Autumn Equinox Antics: From Football Fervor to Musical Megadeals and Mayonnaise

For those of you that were already feeling overwhelmed by the early onset of pumpkin spice at the end of summer, with autumn now being upon us, it is now socially acceptable for those flavors and aromas to pervade daily life. Autumn also means that football season is in full swing. And while certain fanbases take football season as license to be lunatics (looking at you, Buffalo Bills fans), it is never socially acceptable to threaten violence upon athletes. Last weekend, the University of Colorado football team, that has been enjoying a name, image and likeness (NIL) fueled renaissance under new coach Deion Sanders faced off against its in-state rival, Colorado State University. In the midst of a hard-fought game with emotions amplified by rivalry and media fervor centering around a war of words between the larger-than-life Sanders and CSU coach Jay Norvell, CSU defensive back Henry Blackburn delivered a late hit on Colorado’s star player and future NFL draft pick, Travis Hunter, knocking Hunter out of the game. Although Hunter’s team ended up winning the game, we later learned that Colorado fans had sent death threats (via social media, text and phone) to Blackburn in the aftermath of the late hit. Sadly, the lack of human decency is not new, but with NIL driving media prominence for college athletes who are connected with fans like never before, more needs to be done to discourage this type of behavior. After all, it is just a game. With that off my chest, let’s see what else we have in the spotlight.

Pop singer-songwriter Katy Perry sells her music catalog (both her interests in master recordings and musical compositions) to private equity-backed Litmus Music for a teenage-dream exceeding sum of $250 million.
Hellmann’s Mayonnaise becomes the official mayonnaise of six top football universities, opening up the door for cardiology sponsorships at six top football universities.
Hollywood talent management company Brillstein Entertainment Partners is acquired by sports, entertainment and media representation agency Wasserman. Details of the tie-up were not disclosed, but I’m told someone stomped on a glass at closing.

Endorsement Deals, Sponsorships & Investments

DC Pickleball Adds AARP as Sponsor, Joining Barstool’s Coffee Brand
September 20, 2023 via Sportico

N.Y. convenience stores demand high-profile celebrities stop endorsing flavored vapes
September 20, 2023 via Spectrum Local News

Panthers reaping off-ice benefit of Stanley Cup final run by signing new naming rights deal
September 19, 2023 via Times West Virginia

These Simple E-Commerce Growth Strategies Helped Reese Witherspoon Launch Two Successful Brands
September 18, 2023 via Forbes

Hellmann’s now ‘Official Mayo’ at 6 top football universities
September 18, 2023 via New Jersey Biz Daily

Wasserman acquires storied Hollywood talent manager Brillstein Entertainment Partners | Lexington Herald Leader
September 18, 2023 via Lexington Herald Leader

Aaron Rodgers Is Out For The Season — What Happens to His Salary and Endorsement Deals?
September 15, 2023 via Entrepreneur Magazine

Little Caesars Enters Second Year of NFL Sponsorship
September 15, 2023 via Franchise Times

Business Beyond the Game: Cavinder Twins on WWE, Brand Trust, NIL Legacy
September 15, 2023 via Sportico

Sports

CSU player, family get death threats after hit
September 18, 2023 via ESPN