrs exp. Full info HERE (3/6)

FEEDS MANAGER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Resp for managing tech/logistical traffic supporting live news shows. Full knwldge of video and tech workflow throughout all locations. Provide tech guidance to help create better video workflows. Ensure all broadcast feeds are meeting specific tech quality standards. Min 3 yrs tech managing, or equivalent knwldge. 5 yrs in live TV prod. Full info HERE (3/6)

GFX Op >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Must be able to set up and play out all graphic elements which are included in pre-recorded or live programming. Mnge graphic content as it corresponds to live and pre-recorded programs. Satisfy all production req for live and pre-recorded programming under the supervision of the show’s director and technical operations mngmt. Min 3 yrs of exp in graphic and character generation, plus 1yr exp with Ross Xpression. Full info HERE (3/6)

AUDIO TECHNICIAN >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Operate/executes audio mixing/creation for live and taped broadcasts, in the context of orig produced programs and PSAs. Collaborate with News depart and prod crew that produce regular, special and live shows. Generate timely and pertinent broadcast material. Min 2 yrs exp in graphic and character gen in television news, creative services, studio-based prog or related profession. Full info HERE (3/6)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Responsible for designing and building shows, managing show hosts and production team, identifying and integrating guests, overseeing and executing the production of key video & graphic elements. 3+ yrs EP exp or political news & talk programming. Full info HERE (3/6)

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Write for fast paced news and opinion show. You are an exceptional storyteller with a command of political news and cultural trends. At least 3 years of national or large market local news experience. Full info HERE (3/6)

SENIOR LINE PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Responsible for the production and execution of live political news programming, and recorded video segments for television, and digital platforms. 3+ yrs experience line producing. Full info HERE (3/6)

PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Responsible for the production of live news & talk show, and recorded video segments for television, and digital platforms. 3+ yrs in TV news and/or talk production. Full info HERE (3/6)

GENERAL SALES MANAGER >>
NEXSTAR/WPIX-TV/NYC: Proven performance record of revenue and share growth, new business development and innovative solution-based selling. Non-traditional revenue development along with best-in-class client services and unparalleled client relationships a must. Minimum of five years of sales management experience at a commercial broadcast television station with accompanying digital assets required. Full info HERE (2/28)

OTT PLATFORMS EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT >>
CASTIFY/REMOTE: Castify.ai, a global leader in CTV content distribution, allows video content owners to publish & monetize their content as a native app or channel, across multiple CTV and OTT platforms, is looking for a well-connected media consultant who can liaise with OTT and CTV distribution partners. The consultant will have the primary responsibility to extend the reach and lead the relationships with our OTT and CTV partners. Full info HERE (2/28)

SENIOR DIRECTOR, CONTENT ACQUISITIONS >>
FILMRISE/NYC or LA: Develop licensing and distribution partnership opportunities; Oversee company’s existing servicing partnerships business and identify new prospective partners. Minimum 5 to 7 years of experience in an acquisitions, sales, or business development role at a film or television company. Candidate should have existing network of content relationships across the industry. Full info HERE (2/28)

TECHNICAL OPERATIONS >>
FILM RISE/NYC: Support our IT team and manage our digital assets. We are looking for someone extremely detail-oriented with strong organizational skills. Previous experience with digital asset coordination is preferred, working knowledge of Premiere Pro required. Full info HERE (2/27)

VP ORIGINAL SERIES DTC >>
discovery+/LA: This D+ Original Content role will serve as a key member of the DTC Content Team, driving original content strategy and execution for discovery+. Must have at least 2 years streaming experience, excellent analytical skills, strong creative judgement, and be a great collaborator. Full info HERE (2/27)

LINE PRODUCER >>
JV PRODUCTIONS/REMOTE: Experienced PM or Line Producer needed to help command the production process for a new unscripted Reno & Build Series. You’ll manage logistics, balance vision with time & money, and strategize with others to ensure an efficient, fun, safe and high-quality production. Full info HERE (2/27)

SENIOR COUNSEL >>
FILM RISE/NYC or LA: Looking for New York or California bar member for drafting and negotiating content acquisition and distribution agreements, television contracts, releases, agreements with streaming platforms, software licenses, vendor agreements and NDAs. Must possess solid understanding of digital streaming platforms and contracts, and substantive knowledge of contract law principles. Full info HERE (2/26)

COORDINATOR, SOCIAL MEDIA >>
MEDIA CROWN FAMILY NETWORKS/STUDIO CITY CA: Will support Social Marketing initiatives through creating and gathering compelling content, assets, and graphics for all segments and platforms of our Social Media presence. Responsible for writing post/tweet copy to go with created assets, scheduling content, and making sure all assets are up to date. Liaise with other internal departments and agencies on all trafficking of assets, media buys, and fulfillment of giveaways. 1-2 years of experience in entertainment. Full info HERE (2/26)

MANAGER, LOCAL SALES >>
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP/INDIANAPOLIS: Development of new business and achievement of revenue goals. Makes decisions regarding hiring, evaluation, promotion, and termination of account executives and sales assistants. 3-5 years of television sales management experience is preferred. 5+ years television sales experience mandatory. Full info HERE (2/26)

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS >>
TEAM WHISTLE/NYC/REMOTE: Win Revenue– prospect, connect with, and secure partnership from agency-led and client-direct branded partners. Educate the media market on the Team Whistle product line and generate revenue via selling video, branded content, and white-label solutions. Experience selling branded content, familiarity within the larger sports/entertainment media landscape, and 5+ years partnering with ad agencies and clients directly required. Full info HERE (2/25)

NEWS DIRECTOR >>
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP – KTLA/LOS ANGELES: Manages all aspects of the News Department (other than Production), plans and manages staffing, training, and performance evaluations for the News Department. Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience required. Full info HERE (2/25)

MANAGER, A&E STRATEGIST, SHORT FORM MONETIZATION >>
A+E NETWORKS/NYC: Digital content strategist to drive distribution and revenue for video content across key digital platforms, primarily A&E’s YouTube Channel. Strong project manager who will leverage data to drive decision making. 3-5 years’ experience working with digital video strategies at the brand/publishing level. Full info HERE (2/24)

SENIOR TALENT BOOKER >>
THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA/NYC: Procure talent – research, invite and secure the highest-level speakers/panelists and moderators; book and produce unique and influential programs. 10+ years of programming experience securing high profile talent for industry, entertainment, sports and media programs and other special events on time and within budget. Full info HERE (2/24)

NATIONAL BUYER >>
ANCHOR TRADING/NY: National Linear Buyer, negotiate and strategize to obtain maximum ROI. Collaborator with strong analytical skills, media relationships and buy management. At least 3 years relevant prior work experience in National Media. Full info HERE (2/24)

SALES PLANNER >>
FIRST MEDIA/NYC: Sales Planner, manages and executes the completion and fulfillment of RFPs, works cross-divisionally to help fulfill client requests and compiles, maintains, and distributes weekly booked business report. At least 2 years relevant prior work experience in the advertising industry and Analytical and able to take a strategic approach when creating proposals required. Full info HERE (2/23)

SENIOR DIRECTOR, DATA SCIENCE >>
NBCUNIVERSAL/NYC: Lead and manage a team of Data Scientists in the development of high-impact tools for ad hoc projects and on-going operational analytic platforms, partner with business leaders across NBCUniversal to identify, build, and implement capabilities to leverage advanced data science. Advanced Degree (PhD strongly preferred) with a specialization in Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Mathematics, Operations Research, or other equivalent quantitative fields. Full info HERE (2/23)

SALES PLANNER >>
UPTV/NYC: Work with advertising agency contacts and other advertising sales personnel to ensure that administration aspects of accounts are in order, build, revise and maintain all sales proposals for AEs. Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; at least 1+ years related cable experience preferred. Full info HERE (2/23)