NFL Players, Inc. Partners With Playmark to Launch New Licensing Platform

Playmark Enables Businesses To Access The Official Rights Of More Than 2,000 NFL Players

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NFL Players, Inc. (NFL PLAYERS), the for-profit subsidiary of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), and Playmark today announced an exclusive partnership to bring businesses and entrepreneurs unprecedented access to the official licensing rights of NFL players.

"Our partnership with Playmark makes it possible for thousands of app and game developers, independent artists, agencies and businesses of all sizes to gain immediate access to the intellectual property rights of NFL players," said Keith Gordon, president of NFL PLAYERS. "Our players can't wait to see what today's creative designers and developers can dream up."

Playmark's web-based access via www.Playmark.com and streamlined licensing process is the fastest way for product developers and designers to obtain the official rights of NFL players.  

"We're extremely proud to partner with the players of the NFL," said George Aposporos, Playmark CEO. "By bringing the star power of NFL players to growth markets like mobile apps, casual and social games, and on-demand merchandise, we enable new businesses to be instantly recognizable to millions of NFL football fans."

Playmark will provide prospective licensees with access to the official rights of more than 2,000 NFL players, including name, jersey number, likeness, photographs, illustrations and digital autographs of each player. Independent artists, designers and developers that join Playmark can earn royalties when the assets they contribute get licensed for use in new digital products, apparel or other licensed merchandise.

"Playmark will allow for companies to create and promote their products by leveraging our marketing power," said Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen. "I hope to see my name and image on all sorts of cool products."

NFL PLAYERS' groundbreaking approach changes traditional licensing by democratizing access and eliminating upfront fees. The Playmark platform also simplifies the entire licensing process, from fast web-based approvals to automatic reporting.

"As an early-stage startup, we never expected to obtain license rights to more than 2,000 NFL players to be so fast and easy," said Jeremy Levine, CEO of StarStreet.com. "Within days of applying for a license, we were using digital assets from NFL players within our product to increase user engagement and conversion."

ABOUT PLAYMARK

A startup based in Seattle, Playmark is the fastest way to get an official deal with the biggest names in professional sports. Starting with the exclusive rights to more than 2,000 NFL players, Playmark enables every designer, developer and marketer with a creative idea to build officially licensed products, apps, games and more. Playmark eliminates upfront fees and legal hurdles, making it easy for any entrepreneur or business to join the "Athlete Economy." Visit www.Playmark.com to learn more.

ABOUT NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYERS INC.

Formed in 1994, National Football League Players Inc. (NFL PLAYERS) is the exclusive licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. Representing more than 2,000 active and many memorable former NFL players, NFL PLAYERS "takes the helmets off" the players and facilitates the marketing of them as personalities as well as professional athletes. Through a sponsorship agreement between the organization and the NFL, players are integrated into NFL sponsor activation programs. In addition, NFLPlayers.com, the company's official website, is part of the NFL Internet Network. Each year, NFL PLAYERS negotiates and facilitates extensive player marketing opportunities for players. NFL PLAYERS activities include retail licensing, corporate sponsorships and promotions, special events, radio and television projects, publishing and Internet. For more information, visit www.NFLPlayers.com.

SOURCE NFL Players, Inc.