Procter & Gamble Teams with WNBA; Loses Court Battle

Marking the first time Procter & Gamble has inked a multi-year sports deal for multiple brands, the CPG giant announced a three-year partnership with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

The deal encompasses advertising, sponsorship and player appearances for seven Procter & Gamble brands, including Secret deodorant, Head & Shoulders and Herbal Essences shampoos, Cascade dishwasher detergent, Swiffer cleaning products and Cheer and Joy laundry detergents.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble didn't make out quite as well on a different kind of court.

The U.S. District Court in Manhattan last week awarded rival Playtex Products $2.9 million in damages after ruling that Procter & Gamble engaged in false advertising with its new tampon product.

Playtex accused Procter & Gamble of falsely claiming that its Tampax Pearl product was superior to the Playtex Gentle Glide tampon. Procter & Gamble says it is considering its appeal options.