Men's Wearhouse Named Title Sponsor of The Experts Network Draft Preview Show Featuring Renowned NFL Analysts Cris Collinsworth, Boomer Esiason, Howie Long, and Phil Simms

HOUSTON, April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Men's Wearhouse founder and CEO George Zimmer proudly announced the company's title sponsorship of The Men's Wearhouse NFL Draft Preview Show.

In partnership with The Experts Network (TXN) and Big Lead Sports, The Men's Wearhouse NFL Draft Preview Show will be the first completely digital program to feature four of the biggest and most respected names in sports broadcasting — Cris Collinsworth, Boomer Esiason, Howie Long, and Phil Simms.

Starting Tuesday, April 26, 2011, and in the days leading up to the NFL draft, more than 19 million sports enthusiasts are expected to tune into the show, which will stream on Big Lead Sports (www.thebiglead.com) with analysts' insights about the draft — complete with sleeper picks and surprises — as well as additional insight provided by Big Lead Sports' Jason McIntyre.

"Partnering with a prestigious brand like Men's Wearhouse is a confirmation of the value of TXN Sports and its team of experts," said Frank Vuono, Partner, 16W Marketing. "This partnership unites two things guys are very passionate about: sports and style. Guys turn to Men's Wearhouse for expert style advice and can now turn to TXN Sports for expert sports advice."

"As the leading online independent sports property, we are thrilled to partner with a category leader such as Men's Wearhouse to give consumers fresh and independent content about the timely topics they care about most," said Chris Russo, CEO, Big Lead Sports. "The draft event will feature some of the biggest names in football in a very unique online setting, which will engage and reach a large number of sports fans anytime, anywhere in the days leading up to the draft."

In addition to sharing their insights in what likely will be one of the deepest drafts in history, these sports legends will also join Men's Wearhouse in the "pre-season kickoff" of its fourth annual National Suit Drive, the country's largest collection of business attire. By being the first to donate suits of their own to the cause, these award-winning former champions will help unemployed men across the country turn a secondhand suit into a second chance before the official month-long collection period in August.

"We are confident that hosting The Men's Wearhouse NFL Draft Preview Show will resonate well with our target audience as well as introduce our brand to new customers," said George Zimmer, Men's Wearhouse founder and CEO. "We applaud Cris Collinsworth, Boomer Esiason, Howie Long, and Phil Simms — men who are 'Big and Tall' in stature, sports, business, and philanthropy — and we are honored to align our brand with these aspirational role models."

The title sponsorship includes editorial content integration, high-impact media, and a branded "ask the experts" interactive feature that engages fans in the NFL draft social conversation.

Earlier this month, Collinsworth, Esiason, Long, and Simms, along with legendary PGA golfer Nick Faldo and MLB all-star Cal Ripken Jr., announced the launch of TXNSports.com, a digital, licensing, and sponsor-integration group directed by 16W Marketing.

About Men's Wearhouse

Since it was founded in 1973, Men's Wearhouse has become one of the largest specialty retailers of men's apparel in the country, with more than 900 stores carrying a full selection of designer and private-label suits, sport coats, casualwear, and accessories. Today, The Men's Wearhouse, Inc. family of companies includes Men's Wearhouse, MW Cleaners, K&G Fashion Superstore, TwinHill Corporate Apparel, and Moores Clothing for Men in Canada, making it one of North America's leading providers of quality and value in both apparel and apparel care. In addition, Men's Wearhouse also operates in a global corporate apparel and workwear group consisting of Dimensions and Alexandra in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please visit the company's website at www.menswearhouse.com.

About Big Lead Sports

Founded as Fantasy Sports Ventures in October, 2006, Big Lead Sports (BLS) is an integrated marketing and media company with a focus on digital/fantasy sports. BLS brings together leading independent voices across all major sports on BigLeadSports.com. The company reaches more than 19 million+ users per month and is the leading independent digital sports property (not owned by a major media company or sports league). Leveraging its large, highly engaged audience, BLS develops custom marketing and media campaigns for leading national advertisers. The campaigns combine traditional online media with custom games, content modules, widgets, and other interactive features that highlight the advertiser's brand. Chris Russo, the former head of the NFL's New Media Division, is the founder and CEO of BLS.

Collinsworth is the Emmy Award-winning analyst and the lead analyst of NBC Sports' Sunday Night Football and contributor to Showtime's Inside the NFL. Esiason is an analyst for CBS Sports' NFL Today and the co-host of Boomer and Carton on WFAN NY. He is also the lead analyst of Monday Night Football on Westwood One Radio Network. Faldo is the lead analyst of golf for CBS Sports and The Golf Channel. Long is a lead analyst for NFL on FOX pre game show. Cal Ripken Jr. is an analyst for MLB on the Turner and Sirius radio network. Simms is the lead analyst for the NFL on CBS and a contributor to Inside the NFL on Showtime.  

About 16W Marketing, LLC

16W Marketing, LLC, led by partners Frank Vuono and Steve Rosner, is a full-service sports marketing company utilizing a completely integrated approach in the development of client programs. 16W specializes in athlete/celebrity marketing, corporate sponsorship, broadcast negotiations, special events, corporate hospitality, stadium development, venue entitlement, and online/e-commerce solutions. In addition to representing some of the top sports personalities of all time, including Howie Long, Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms, Cris Collinsworth, Cal Ripken Jr., and Nick Faldo, 16W Marketing also provides marketing consultation to the New York Giants, The Experts Network (TXN), the NFL Alumni Association (NFLA), FieldTurf, First Aviation, and Thee Mike.

SOURCE Men's Wearhouse