The NFL announced yesterday that it does not plan to renew its $6 million-a-year sponsorship deal with Levitra and that it has no interest in signing on with Cialis, Viagra or any other erectile-enhancing product.
Its stated reason: a fear that television commercials for the pills may someday get too risqué for young viewers.
“The ads shifted from men’s health to a performance, lifestyle issue,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy explained.
But industry insiders say the NFL’s rejection is really all about money and is being spun to boost a wholesome image ahead of the Feb. 5 Super Bowl.
The deal allowing Levitra to use the NFL logo promotionally expires in March. ABC and Levitra wouldn’t say whether a Levitra spot would air during the Super Bowl. Ads for Levitra and other sex-boosting pills are controlled by network censors, not the NFL.
Meanwhile, Major League Baseball said it had no plans to drop its deal with Viagra, which sponsors the Comeback Player of the Year Award, and the Professional Golf Association said it intends to keep its Cialis sponsorship. (p. 3 Metro)