FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BRIAN
McCARTHY, NFL, 212-450-2069
NFL
11/28/00
mccarthyb@nfl.com
CHARTESE
BOOTY, Players Inc, 202-496-2885
chartese.booty@nflplayers.com
NFL & PLAYERS INC ANNOUNCE
BROAD INTERNET PARTNERSHIP
The NFL and Players Inc, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association, today announced a broad Internet partnership that will benefit players, clubs and fans. The agreement includes the aggregation of sites in the NFL Internet Network, cross promotional activities and collaboration on auction and fantasy sites.
Effective immediately, the websites of Players Inc (NFLPLAYERS.COM) and the NFLPA (NFLPA.org) will become part of the NFL Internet Network. The audience of these sites will be aggregated as part of the league’s network for third-party measurement. The NFL Internet Network, which includes NFL.COM, club sites and other NFL-related sites, is already the most-visited sports league site and among the top three overall sports sites.
Links on home pages will connect the sites of the NFL, NFL Players Association and Players Inc, while promotional banners will highlight special content on the sites.
The NFL and Players Inc will collaborate on a year-round auction site that will exist on the NFL Internet Network and eBay. NFL fans may bid on year-round on one-of-a-kind items, such as game-worn merchandise, specially autographed items and fantasy experiences with access only the NFL, players and teams have. Proceeds from items sold will go to charities of the NFL, NFL Players Association and teams.
The new agreement also includes Players Inc granting the NFL Internet Network a license to use player names, likenesses and other publicity rights in the promotion of the NFL’s skill-based fantasy football games.
About Players Inc
Founded by the NFLPA in 1994, Players Inc creates and develops marketing opportunities for current and former NFL players. Representing more than 1,800 active and 3,000 retired NFL players, Players Inc "takes the helmet off the players" giving fans the opportunities to see the players personalities and talents off the field. Players Inc is involved in licensed merchandise programs, corporate sponsorships and promotions, special events, music and video recordings, as well as television, radio, and Internet (www.nflplayers.com). Players Inc schedules more than 2,000 NFL player appearances each year.