Need a new icebreaker before your next meeting? Look no further. Catch up on the marketing and advertising news you need to know this week.

Zion Williamson’s Endorsement Value Soars

There’s always a silver lining – or maybe a green lining, in this case. Though Zion Williamson blew out his Nike shoe and injured his knee in Duke’s game against North Carolina last week, the freshman superstar will likely profit big-time from the fiasco. Williamson is the projected number one draft pick for the NBA this year and was already primed to sign a multi-million-dollar endorsement deal. Other brands will be looking to jump on their biggest competitor’s mistake and may create a bidding war. Sports marketing professionals say the fall will increase his bid, perhaps setting a record for the largest rookie shoe endorsement in history.

For Nike, signing Williamson is critical for controlling the narrative of this story. If he moves to a different brand, Nike risks branding their shoes as unsafe. Do you think Williamson will stick with Nike or jump ship? Read on here: https://sports.yahoo.com/wouldnt-happened-pumas-now-imperative-nike-land-zion-williamson-220838131.html

Dream Crazier

Speaking of Nike, a rocky week for the sportswear brand ended on a high note with the release of their new “Dream Crazier” ad. During the Oscars on Sunday, Nike debuted their latest commercial, narrated by Serena Williams. It also features a sea of other female athletes, including gymnast Simone Biles, fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad and the US Women’s National Soccer Team. Throughout the ad, Williams introduces negatives portrayals of women in sports and turns them into motivation. She closes with a strong statement: “If they want to call you crazy, fine. Show them what crazy can do.”

“Dream Crazier” follows Nike’s controversial Colin Kaepernick ad from last year, titled “Dream Crazy.” The spot also kicks off Nike’s campaign leading up to the Women’s World Cup this summer. Learn more and watch the ad here: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/25/serena-williams-stars-in-nikes-follow-up-to-colin-kaepernick-advert.html

No Host, No Problem

Despite going host-less this year, ABC’s 91^st Academy Awards successfully sold out every commercial slot during the broadcast. Advertisers included regulars, such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Google, Samsung and Verizon. Some went big, with Walmart airing six 30-second Oscars-themed spots, while others, like Budweiser, featured famous actors to fit the spirit of the event.

The sellout highlights the continued power of Hollywood, despite the program’s host controversy and record-low ratings last year. The Oscars are still the second-most expensive advertising event of the year, after the Super Bowl. Find out more here: https://adage.com/article/media/abc-sells-o/316705/

Don’t Call it a Flip Phone

The most talked-about smartphone of the year has arrived, and no, it’s not an iPhone. Samsung unveiled their first folding phone last week, named the Samsung Galaxy Fold and priced at a cool $1,980. Though the technology in the phone is relatively unproven, the design is a tech junkie’s dream and much flashier than the glass rectangle we’ve become accustomed to.

As the first phone of its kind, the Fold has been promoted as a “status symbol,” and will likely be a success as long as it works well enough and still looks futuristic in person. Check out more details about the phone here: https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/22/18235565/samsung-galaxy-fold-phone-status-symbol-price

Most Innovative Companies 2019

Last week, business and media magazine Fast Company published their list of 2019’s most innovative companies, and the top honorees aren’t the usual suspects you might expect. Chinese tech platform Meituan Dianping, Singapore-based ride share app Grab and the NBA take the top 3 spots. The Walt Disney Company and fashion subscription service Stitch Fix round out the top 4. Check out the list to learn more about all 50 companies: https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2019