SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star Set to Headline Factor-Sponsored Team Bikes at the Tour de France Femmes

Human Powered Health and Ma Petite Entreprise will race Factor Ones featuring graphics inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star.

(Image credit: Factor)

Factor has revealed two custom Factor One aero race bikes for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift decked out in graphics inspired by Nickelodeon's beloved animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants.

The SpongeBob SquarePants bike in all its glory (Image credit: HumanPoweredHealth)

Human Powered Health will ride the yellow-and-blue One XXRAY Plus SpongeBob SquarePants Edition, featuring the hit show's eponymous sea sponge on the radical aero bike's deep fork leg. Ma Petite Entreprise will race the One XXRAY PLUS Patrick Star Edition in pink and purple. A graphic of SpongeBob's best friend Patrick, a starfish, runs down the fork.

The Patrick Star version of the bike (Image credit: Factor)

Nods to the animated series' setting in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom, such as starfish symbols, cover the vibrant colourways of both bikes. Factor wanted to liven up the looks of its bikes ahead of the fifth Tour de France Femmes, which starts on Saturday 1 August in Lausanne, Switzerland.

A SpongeBob SquarePants logo adorns the seattube (Image credit: HumanPoweredHealth)

David Millar, Factor's chief brand officer, said: "The reason for doing it was to create an unexpected meeting of two worlds. The One is Factor’s most advanced aero race platform, developed for performance at the highest level, while SpongeBob, Patrick and the XXRAY concept bring optimism, personality and playfulness.

"Putting them together shows that a cutting-edge race bike can be technically serious without being visually predictable, and that elite cycling still has room for creativity, culture and fun."

Human Powered Health will ride the bikes at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (Image credit: HumanPoweredHealth)

The graphics are the artwork of Jason Freeny, who designs the XXRAY pop culture collection. The former professional cyclist said the One's large surface area helped Factor's global creative director Jay Gundzik translate Freeny's artwork onto the bikes.

"The One's broad, sculpted aerodynamic surfaces gave him an unusually large canvas, allowing the characters to appear at a scale and with an impact that would not be possible on a more conventional frame," added Millar. "Rather than simply adding small graphics, Jay was able to make the artwork part of the bike’s overall visual presence."

Spongey handlebars for the win (Image credit: HumanPoweredHealth)

Human Powered Health, a WorldTour team based in the United States, and Ma Petite Entreprise, a French ProTeam outfit, are both sponsored by SRAM, so will ride the brand's Red AXS groupset and Black Inc 62 wheels from Factor's in-house component brand.

As unlikely as the partnership may seem, it's not the first time we've seen SpongeBob in cycling. Fashion brand Supreme released a SpongeBob range of jerseys and bib shorts with Castelli in 2025.

(Image credit: Factor)

Factor has a history of collaborations, too. It launched an exclusive version of its aero bike called the Bugatti Factor One, which features an even deeper, vented fork harnessing Bugatti's motorsport know-how. At this year's Paris-Roubaix, some riders from Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, an American UCI Pro Team, and Human Powered Health raced a Factor Monza with graphics designed by Belgian artist Vexx.

(Image credit: Factor)

The limited range is made up of two paint jobs (Image credit: Factor)

Factor says it will sell a limited run of both SpongeBob SquarePants bike designs online and through official dealers.

For more information, visit https://factorbikes.com/bikes/factor-one-spongebob-edition-2026

From the official Factor Newsroom:

JUL 31, 2026

Factor & SpongeBob SquarePants go racing at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift

The playful side of performance

Something that bike racing fans have always appreciated about their sport is the easy access to their heroes they’ve historically enjoyed. Whether watching roadside as the riders fly past in the race, or wandering through the pre-stage or finish line paddock, cycling fans have uniquely had direct access to the biggest names in the sport. At least, that’s how it used to be. More and more among the professional men’s races and the Tour de France in particular, access is being cut back team buses and rider areas are put far behind gated areas, where even accredited reporters sometimes have difficulty reaching, let alone a family taking a day out to enjoy the ambiance of a big cycling race coming through their town.

That is part of what makes the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift feel distinctive. The racing is uncompromising: the pressure, speed, risk, and physical demands that belong to the highest level of the sport. Yet around the race, the atmosphere feels remarkably open.

Families gather close to the action. Teams and riders feel visible. There is curiosity as well as intensity, and a sense that the event is still inviting new people to discover what makes professional cycling compelling. It retains something fundamental about the sport: the idea that the world’s best racing can pass through a town and briefly belong to everyone standing beside the road.

After experiencing that atmosphere over recent editions, Factor wanted to contribute to it - and help carry it beyond cycling’s established audience.

The Factor ONE represents the outer edge of UCI-legal road performance. Its engineering is exacting, its appearance purposeful, and its capabilities designed for the most demanding racing in the world. For some, a machine of that level can also feel distant or intimidating.

SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star create an unexpected point of entry. Their familiarity, optimism, and humour do not diminish the seriousness of the bike or the race. They make both easier to approach. They give someone who may know nothing about aerodynamics, geometry, or WorldTour racing a reason to stop, look, and begin a conversation.

That is the purpose of this collaboration: to bring precision and playfulness together at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, attract attention from beyond the traditional cycling world, and show that the pinnacle of performance can still feel open, expressive, and full of joy.

Reflecting that vibe and wanting to amplify the effect, Factor has joined forces with XXRAY from the Mighty Jaxx design studio to create two designs for the Factor ONE that will be raced by two Factor-sponsored teams at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, Human Powered Health and Ma Petite Entreprise. In addition to that, Factor will also have the pleasure of the company of Team Amani’s Xaverine Nirere and Mary Aleper, who will spend the last few stages with us and Human Powered Health. They have also entered l’Étape du Tour, to give them a firsthand experience of racing over some of the most historic French cols and have the incredible experience of the French fans supporting every pedal stroke.

Engineered for the Deep End

The Factor collaboration with Mighty Jaxx XXRAY has resulted in two distinctive graphic designs for the ONE. The Factor ONE XXRAY PLUS SpongeBob SquarePants Edition and the Factor ONE XXRAY PLUS Patrick Star Edition. XXRAY has become famous for a series of dissected or anatomical figurine lines that use famous characters to give a below -the-skin internal view. The SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick designs offer a playful look into two of the most famous pop culture characters in the world.

Blending elite-level engineering with unmistakable characters and creativity, the ONE XXRAY PLUS SpongeBob SquarePants Edition and the ONE XXRAY PLUS Patrick Star Edition are where performance meets play. The collaboration combines Factor’s engineering-first ethos with the optimism, energy, and undeniable personality of XXRAY’s playful look beneath the surface of SpongeBob and Patrick.

The custom graphics for the Factor ONE transform the brand’s elite, race-proven chassis into a rolling piece of pop culture. Vibrant SpongeBob-inspired artwork brings energy and personality to the peloton while preserving the control, aerodynamic efficiency, and handling demanded at the highest level of competition.

Welcoming intro to the WorldTour

The special editions will race at cycling’s most prestigious Women’s WorldTour event, bringing a bold visual statement to the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and reflecting the growing influence of creativity, craftsmanship, and self-expression within the sport.

The Factor ONE is the most advanced aero racing bike in the professional peloton. For these unique editions, Factor paired cutting-edge engineering with a visual identity inspired by SpongeBob’s iconic underwater world, a celebration of the craftsmanship of the two brands, which are known for pushing creative and technical boundaries.

Factor ONE XXRAY PLUS SpongeBob SquarePants Edition DS45 - Studio Shot, no background 

Racing aboard these very special editions, Human Powered Health, and Ma Petite Entreprise highlight a shared belief that modern cycling can embrace both elite performance and cultural relevance. By bringing the imagery of Bikini Bottom to the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, the project aims to connect with new audiences and celebrate the sport by connecting to these familiar characters in a new and vibrant way.

See you roadside

The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift takes place from Saturday, August 1st to Sunday, August 9th. With a Grand Départ taking place in Lausanne, Switzerland, the 2026 stages promise to be as breathtakingly beautiful as they will be difficult. This edition marks the first time that the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will scale Mont Ventoux, perhaps the most revered climb in France.

The route will also include an individual time trial for the first time as well as a showpiece final stage in Nice, France, which will feature four ascents of the Col d'Èze. As the longest Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift to date, with the most elevation gain, this promises to be a key event on the women’s WorldTour calendar and Factor is proud to be supporting our teams while highlighting the welcoming inclusivity of the women’s peloton.

If you plan on being roadside along the route, be sure to find the Factor team since we will have some cool swag and freebies to give away each day.

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From Velo:

SpongeBob Meets Superbike: Factor Debuts a Unique Aero Frame at the Tour de France Femmes

The brand returns to the professional peloton with an unexpected Mighty Jaxx collaboration, pairing its most advanced aero chassis with an anatomical cartoon livery.

Starting today, you can make the Factor One stand out even more. A SpongeBob SquarePants version of the bike is now available for sale on the Factor website. You will also be able to see two versions of the bike race at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

As the Femmes starts, you will see a Mighty Jaxx XXRAY Plus interpretation of the yellow and blue SpongeBob SquarePants character ridden by Human Powered Health. You will also see a Patrick Star variation featuring a purple, red, and pink fade ridden by Ma Petite Entreprise.

It is a big departure from the men’s Tour de France, where Factor was without a sponsored team this season. That absence left the brand without an opportunity to validate what it describes as its most advanced aero racing bike in the professional peloton. Now, that validation is set to play out in the women’s race, though some might question the choice to decorate the bikes of the fastest women in the world with cartoon characters. According to Factor, “The reason for doing it was to create an unexpected meeting of two worlds,” while David Millar, Factor Chief Brand Officer, stated, “Super bikes don’t have to be monochrome to be fast.”

The design itself comes from Mighty Jaxx, and the XXRAY Plus concept translates clearly onto the bikes. Mighty Jaxx is the brainchild of Jackson Aw, an entrepreneur and avid toy collector who launched his own line of collectibles in 2012. Today, the brand works with official licenses from major global companies and collaborates with artists like Jason Freeny. It is Freeny’s signature anatomical style that drives the XXRAY Plus design, imagining SpongeBob and Patrick Star as if partially seen without skin. Both bikes utilize the extensive surface area of the aero-optimized Factor One to display each side of the character on a single fork leg.

It’s clever, and the result is a bike that was already likely to stop people in their tracks becoming even more unique. Sadly for fans of Patrick Star, it appears that only the yellow and blue SpongeBob edition is currently available for sale.

Pricing and Availability

There is a small upcharge for this special edition. An extra $300 on a bike that starts at $7,599 provides a highly unique finish. Buyers can start with a chassis (frameset including cockpit and seatpost) or select from any of the standard build options Factor offers for the Factor One. For more details and to purchase, visit the Factor website.

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More Nick: Paramount and Nickelodeon Announce Launch of 'SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change', A New Global Ocean Conservation and Sustainability Initiative!

SpongeBob Big Guy Pants Okay.

Source: Cycling Weekly.

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Fast In Black & Yellow: Pluto TV and Borussia Dortmund Announce Global Partnership

FAST IN BLACK & YELLOW: PLUTO TV AND BORUSSIA DORTMUND ANNOUNCE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP

The global leader in free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) will be BVB’s new sleeve sponsor across all cup competitions as well as for the BVB women’s team, and launch first FAST channel dedicated to BVB on Pluto TV globally

Dortmund: September 18, 2024 - Pluto TV and Borussia Dortmund today announced an extensive partnership that will see the global leader in free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) and Germany’s iconic football club from Bundesliga work together across BVB content for fans, including a dedicated 24h channel distributed across the world and marketing activities.

As part of the agreement, the Pluto TV logo will be visible on the sleeves of the BVB men’s team in all cup competitions of the 24/25 season, including the UEFA Champions League, where the Pluto TV logo will debut at tonight’s match, the DFB-Pokal and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Pluto TV will also become a Premium Partner supporting BVB’s women’s team which includes sleeve branding across all competitions. The partnership also extends to Pluto TV logo branding across all BVB Bundesliga home matches as well as for BVB’s eFootball team.

In addition, Pluto TV will launch a curated FAST channel dedicated to the football club. The new FAST channel will be available for free across all of Pluto TV’s global markets, bringing to football fans content dedicated to BVB, including interesting, exciting and fun content as well as full match replays of current and historic BVB matches. The FAST channel will be available across all global markets where Pluto TV has a presence, including the US, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the UK, Nordics, Italy, France, Spain, Canada, Latin America, Brazil, and Australia, among others.

Olivier Jollet, EVP & International GM for Pluto TV: “Pluto TV and Borussia Dortmund are a match made in football heaven. Our new global partnership unites two teams that give their all for black & yellow, significantly boosting Pluto TV’s brand awareness worldwide. With the launch of Borussia Dortmund FAST channel on Pluto TV, we will combine our passion for sports with our curated content model to captivate fans. Football is more than just the 90 minutes on the pitch, and through this collaboration with a club that has made significant contributions to the sport's history, we aim to showcase the very best of this world."

Carsten Cramer, Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund, said: ‘Partnering with Pluto TV, a member of the Paramount Global family, provides us with an innovative platform that enhances our presence across international markets, reaches new target audiences, and strengthening our connection with local fans. Pluto TV’s commitment also includes the BVB women’s and eFootball teams, aligning seamlessly with our holistic approach.”

-ENDS-

About Pluto TV

Pluto TV, a Paramount Company, is the leading free streaming television service delivering hundreds of live linear channels and thousands of titles on-demand to a global audience. The Emmy ® award-winning service curates a diverse lineup of channels, in partnership with over 400 international media companies, offering a wide array of genres, languages and categories featuring movies, television series, sports, news, lifestyle, kids and much more. Pluto TV can be easily accessed and streamed across mobile, web and connected TV devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Pluto TV’s growing international footprint extends across four continents and over 35 markets.

Stream now. Pay never: http://pluto.tv

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Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favourites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: September 19, 2024.

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Paramount Consumer Products to Sponsor Press Center at Toy Fair 2023

Paramount Consumer Products to Sponsor Press Center at Toy Fair® 2023

NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2023 -- The Toy Association™ has announced that Paramount Consumer Products, which oversees all merchandising and related licensing for Paramount, a leading global media and entertainment company, will be the official sponsor of the Press Center at Toy Fair® 2023, taking place September 30 to October 3 in New York City. 

"Toy Fair is expected to welcome 1,000 members of the global media to report on the latest trends and innovations across toys, play, and youth entertainment," said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association, producer of Toy Fair. "As a leading global entertainment company and a household name, Paramount Consumer Products' sponsorship of the show's Press Center underscores the excitement building for Toy Fair, as the toy community prepares to unveil the hottest products, trends, partnerships, and innovations at the nearly sold-out show!"

"We are thrilled to be sponsoring the Press Center at this year's Toy Fair," said Dion Vlachos, Executive Vice President, Licensing and Retail, Consumer Products & Experiences, Paramount. "The Toy Association and Toy Fair are pillars of our industry, and we're proud to be a part of this important event that brings so many in our business together."

After a three-year hiatus, Toy Fair 2023 is a highly anticipated event for the global toy community. Ninety-eight percent of exhibit space is currently sold out and tens of thousands of attendees from around the world are expected to be there. The show will unveil hundreds of thousands of toys and games across new pavilions and showcases, offer best-in-class education and networking, provide ample opportunities to discover the hottest toys of the holidays and see select previews of what's coming for 2024, and so much more.

Visit www.ToyFairNY.com to register and to learn more.

About The Toy Association™ www.toyassociation.org / www.thegeniusofplay.org / www.playsafe.org 

Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $102.4 billion, and is the nation's most effective resource and influential advocate for hundreds of companies including manufacturers, retailers, licensors, and others who are involved in the youth entertainment industry. Toy Association manufacturing members account for 93% of U.S. toy and game sales driving the annual $40 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry's voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair®; advocates on behalf of members around the world; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America's widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard.

About Paramount Consumer Products

Paramount Consumer Products oversees all licensing and merchandising for Paramount (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, Paramount Consumer Products' portfolio includes a diverse slate of brands and content from BET, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution), Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and SHOWTIME®. With properties spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult, Paramount Consumer Products is committed to creating the highest quality product for some of the world's most beloved, iconic franchises. To view our range of consumer products and Paramount branded apparel, visit ParamountShop.com.

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Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: August 22, 2023.

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14th Annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk Aims to Raise Another $2.5 Million for Kids

14th Annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk Aims to Raise Another $2.5 Million for Kids

Multi-Year Presenting Sponsor Kinecta Federal Credit Union will Return with Celebrities Brooke Burke, Sugar Ray Leonard, Amanda Kloots and Dani Bowman to Raise Funds for Children with Varying Abilities, Schools and Scholarships

LOS ANGELES--Oct. 20, 2022--The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, presented by Kinecta Federal Credit Union, has announced a $2.5 million fundraising goal for a second year in a row—funds that will directly support youth with varying abilities, schools and the Skechers Foundation’s national scholarship program. Supported by Kinecta and more than 100 companies, the annual event will feature live performances, celebrities and athletic icons including Brooke Burke, Sugar Ray Leonard, Amanda Kloots and Dani Bowman, who will join thousands of walkers in support of children.

“Since 2009, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk has created new ways that we can nurture our kids—and it’s done it in one of the most joyous ways imaginable: as an annual celebration for families,” said Michael Greenberg, founder of the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. “Many of our Walk’s children are supported by parents, friends and neighbors who come together in person and online to celebrate them every fall. And with each passing season, there are new milestones—from students’ achievements in classes and life-changing college scholarships to our recent groundbreaking of our world class Friendship Campus, which will educate and inspire youth with varying abilities, offer them college-based learning and show them how they can be part of our community for the rest of their lives. The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk isn’t just the biggest event in California for these children’s causes, it’s one of its most ambitious—and our donation goals and investment in our kids this year is no exception.”

Skechers President Michael Greenberg and Friendship Foundation member Jacob celebrate the 2021 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk in Manhattan Beach, CA.

“As a mom, I’m thrilled to take part in an event that is passionate about our kids and committed to changing lives,” added Amanda Kloots, co-host of The Talk and fitness entrepreneur. “Whether you’re a child with unique abilities who wants to celebrate your birthday with friends, a student in search of your true passion or a high school student who dreams of going to college, it means everything to have people believe in you—and that’s what this beautiful day is all about.”

Donations from the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk support The Friendship Foundation and education foundations for public schools. In addition to the Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family / Skechers Center), the Friendship Foundation offers children with developmental disabilities one-on-one peer visits and social recreational activities, from online gatherings to summer camps, sporting event outings and classes such as music, yoga, cooking, art and drama. The event also helps enhance schools, reduces class sizes, updates labs, libraries and facilities and protects teachers’ jobs. The Skechers Foundation’s national scholarship program gives a portion of its proceeds to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics and leadership, and has donated nearly $1 million in scholarships to date.

“The Walk is a truly special event, and we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to partner with Skechers and participate as its Presenting Sponsor,” said Keith Sultemeier, president and chief executive officer of Kinecta. “We’ve served the South Bay community for over 80 years. Time and again, we’ve seen our community come together to find solutions to complex problems. The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk is a great example. It has been instrumental in funding quality education and emotional enrichment for children with varying abilities and challenges, helping and encouraging them to reach their full potential.”

Historically one of California’s largest events for children with developmental disabilities and education, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk has raised nearly $18 million, including $2.6 million in 2021, for public schools, scholarships and the Friendship Foundation—and up to 17,000 support the event as registrants and walkers.

Featuring a cast of performers including Young Selena singer and America’s Got Talent golden buzzer winner Madison Taylor Baez, the Walk is supported virtually worldwide by celebrities and legendary athletes such as Clayton Kershaw, Tony Romo and Brooke Henderson, as well as numerous YouTube and Disney network stars.

Walkers can register in person at the event, sign up online at skechersfriendshipwalk.com and live stream the 14th annual Walk at the site on Sunday, October 30th at 9am PST. Participants can also follow the event on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

In addition to Presenting Sponsor Kinecta Federal Credit Union, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks all of its sponsors, including Nickelodeon, Los Angeles Chargers, Dakine, Los Angeles Kings, Bank of America, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Rare Beauty, Los Angeles Angels, Vertra, WSS, Steel Sports, Academy Sports & Outdoors, United Legwear & Apparel, CET Foundation, Chevron, Ross Stores, Continental Development, McCarthy Building Companies, Petco Foundation, Turkish Airlines, MBS Group, Moose Toys and many more companies who are committed to making a difference in the lives of our children.

About Skechers Foundation

Established in 2010 to help children in need, the Skechers Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities to ensure the health, success and well-being of youth worldwide. We invest in a global network of charitable organizations dedicated to embracing individuals with diverse abilities, improving education, empowering disadvantaged families and providing humanitarian, disaster and economic relief. By supporting millions through our products and services, we aspire to make a valiant effort in creating stronger, self-sufficient individuals for future generations.

About Skechers USA, Inc.

Skechers USA, Inc. (NYSE:SKX), The Comfort Technology Company™, based in Southern California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The Company’s collections are available in over 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through digital stores and 4,355 Company- and third-party-owned physical retail stores. The Company manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

About Kinecta Federal Credit Union

Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California Kinecta Federal Credit Union is the country's 35th largest credit union, with assets of $6.6 billion and more than 270,000 member-owners from coast to coast. Banking the Southern California area for more than 80 years, with additional branches in New York, New Jersey, Northern California and Florida, Kinecta offers its members a full range of financial products from banking, lending and insurance to wealth management services. Kinecta has been recognized by the Mortgage Bankers Association as a recipient of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Residential Leadership Award, and received the Best of Show award granted by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Technology Council. Forbes awarded Kinecta as a top-ranked credit union in California on its America's Best Credit Unions in Each State 2022 List. Daily Breeze readers have named Kinecta a top credit union for the past 12 years in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Kinecta has 32 locations and its members can use a network of more than 5,800 shared branches and access over 85,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. For more information on Kinecta, visit the website and LinkedIn.

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Update (12/20) - The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk announced that its 14th annual event raised more than $3 million this year for children with varying abilities, schools and scholarships—a new record that has helped the Walk surpass $21 million in funds raised to date. With more than 19,000 participants, the event was supported by Presenting Sponsor Kinecta Federal Credit Union and over 100 other generous businesses and partners, along with appearances by Dani Bowman, Brooke Burke, Amanda Kloots and Sugar Ray Leonard, plus live performances by talents including Young Selena singer and America’s Got Talent golden buzzer winner Madison Taylor Baez.

“It’s incredible that our event has grown from raising $220,000 at our first Walk to passing the $21 million mark this year,” said Michael Greenberg, co-founder of the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. “These funds have and will continue to impact and transform the lives of children of all ages and abilities, both in their classroom and at the upcoming Friendship Campus, which will educate and inspire neurodivergent youth, offer them vocational and life-skills training and encourage them to become active participants in their community. I am so deeply grateful for Kinecta, our generous sponsors, celebrities, volunteers and all of our beach and virtual walkers. Thanks to their years of support, we’re enriching our children academically, physically and emotionally more than we ever have—and we’re giving them the tools to succeed that will stay with them their entire lives.”

“This Walk means so much to me,” added Love on the Spectrum star and Danimation entrepreneur Dani Bowman, who has autism. “Thanks to the support of my family and community, I’ve been able to pursue so many opportunities like my show, starting my animation business, teaching students—I know that the sky’s the limit. So many kids with different abilities can do this and more when given love, support and confidence—and this event, the Friendship Foundation and Friendship Campus all celebrate our beautiful community and the amazing things that can happen when we’re supported. Not just for us personally, but what we can also give back to the world around us.”

Historically California’s largest event for children with varying abilities and education, the 3.5-mile Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk supports The Friendship Foundation’s future Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family / Skechers Center) and the Friendship Foundation which offers children with varying abilities a wide range of activities, including one-on-one peer visits and social recreational activities, online gatherings, summer camps, sporting event outings and classes such as music, yoga, cooking, art and drama.

In addition, the Walk contributes to public school education foundations—helping to reduce class sizes; provide counseling and support; maintain classes in the arts, STEM, reading and physical education; and update labs, libraries and facilities. The Skechers Foundation’s National Scholarship program will also donate a portion of the proceeds to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics and leadership, and has donated nearly $1 million in scholarships to date.

The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks its Presenting Sponsor Kinecta Federal Credit Union and all of its generous sponsors, including Nickelodeon, Los Angeles Chargers, Dakine, Los Angeles Kings, Bank of America, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Rare Beauty, Los Angeles Angels, Vertra, WSS, Steel Sports, Academy Sports & Outdoors, United Legwear & Apparel, CET Foundation, Chevron, Ross Stores, Continental Development, McCarthy Building Companies, Petco Love, Turkish Airlines, MBS Group, Moose Toys and many more companies who are committed to making a difference in the lives of our children.

To watch this year’s Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and learn more about the event, please visit skechersfriendshipwalk.com or YouTube, and follow the Walk on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

More Nick: Nickelodeon Supercharges Its Franchise Strategy With Steady Stream of New Premium Content for 2022-23 Season!

Originally published: October 24, 2022.

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Nickelodeon Italy and SpongeBob to Sponsor Milanosport Campuses 2021

Milanosport has announced the sponge-tastic news that Nickelodeon Italy (Italia) is once again one of the sponsors of this year's Milanosport Campuses which, like every year, offers many activities designed for kids who want to have fun whilst playing outdoors in the city whilst learning the fundamental values of sport! The news follows Nick and Milanosport partnering for Milanosport Campuses in 2020. As part of Milanosport Campuses in 2020. Thanks to this collaboration, each member will be provided with the Milanosport Campus 2021 t-shirt, mostly dedicated to SpongeBob SquarePants.

From Affaritaliani.it:

Oltre 2mila famiglie hanno scelto i Campus 2021 di Milanosport

Sono partiti i Campus Milanosport per bambini e ragazzi nei centri Iseo, Lido e Saini, che come ogni anno, animeranno l’estate con tanto sport e divertimento

Sono partiti il 14 giugno i Campus Milanosport per bambini e ragazzi nei centri Iseo, Lido e Saini, che come ogni anno, animeranno l’estate con tanto sport e divertimento

I Campus sono uno dei momenti più attesi dell’estate dei piccoli milanesi, e per il secondo anno consecutivo sono anche l’occasione per tornare a stare insieme in totale sicurezza, e sono oltre 2.000 le famiglie che hanno scelto di trascorrere parte della bella stagione nei centri Milanosport.Per l’edizione 2021, come sempre, si stanno organizzando al meglio le attività, sempre con grande attenzione alle regole, salvaguardando il più possibile il divertimento dei piccoli ospiti.

La vita sociale dei Campus sarà divisa in piccoli gruppi. Si potrà scegliere tra due fasce in ingresso e uscita per contingentare gli ingressi ed evitare assembramenti: 8.30-17.30 e 9-18, dal lunedì al venerdì e non vi saranno interruzioni sino al termine della stagione, proprio per venire incontro alle esigenze di tante famiglie.

Il punto fermo dei Campus restano le tante attività organizzate per animare la giornata dei bimbi e imparare i valori fondamentali dello sport., giornate piene quindi, anche grazie a Nickelodeon, il brand di ViacomCBS Networks Italia dedicato a bambini e famiglie, e SpongeBob, la property amata da tutti, che, per il secondo anno consecutivo rinnovano la partnership con Milanosport

Per tutti gli iscritti verrà messa a disposizione la maglietta 2021 in gran parte dedicata a SpongeBob. Ci saranno tante altre sorprese e attività legate al cartone in serbo durante tutta l’estate.

 

Nickelodeon è il canale del divertimento, dell’allegria, della risata sana e dirompente, dell’imprevedibilità e dell’innovazione, senza dimenticare i valori dell’amicizia, della condivisione e dello sport.  In Italia è presente in esclusiva su Sky (canale 605), tra le serie di maggior successo ci sono prodotti trasversali e intramontabili come SpongeBob, la spugna gialla che vive in fondo al mare di Bikini Bottom. Personaggio amato da tutte le generazioni con una fanbase a livello mondiale di oltre 51milioni di follower sulla pagina facebook dedicata. I bambini vivono SpongeBob come un personaggio divertente ed affidabile, capace di creare una relazione positiva con chiunque lo incontri.

Per partecipare ai Campus ci si può iscrivere direttamente sul sito milanosport.it. Tutte le info e i dettagli sono sul sito e sulle pagine social di Milanosport.

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Di Più Nick: Live Company Group Takes BRICKLIVE Nick Jr. Exhibit to Italy!

Originally published: July 27, 2021.

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IMC Toys Extends Content Partnership with Nickelodeon UK for Second Year

IMC Toys has extended its content partnership with Nickelodeon UK for the second year, following the success of its 2020 Cry Babies Magic Tears collaboration.

Launched in September last year, the Nickelodeon partnership includes the broadcasting of Cry Babies Magic Tears commercial short form episodes, linear content and a digital hub on Nick Jr.

Kick-starting with the Cry Babies Magic Tears Fantasy animated series, this has been closely followed by Spring 21’s Tutti Frutti series featuring the characters in brand new adventures. A fourth series will air this Summer to pre-empt the new Autumn/Winter Cry Babies Magic Tears Storyland range.

Designed to reinforce brand awareness and engagement, the Cry Babies Magic Tears content will continue to stream simultaneously across the Nickelodeon network in commercial airtime; and IMC Toys’ official digital and broadcast channel, Kitoons. The partnership will reach over one million kids in the UK, across touchpoints including P-T-V TV, a dedicated Cry Babies Magic Tears digital hub linked to NickJr.co.uk, and extend on to Nick Jr.’s social channels.

“Cry Babies Magic Tears remains one of our strongest performers within the business portfolio and the collaboration with one of the world’s leading kids’ entertainment brands perfectly illustrates our commitment to investing in, and growing the brand,” said Kerry Tarrant, IMC UK marketing manager. 

“By partnering with Nick Jr., we have extended our existing Cry Babies Magic Tears community, reaching and engaging a new audience of younger children. We have a phenomenal fan-base with the viewing and engagement figures demonstrating a huge appetite for related content which we will continue to develop across all of our TV, digital, and social touchpoints.”

Due to the massive success of the Cry Babies Magic Tears commercial partnership, IMC Toys and Nickelodeon are also embarking on a joint venture for the VIP Pets brand following a successful pilot launch at Easter.

Season One of the VIP Pets animated series – which follows the adventures of cute pet dog characters with super-long hair styles – is now airing across Nick Jr. and will be supported by a dedicated VIP Pets hub on Nickjr.co.uk.  A second series will launch during Autumn with a 13 episode-strong run.

Generation Entertainment’s director of content, Greta Bisetto-Donelan, talks about the partnership: “We are delighted to have successfully activated a fantastic content-led collaboration with Nickelodeon and IMC, for the second year running. In 2021 and 2022, Cry Babies Magic Tears will continue to be showcased on Nick Jr., to delight and entertain the pre-school audience.”

Beyond the partnership with Nickelodeon, a programme of traditional, sponsorship, digital, social and influencer-led campaigns are scheduled to support the new Autumn/Winter product launches.

For more information on Cry Babies Magic Tears, VIP Pets and other ranges by IMC Toys, please contact info.uk@imctoys.com.

More Nick: Nickelodeon UK Brings Slime Music and Mayhem Back to Blackpool with SLIMEFEST 2021!

Sources: ToyNews, Toy World Magazine.

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Festival of Licensing Unveils ViacomCBS-Sponsored Community and Wellbeing Programme

Festival of Licensing Unveils Community and Wellbeing Program

ViacomCBS Consumer Products will officially sponsor a community and wellbeing program at Festival of Licensing.

Festival of Licensing, the month-long virtual gathering celebrating the global licensing industry from Oct. 6-29, has unveiled its Community and Wellbeing program, sponsored by ViacomCBS Consumer Products.

The online program will feature the following complementary elements:

1. Exclusive wellbeing sessions brought to you by ViacomCBS Consumer Products that will include:

• Family Friendly Dance & Yoga:  Drawing from Nick Jr. exercise videos, festival goers will be encouraged to take a break from the serious stuff to have fun and exercise with their kids;
• Retro Workout Class:  Neon? Check. Headbands? Check. You’re ready for the Festival of Licensing retro workout. Featuring MTV products in a high-energy workout class with a soundtrack that raises heartrates and celebrates the classic MTV of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the Festival retro workout will also showcase the ‘MTV Move’ pro-social initiative; and
• Self-Care:  A self-care expert from the ViacomCBS Wellness studio will share easy tips on nutrition, sleep and exercise, as well as showcase some funny moments from iconic characters practicing the same habits. The self-care session will end with a guided meditation and a welcome chance to unwind.

2. Business Mentoring and Advice Clinics:

• Festival goers can take advantage of in-region business mentoring and advice clinics offering legal, financial and career advice. Speed networking sessions will also be available to those looking for new job opportunities.

3. Global charity fundraiser in support of The Light Fund, Magic Wheelchair and Licensing International Small Business Global Grants Fund:

• A huge charity fundraiser involving the global licensing industry and beyond will launch very shortly.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside ViacomCBS to bring valuable – and much needed – community and wellbeing content to Festival of Licensing attendees from all over the world,” says Anna Knight, vice president, Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets. “Surviving through COVID has been incredibly challenging for many – whether financially, physically or emotionally – and it’s important that Festival both acknowledges this and provides meaningful support where we can.”

Festival of Licensing runs online Oct. 6-29. Brands interested in exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities should visit FestivalOfLicensing.com, where free visitor registration is also open.

Get moving with Festival of Licensing’s Community and Wellbeing sponsor @ViacomCBS!

With Nick Jr. family friendly exercise, a retro MTV workout, and Bikini Bottom yoga, there’s a little something for everyone. #ViacomCBS#FestivalofLicensing #sponsored pic.twitter.com/0dwtnMCGrO

— Brand Licensing Europe 2020 (@bleurope) September 29, 2020

From License Global:

Industry Leaders Highlight their Vision for Licensing's Future

Executives from across manufacturing, retail and brands are set to spotlight the future of consumer product licensing.

Licensing Leadership Summit is the culmination of the month-long Festival of Licensing virtual event, and offers global brand licensing decision makers insight and thought leadership panels that will help shape their strategic direction for 2021.

The two-day conference, taking place Oct. 28-29, is packed with industry-led thought leadership and online conversations about the opportunities ahead. It will virtually unite the whole licensing industry to form connections, share knowledge and secure licensing deals, and is brought to you by the organizers of Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe.

Each day of the program will include insightful keynotes on the retail and licensing trends shaping the market. Following each keynote, attendees will have the opportunity to tune into an array of sessions covering a wide range of topics, issues and strategic opportunities facing the world of brand licensing such as TikTok, eSports, and gaming to evergreens like museum licensing, as well as hear from industry thought leaders including NPD, MoMA, NFLPA, Sesame Workshop, Hallmark, Trend Bible, Fashion Snoops, Redbubble, Legendary Entertaiment, Funko, Zynga, Nickelodeon, BBC, CPLG Wildbrain, Kantar, FlowHaven and many more.

All sessions will be available on-demand throughout both live event days and for four weeks after the conference ends. We’ve provided a snapshot of the agenda below and you can view the complete program here.

Different by Design: MoMA’s Modern Approach to Museum Licensing

Speaker: Robin Sayetta, Head of Business Development, Retail, The Museum of Modern Art

The Athlete Influencer Difference

Speakers: Terése Whitehead, Senior Manager of Sponsorship and Operations, NFL Player's Association, Inc.; Isaac Rochell, American Football Player

What Do Licensees Want?

Speakers: Connie Chang, Director of Licensing, C-Life Group; Tonya Kirby, Director of Licensing, Retro Brands; and Rick Lowe, Managing Director, Brands In

Moderator: James Dohnert, Content Editor, License Global

How Games Ate the Licensing World 

Speakers: Chris Petrovic, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Strategy, M&A and Business Development, Zynga, Inc., and Shaan Akbar, Digital Media Executive and Consultant

How to Combat the Explosion of Print On-Demand Whack-A-Mole on Social Media

Speakers: Rachel Aronson, Head of Business Development, CounterFind, and Jamie Gerson, Head of Strategic Partnerships, CounterFind

Thinking Beyond Revenue: A Holistic Licensing Approach in the Post-Normal

Speakers: Kalle Törmä, FlowHaven, and Anita Castellar, Chief Executive Officer, FanGirl Consulting and Brand Management

Digital Talent: The Future

Speaker: Sid Kaufman, Licensing Agent, UTA

Moderator: Amanda Cioletti, Event and Content Director, Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets

Product as Solutions

Speakers: Lilly Berelovich, President and Chief Creative Officer, Fashion Snoops; Jenna Guarascio, Director of Content Strategy, Fashion Snoops; and Carrera Kurnik, Culture Editor and Consumer Strategist, Fashion Snoops   

Something Old, Something New: How to Plan for Changing Consumer Behaviors 

Speakers: James Foti, Worldpanel Division, Consumer Insight Director, Entertainment, Kantar, and Glen Tooke, Worldpanel Division, Consumer Insight Director, Fashion, Kantar

Licensing and the Toy Industry: A Changing Landscape                                           

Speaker: Juli Lennet, Vice President and Industry Advisor, U.S. Toys, The NPD Group

I Want it Now!: Using the Fan to Expand Distribution

Speaker: Lauren Winarski, Senior Manager, Brand and Licensing, Funko

Knowledge is Power: Throw Away Your Crystal Ball

Speakers: Frank Masterson, formerly of Hallmark, and Tony Scott, Senior Promotions Manager, Edgewell Personal Care

Moderator: Marty Malysz, President, Dependable Rights

New Directions at Retail

Speaker: Robin Lewis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Robin Report

Moderator: Maura Regan, President, Licensing International

Finding Opportunity in the Overwhelm: Key Trends in Consumerism 

Speakers: Maxwell Luthy, Evangelist at Large, TrendWatching

How the World’s Best Brands use Trends to Succeed

Speaker: Joanna Feeley, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Trend Bible

COVID-19: What Happens Next?

Speaker: Bibi Wardak, Content Editor, License Global

YouTube and You: Insights to Drive Retail and Consumer Product Strategies

Speakers: Steve Manners, Vice President, Business Development, WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark, and Jon Gisby, Managing Director, WildBrain Spark

Esports: The Hottest New Licensing Category in Latin America

Speakers: Maca Rotter, President and Chief Executive Officer, La Panaderia, and Habacuc Guzmán, Co-Founder and Director, Arena Esports GG

Forging a Sustainable Future      

Speakers: Mart Drake-Knight, Owner, Teemill; Rikesh Desai, Licensing Director, Merchandise and Gaming, BBC Studios; Anita Manju, Senior Licensing Manager, Softlines, BBC Studios; and Helena Stopher, Founder, Products of Change

Moderator: Ben Roberts, Content Editor, EMEA, License Global

Orchestrating Speed-to-Market: How to Make Everything Hum in Concert

Speaker: Gabriela Arenas, Vice President, Licensing, North America, Sesame Workshop

Moderator: Amanda Cioletti, Event and Content Director, Licensing, Informa Markets

The Importance of Licensing to Brand Owners in these Turbulent Times

Speaker: Michael Stone, Co-Founder and Chairman, Beanstalk

UGC Marketplaces and Brand Licensing

Speakers: Christina Lima, Vice President, Global Franchise Management and Creative Services, ITV Studios; Eric Morse, Senior Vice President, Content Partnerships, Redbubble; and James Ngo, Executive Vice President, Franchise Management, Legendary Entertainment

From Screen to Shelves

Speakers: Nina Hahn, Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon; Veronica Hart, Executive Vice President, Franchise Planning, ViacomCBS; Mark Kingston, Senior Vice President, International Licensing, ViacomCBS Consumer Products

Moderator: Rachel Sandler, Vice President, Communications, Consumer Products, ViacomCBS

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Upfront 2020 Roundup!

Originally published: Sunday, September 6, 2020 at 21:32 BST.

Additional source: Toy World Magazine; Update H/T: Special thanks to @RegularTweetsUK!

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