The Stanley Cup Final begins tonight with Blackhawks-Lightning Game 1 at Amalie Arena, and Honda will debut its "Slapshot" TV spot during coverage on NBC. The ad marks the second of two NHL-themed TV spots that Honda created for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. "Worthy" debuted during the second round.

Meanwhile, the NHL debuted a one-minute trailer touting the Stanley Cup Final matchup (THE DAILY).

Nationwide today announced an endorsement deal with U.S. women's national soccer team F Alex Morgan. Activation of the partnership will include Morgan appearing in an upcoming campaign titled "Band Together," which will launch on social media, digital and TV this month. The ad starring Morgan will debut during FIFA Women's World Cup coverage on Fox. Nationwide also will be the pregame sponsor of each of the 52 WWC matches across Fox Sports’ networks.

Also today, Constellation Brands announced that Sounders MF Clint Dempsey and Mexican national team MF Miguel Layun will endorse Modelo Especial. Both soccer players will be featured in the beer brand's summer marketing campaign, which begins today (THE DAILY).

Qatar Foreign Minister Khaled al-Attiyah today said that "there was no way it would be stripped of the right to host the World Cup despite the corruption scandal surrounding FIFA, dismissing a 'bashing campaign' of criticism of its 2022 bid as anti-Arab prejudice." He suggested that the country was being "unfairly targeted over allegations of graft in the vote that won it the Cup, and of abuse of migrant workers." al-Attiyah: "It is very difficult for some to digest that an Arab Islamic country has this tournament, as if this right can't be for an Arab state" (REUTERS, 6/3).

The NBA today announced that it "will expand its global youth basketball program" in the U.S. and Canada this October "in hopes of reaching five million children over the next two years." The program is "intended for boys and girls ages 6-14 to help them learn the fundamentals of the game." The league hired David Krichavsky, who implemented Heads Up Football for the NFL, to "lead the expanded Jr. NBA efforts." These will include working with NBA, WNBA and D-League teams' local youth basketball programs (SI.com, 6/3).

Meanwhile, Disney and the NBA today announced that they have begun developing "The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort." The destination will feature hands-on activities and immersive video productions, plus a restaurant and a retail store (NBA).

CBS Sports Network today announced that it has reached a multiyear deal to televise Mid-American Conference football and basketball games via a sublicensing agreement with ESPN. The deal takes effect this season and continues through '18-19. The net will carry up to 12 football and 12 basketball games per year, with the first year calling for six football games and up to seven basketball games. The '15 football schedule will include two Thursday and three Saturday games, plus one the Friday after Thanksgiving (CBS).

The Univ. of Nebraska-Omaha today unveiled Baxter Auto as the naming-rights sponsor for the school's new $82M arena, which is "nearing completion." The auto dealer is set to pay $400,000 annually over 10 years "for the right to have its name on the 7,500-seat arena that's set to open in the fall." The facility will house hockey, men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball. UNO officials said that the naming rights are a "key part of the financing for the arena, which will need to to turn an operational profit to pay off" more than $50M in bonds (OMAHA.com, 6/3).

Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk "has been discharged from a Toronto hospital" after undergoing a liver transplant last month. The team said that the "anonymous donor also has been discharged" (AP, 6/3).

With Novak Djokovic's straight-sets victory over Rafael Nadal, the French Open men's semifinals feature a "rare shutout" of Nike endorsers. Djokovic endorses Uniqlo, Andy Murray Under Armour, Stanislas Wawrinka Yonex and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga adidas (TWITTER.com, 6/3).

The Steelers and St. Vincent College today unveiled the official logo for the team's 50th training camp at the school (Steelers).

EyeBlack today announced a deal to sponsor MLL N.Y. Lizards MF Paul Rabil. The brand also is releasing a lacrosse-specific eye black, called LaxBlack (EyeBlack).

The city of Atlanta is "looking to start a pivotal study that could help shape the future of Turner Field and its surrounding neighborhoods." City officials on May 29 issued an RFP for consultants to conduct the "Turner Field Stadium Neighborhoods Liviable Center Initiative study" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 6/3).

“I think that for ... billions of football fans it is an important message for all of us who like football – and I, too, am a fan – that the world football organisation can be run according to the standards we wish for" – German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on FIFA President Sepp Blatter's resignation (AFP, 6/3).

“It's apparent from recent news reports they'd benefit from some new leadership and this is an opportunity for that organization to try to improve their public image” – White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, on FIFA (REUTERS, 6/3).

“First question: What data can we understand and how is that going to be helpful? And the secondary questions are, what are we allowed to do? What is philosophically OK to know? How much should you know about your employees? ... And those questions are going to get raised in the CBA” – Warriors Assistant GM Kirk Lacob, on the team’s use of wearable technology (CBSSPORTS.com, 6/3).

“I love Rolex watches, but I don’t know if I want to spend money on jewelry like that. So I would love to get a deal” – Raiders WR Amari Cooper, on the rookie's dream endorsement deal (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 6/3).

.@Fifa I am making myself available to run world soccer (futbal). #BlatterInfection

— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) June 3, 2015

Chip Kelly is popular in Manchester, N.H. QB coach Ryan Day, a fellow Manchester native, said people are buying Eagles gear in local malls.

— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) June 3, 2015

Jets introduce variable-pricing plan for season tickets. The "marquee" games are Cleve, Philly, Buffalo and New England. #nyj

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 3, 2015

Tim Finchem warned today that Presidents Cup matches this fall in Korea will require viewers to stay up late or learn to love tape delay.

— Steve Elling (@EllingYelling) June 3, 2015

Top-selling player jersey in the NFL Shop during the month of May? Our QB. pic.twitter.com/O5SMydoWOC

— Tennessee Titans (@TennesseeTitans) June 3, 2015

Red Bull profiles photographer Mike Blabac, whose images of skateboarders in action have been a vital part of promoting and documenting the sport.

Showtime's "60 Minute Sports" will include a story on sneaker collectors featuring Yankees P CC Sabathia and Giants WR Victor Cruz.

12 – Number of staff members "inside the control booth" at the Triple-A PCL Nashville Sounds' new First Tennessee Park. The group's "main responsibility" is operating the ballpark's $2M "iconic guitar-shaped scoreboard" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 6/3).