*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).
The future of gambling in Florida recently suffered a major setback after a federal appeals court rejected a request from the state and the Seminole Tribe to allow online sports betting in the state. Now, the tribe has been forced to stop taking bets on its Hard Rock sportsbook app. ESPN gaming writer David Purdum joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss what this could mean for the future of sports betting in Florida.
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What began as a one-on-one fantasy baseball competition back in 2012 is now one of the biggest American daily fantasy sports contests and sports betting operators in the world. JD sat down with Jason Robins, CEO of DraftKings, to talk about the company's milestones and future endeavors.
Former Denver Broncos wide receiver and five-time Pro Bowler Demaryius Thomas was found dead at the age of 33. Thomas officially retired from the NFL in June, ending his playing career with the New York Jets in 2019.
Carlo and Baker wrap up the week talking about the Biden economic boom that no one seems to notice, a verdict in the Jussie Smollett case, the first Starbucks union in America and the pleasures of the "dude nod."
Olivia Harlan Dekker dissects the Week 14 NFL slate and makes her picks for the week's top games, while Frank Schwab discusses the impact of bad weather on betting lines. Meanwhile, Alex Christenson dishes out his insights when it comes to betting on the NBA.
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Russ Davis, Crypto Consultant and Educator at consulting firm In Russ We Trust Crypto, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he explains why now is a time to buy low on cryptocurrencies as investors are still reacting to the latest testimonies.
Frank Schwab, NFL and Betting Writer, Yahoo Sports, joins Cheddar Bets to break down what bettors should be wary of and opportunistic about when betting on football games featuring winter weather.
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Alex Christenson, host of Brown Bag Bets, joins Cheddar Bets to break down how bettors should think about betting NBA over/unders and player props on a nightly basis.
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