Pepsi Signs on as Charter Sponsor of Shaq World
New York, NEW YORK, -- June 26, 1996, -- NBA All-Star and U.S. Olympian Shaquille O’Neal is taking his game to cyberspace with an exclusive relationship with SportsLine USA (http://www.sportsline.com). Together, SportsLine USA, Shaq and Management Plus Enterprises have built “Shaq World” (http://www.shaq.com) -- a fully interactive, multimedia universe devoted to the superstar’s diverse talents. The 7’1” center who led his team to the 1996 NBA Eastern Conference Finals unveiled Shaq World today at New York’s All-Star Cafe. Shaquille has also joined SportsLine’s Board of Advisors. Shaq World features the latest audio and video technologies, including Netscape LiveVideo, Netscape Merchant System and Netscape Community System. Shaq will also interact with his fans via email, columns, newsletters and chat. Shaq World is divided into four distinct areas:
B-Ball: A comprehensive look at the National Basketball Association with special emphasis on Shaquille. B-Ball will feature Shaq’s daily diary, NBA scores, guest columnists, fantasy hoops games and chat.
The Shaq Paq: The official online Shaquille O’Neal Fan Club. The Shaq Paq will allow Shaq’s fans to download photos, screen savers and wallpaper. They will also be able to participate in fun contests and many other interactive activities.
The Show: The Show will be dedicated to Shaq’s music, television and film careers. Visitors to The Show will have access to video and audio clips, get exclusive, inside information about his latest projects and check out film and music previews and reviews.
The Shop: By stopping by The Shop, users will have access to Shaquille O’Neal exclusive memorabilia and merchandise -- including Shaq’s own line of clothing, T.W.IsM. Gear. His fans can also pick up their favorite NBA jerseys, caps and other items including Shaq memorabilia from Score Board.
“We are honored that Shaquille has chosen SportsLine USA to make the first free agent move this year,” said SportsLine USA CEO Michael Levy. “His combination of basketball, music and acting talents are unique in the sports and entertainment industries, and Shaq World will fit well with our goal of providing interactive, multimedia sports content for online sports fans.”
The 7-1, 305 pound fourth-year NBA center has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments in his young career including: 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year, four-time All-Star, member of Dream Team II and Dream Team III (which will participate in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta). In addition, he lead the expansion Orlando Magic to their first-ever playoff appearance in just his second season (1993-94), the NBA finals in his third season (1994-95) and the Eastern Conference Finals this year.
Equally impressive is his success off the court. Shaquille has released two hit rap albums, starred opposite Nick Nolte in “Blue Chips,” and stars in Disney’s feature film “Kazaam” (July 17, 1996). He is regarded as the most popular celebrity in sports today, having appeared in numerous commercials. Leonard Armato, Shaq’s agent and CEO of Management Plus, explained, “Shaq’s appeal as a basketball star and multi-media entertainer will provide an excellent range of content that is perfectly suited for the Web.” On his move to join SportsLine USA, O’Neal said, “With this new technology, we will be able to reach people all over the world with Shaq.com. I am excited to go online with basketball fans from around the globe.” Shaq had created a similar Site on the Microsoft Network (MSN) last year. Explained Armato, “We had great feedback from the MSN Site. Now that the focus has moved to creating content for the Web, we are excited to provide a bigger and better Site on SportsLine USA for the larger population that exists on the Web.”
Mike Levy also announced that Pepsi has signed on as a charter sponsor of Shaq World. Pepsi logos and links to Pepsi’s World Wide Web Site, Pepsi World (http://www.pepsi.com), appear throughout the “B-Ball” section of Shaquille’s Site. “Pepsi’s sponsorship of Shaq World is a natural extension of their relationship with Shaquille, and further illustrates the power of the Web as a global marketing tool,” said Levy.
SportsLine USA features more than 65,000 pages of multimedia sports information and entertainment covering all major collegiate and professional sports. The service offers up-to-the-minute scores, information and highlights; proprietary, interactive contests; innovative LIVE! “virtual stadiums”; real-time chat with sports legends; exclusive editorials by award-winning writers; the sports “Sound Center”; Sports Byline USA; and a merchandise and memorabilia mall.
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, SportsLine was founded by Michael Levy in February 1994. In addition to Shaquille, Joe Namath, Mike Schmidt, Arnold Palmer, Jerry Rice, Bill Walton, Keyshawn Johnson, Ron Barr, Mark McCormack and Jack Kemp are SportsLine USA’s spokesmen and advisors. The SportsLine service is available on the World Wide Web through commercial online services or through direct Internet access at http://www.sportsline.com.
For information contact: Bret Werner/Larry Bauman Alan Taylor Communications (212)714-1280 ataylor@ix.netcom.com