*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).
Shoes off and dropped near the visitor’s dugout in San Francisco, Christian Walker begins his barefoot stroll through the perfectly manicured grass and makes his way into right field, where he plops down for a much-needed dose of Vitamin D on a sunny, summer Bay Area day. It's a welcome chance for a good stretch and fresh air following a cross-country flight from Washington.
PGA Tour leaders defended its merger deal with Saudi Arabia's LIV Golf tour before a Homeland Security subcommittee on Tuesday.
Olympic Champion Caster Semenya Wins Human Rights Case but Testosterone Rules May Remain for Years
Pro surfer Mikala Jones has died at 44 in a freak accident.
Pro surfer Mikala Jones died at the age of 44 after an accident while surfing in Indonesia.
Northwestern University fired its head football coach Pat Fitzgerald over allegations of hazing. Fitzgerald said he was "disappointed" to learn of the allegations.
A new pickleball venue has just opened up in Connecticut in a most unlikely location: a former department store. Here's an inside look.
Northwestern fired coach Pat Fitzgerald on Monday amid a hazing scandal that called into question his leadership of the program and damaged the university's reputation after it mishandled its response to the allegations.
The New York Times is disbanding its sports department and will rely on coverage from The Athletic, a website it acquired last year for $550 million.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please, if you are opening a bottle of Champagne don’t do it as the player is about to serve. Thank you,” Australian umpire John Blom announced just after the start of a match on No. 3 Court.
