• by Karl Greenberg , October 16, 2012

Sports marque and Russell Brands division Spalding has signed a number of new licensing deals, the largest of which involves an extensive co-branding program with PIK Products. The program focuses on baseball and softball gear, with the first branded products coming out this month.

The Bowling Green, Ky.-based sports brand's deal with PIK, brokered by licensing firm Dudley, puts the Spalding and PIK trademarks on the latter's batting tees, nets, baseball and softball accessories, pitching machines, and baseball and softball training aids. 

Said Gary Barfield, EVP, Russell Brands, LLC, in a statement: “We see this as an excellent opportunity to grow our presence in a popular and important sporting space.”

Spalding says it plans to distribute PIK Products through baseball specialty accounts, team dealers, sporting goods dealers, mass merchants and e-commerce through PIK and Spalding. The company says the products will range in price from $9.95 for smaller accessories to $189.95 for pitching machines, and be available in both the U.S. and Canada starting this month.

PI -- which has its own licensed and non-licensed line -- began with the Swift Stik, and also has products like Hit-n-Stik, Power Trigger, EZ Tee, and the Power Bandz line. Its products are in collegiate programs.

Spalding has also signed with sports novelty company Gaston NA for branded wastepaper basketball baskets that will be at local drug stores, sporting goods stores and mass retailers across the country this quarter, per the company.

Another deal just launched is with PremiumBag, LLC, a company whose products serve the incentive industry. The deal involves Spalding-branded duffel bags, sports bags, briefcases, backpacks, rolling bags, luggage and other promotional bags for the premium and corporate incentive category. The bags will be marketed as recognition, incentive and promotional gifts, as well as fundraising items.