Above The Rim (ATR), which is being re-launched this year by Collective Licensing International, has signed a multi-year endorsement contract with rising NBA player
Martell Webster.
A shooting guard for the Portland Trailblazers, Martell
was one of the most talented young players in the nation coming out of
high school and was selected to McDonald's All-American team, Parade
Magazine's All American First Team and USA Today's Preseason Super 25.
He was one of ten finalists for the Naismith Award, an honor that each
year goes to the nation's top high school player. In the 2005 NBA draft,
Martell was selected by Portland in the first round and was the sixth
overall pick. His NBA career has seen consistent increases in scoring,
rebounding and assists and, Off the court, Martell has also shown
strength and determination in rising above significant challenges in his
life when he was a young player growing up in the Seattle area.
Collective Brands said Above the Rim's essence statement is “Elevate Your Game. Elevate Your Team. Elevate Yourself. Above The Rim.” As such, its marketing efforts will involve telling the stories of players that are currently working hard to realize their goals as well as those who have already made significant accomplishments.
“For me, the opportunity to help re-launch a brand that stands for things that are important to me as a player and as a person is unique,” said Webster. “Above The Rim is dedicated to producing the performance product I need on the court and to creating opportunities for the next generation to rise up and realize their own dreams.”
VP of Brand Management for ATR, Eric Dreyer, commented, “Above The Rim has always been a brand that understands players. Understands that it takes toughness, a willingness to sacrifice, and heart to make it both on and off the court. Through his dedication to becoming a better player, his ability to overcome personal challenges when he was young and his willingness to help others, Martell has shown the he embraces these same values. We are excited to be partnering with Martell as we re-launch the brand and look forward to working with him in the years to come.”
In the coming months, ATR expects to announce licensing partnerships and additional athlete endorsements as it readies for a brand re-launch later this year.
Above the Rim is part of Collective Licensing International, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. Formed in January 2004, CLI is the owner and/or license operator of Airwalk(R), Above The Rim(R), Vision Street Wear(R), Clinch Gear(TM), STRIKEFORCE(TM), Sims(R), Lamar(R) and LTD(R), World Snowboarding Championships(TM), genetic(R), Dukes(TM), Rage(R), Ultra-Wheels(R), and Hind(R).
