Michael Phelps to pitch Mazda in China
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The greatest Olympian in history is returning to China, this time as a brand spokesman for Mazda.
U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at the summer games in Beijing, has signed a seven-figure deal to endorse the new Mazda 6 model in a series of ad campaigns and personal appearances.
His pact with Los Angeles-based DMG Entertainment, a division of Chines media, lobbying and entertainment group DMG, could be the largest single sponsorship deal for a Western celebrity in China's history.
The campaign will be unveiled during the first half of the year; the deal does not include Hong Kong.
Phelps already has deals with such firms as Speedo, Visa, and Rosetta Stone. He was driving a Land Rover when he was arrested for drunk driving in 2004.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
