Radica joins the Tiger

Hong Kong-based electronics manufacturer Radica Games has signed off on a licensing agreement with Nike, giving it worldwide rights to produce and market a range of Tiger Woods-branded electronic handheld video games. Radica will release the first wave of the low-priced electronic products that enable consumers to enjoy a virtual game of golf this fall, with more items scheduled to hit stores in early 2000.

AFL charges into toddler couture

The Arena Football League has inked a multi-year licensing deal with sports apparel manufacturer Toddler Tees, granting it the right to produce apparel and accessories for infants and young children. As per the agreement, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based company will have permission to incorporate the logos of the league and all 15 AFL franchises into its merchandise. The products, which are slated for release this year, will be available at specialty sports retailers and all arena concession booths located in AFL member cities.

Bela to be first name in gymnastics

Bela Karoli, the controversial coach of the 1996 U.S. women’s gold medal-winning Olympic gymnastic team, has inked a long-term deal with licensor Leisure Concepts Inc., a subsidiary of New York-based entertainment producer 4Kids Entertainment. LCI will assemble a licensing program that will try to leverage Karoli’s public persona as the guru of women’s gymnastics through a number of product categories, including toys, apparel and gymnastic equipment, for girls in the two to eight age range and women 12 and up.

According to U.S.A. Gymnastics, four million girls participated in gymnastics in the U.S. last year. LCI is in initial discussions with potential licensees, and expects the first wave of Karoli product to hit retail in 2000.