Ad Features Marvin Gaye's Legendary Rendition of "The Star
Spangled Banner"
BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 5, 2008--As the USA
Basketball Men's National Team continues on its quest to reclaim hoops
supremacy in international competition in Beijing, Nike (NYSE:NKE) is
set to release a new commercial spot that captures the essence of the
team's selfless play and commitment to the squad's ultimate goal,
Olympic gold.
Set to the score of Marvin Gaye's memorable performance of "The
Star Spangled Banner" at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles,
the spot takes viewers into a USA Basketball team practice and
showcases the collection of star-studded athletes taking part in
basketball drills and scrimmages and ultimately uniting as one team.
"This select group of players are putting aside individual
recognition and instead placing their trust in the US colors and each
other," said Joaquin Hidalgo, Nike Vice President of Global Brand
Marketing. "The story we've created illustrates their commitment to
this team, to winning, and representing their country in Beijing."
Featuring NIKE, Inc. athletes such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James,
Jason Kidd, Carmelo Anthony (Jordan Brand), Chris Paul (Jordan Brand)
and Dwyane Wade (Converse), along with actual footage of Marvin Gaye's
performance of the National Anthem, a two and a half minute version of
the commercial will air on August 5, following the final episode of
"Road To Redemption presented by NIKE" on ESPN2.
In addition to the two and a half minute commercial, a 60-second
and 30-second version of the ad will begin airing nationally August 8.
All versions of the commercial will also be available for viewing at
www.nikebasketball.com. The ads were developed with Wieden+Kennedy
Portland.
Outfitting Team USA
For the Beijing Games, The USA National Basketball teams will wear
a new Nike designed basketball uniform that eliminates 25 centimeters
of material and reduces the weight by 31 percent when compared with
current uniforms. Nike's new uniform also features Nike Aerographics,
an engineered mesh providing zoned cooling that reduces up to half the
yarn, making it more lightweight and breathable. An exclusively
designed "We the People" graphic, inspired by USA's rich history, is
also integrated into the uniform.
In addition to The USA squad's uniform design, several members of
USA Men's National Team, including Kobe Bryant will wear the new USA
Nike Hyperdunk colorway. The Nike Hyperdunk is 18 percent lighter than
the average Nike basketball shoe and is the lightest and strongest
basketball shoe Nike has ever created. The Nike Hyperdunk, which
features Flywire technology, is currently available at retail for a
suggested price of $110.
Media can visit www.nikemedia.com for more information on all of
Nike's innovative products for Beijing as well as information on
Nike's basketball athletes.
About Nike
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading
designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear,
apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and
fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse
Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear,
apparel and accessories; Cole Haan Holdings Incorporated, which
designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories
and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football
(soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets
and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel
and accessories. For more information visit www.nikebiz.com.
USA Basketball
Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA Basketball is a
non-profit organization and the national governing body for men's and
women's basketball in the United States, as recognized by the
International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the United States
Olympic Committee (USOC). USA Basketball is responsible for selecting,
training and fielding USA national teams that compete in FIBA
sponsored international basketball competitions, as well as for some
national competitions. In addition to overseeing the national team
programs, USA Basketball sanctions U.S. basketball team tours of
foreign countries and foreign basketball team tours of the U.S.;
licenses players to play professionally overseas; and oversees the
certification of FIBA and USA Basketball officials and the assignment
of certified FIBA and USA Basketball officials to international
competitions. For more information visit www.usabasketball.com.
CONTACT:
NIKE, Inc.
New York Media Relations,
212-367-4447
SOURCE: NIKE, Inc.