NLL signs Reebok deal

[Sonny]

NLL signs Reebok deal
Nov. 15, 2005. 02:01 PM
CANADIAN PRESS

CANTON, Mass. — The National Lacrosse League has teamed up with Reebok.

The NLL signed an exclusive multi-year deal Tuesday that made the sporting goods company the official equipment, uniform and footwear provider for the 11-team league.

Beginning in the 2006 season, Reebok will be the exclusive licensee of official NLL apparel including authentic and replica jerseys, and players will be outfitted in Reebok equipment, clothing and shoes.

"Our partnership with the NLL represents a huge opportunity for Reebok to enter the sport of lacrosse," John Frascotti, a Reebok senior vice-president and GM said in a release. "Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport with today's youth, and our new agreement with the NLL provides Reebok with the platform to reach this target consumer."

FULL LINK

[camthrax]

So much for the bandits players that wear bright orange Dadas... Not that Dada shoes are even remotely close to cool, but Reebok makes some very ugly shoes. Or wait, when it says "outfitted," is this mandatory like in the MLL? I really hope it's not.

[ZagGrad]

He added that while the company will not be offering a stick for 2006, they are in development of a stick and it is “something we can look forward to in 2007.”

I think this is the coolest part of the whole deal. It's only a matter of time before we see "swooshes" on shafts, gloves, and helmets.

[Sonny]

Sportswear major Reebok has clinched a deal with the National Lacrosse League (NLL) that allows it to kit out all league teams with uniforms, footwear, apparel, and equipment.

The deal, which will begins in the upcoming 2006 season, makes Reebok the official equipment, uniform and footwear provider of the league.

The gear will be sold at NLL’s eleven member clubs across the US and Canada as well as select retail locations.

John Frascotti, Reebok senior vice president and general manager of performance, said: "Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport with today’s youth, and our new agreement with the NLL provides Reebok with the platform to reach this target consumer by demonstrating the performance attributes of our products at the highest level of play."

NLC commissioner Jim Jennings said: "Reebok’s impressive credentials, commitment to creating innovative performance product, and attention to the needs of athletes make the brand the perfect partner for our league".

Reebok is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of sports, fitness and casual footwear, apparel and equipment under the Reebok, Rockport, CCM, Jofa, Koho and Greg Norman brands.

http://www.just-style.com/news_detail.asp?art=39228

[byualum]

Is the assumption that Reebok will purchase a lacrosse company like they did with CCM and Jofa in hockey? If so, who are the most likely candidates?

[James Foote]

If anything, I think it will be like New Balance's purchase of Warrior. I can't see any likely candidates though. I have a feeling they may try and get into the business, however. There's a lot of info we still don't know, so we'll see. Anyone else have any ideas?