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END ZONE 34 • Team Insight ~ March/April 2023 teaminsightmag.com MLS and Adidas Renew Major League Soccer and Adidas recently signed a multi-year exten- sion that continues Adidas' role as the official supplier for the league, its clubs and youth academies. MLS and Adidas began their relationship at the league's inception in 1996. To support this endeavor, Adidas will bolster key development efforts with MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. Together, MLS and Adidas will also launch inclusive initiatives to em- power, support and inspire a future generation of players and fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Adidas continues as the Official Sponsor, Footwear Provider and Apparel Provider of MLS and will recognize the best in youth soccer as presenting partner of the MLS NEXT Golden Ball (MVP) and MLS NEXT Best XI. Adidas will continue outfitting MLS clubs with all jerseys, footwear, training gear and sideline apparel and will also provide the official match ball for all MLS properties — including MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. e new agreement also includes additional investment in youth development and community activation. ASICS Partners With BSN for Youth Sports Contest ASICS and BSN Sports re- cently launched a nationwide Sound Mind, Sound Body Contest targeting youth programs. Four awards of $12,000 each will be dis- tributed with a focus on teams who support the sports of cross-coun- try, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. In addition to the monetary prize, the contest will award each winning team a free professional development session through the Believe in You Empowerment Program, developed by BSN parent company Varsity Brands, that provides free resources and curriculum to guide teachers and coaches in facilitating character education and leadership devel- opment to help students unlock their potential and strive toward their goals. Twelve finalists were selected in mid-March and the four win- ning teams will be unveiled in an announcement on May 1. Russell Signs NIL Deal With Softball Star Augusta Sportswear and its Russell Athletic brand have entered into an NIL player partnership with All-American NCAA champion soball player Tiare Jennings. "We are thrilled to partner with a player and person the caliber of Tiare," says David Goerke, SVP–marketing and product devel- opment at Augusta. "She is such a well-rounded and amazing player; better yet, she inspires thousands of young players to carry themselves the way she does, while winning championships along the way. Our new partnership is the perfect fit for Russell Athletic and all of the Augusta Sportswear brands." Blake Bolden Partners With Play It Again Supporting girls' and women's youth sports, Play It Again Sports and Winmark are partnering with Blake Bolden, a trailblazer in wom- en's hockey who competed in the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) and is a pro scout for the Los Angeles Kings, to sponsor her inspiring girls mentorship pro- gram — emBolden her. e free six-month mentorship program will welcome 30 female athletes, ages 13-16, from across the United States and Canada and support and empower them as they navigate and become trailblazers in the world of sports. is program will support girls and young women by empowering them toward success. n WILSON IN THE NEWS Savannah Bananas Partnership With a commitment from all parties to- wards developing a fruitful partnership, the popular Savannah Bananas began their world tour last month sporting a bunch of new equipment thanks to a partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods. The partnership encompasses several of the Wilson family of brands – Wilson, Louisville Slugger and EvoShield – making the company the team's exclusive equipment provider for gloves, bats, protective gear, uniforms, warm-up apparel, helmets, bags and batting gloves. The equipment deal also applies to the Bananas' opponent during their tour, the Party Animals, who will be using all new gear supplied by Wilson Sporting Goods. In addition, EvoShield is the provider of Bananas fan apparel, which is avail- able both at the team store and online. 3D Airless Prototype Basketball Unveiled The recent NBA All-Star Game was the setting for the unveiling of a truly unique new product — the Wilson 3D Airless Prototype Basketball. It was used during the first round of the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest by the Houston Rockets' KJ Martin. The first-of-its-kind 3D printed ball is truly playable, nearly fitting the performance specifications of a regu- lation basketball, including its weight, size and rebound (bounce). The ball, however, does not need to be inflated because it is comprised of a black, see- through lattice with eight panel-like "lobes." n NEWS, ANALYSIS AND OPINION. From the most experienced editorial staff in the team sports industry. Delivered every first and third Thursday of each month. Get your complimentary subscription today.