NBC TO LOCK IN RYDER CUP; ESPN ANNOUNCES BASEBALL COVERAGE

     NBC Sports is expected to announce today that they have
inked a long-term deal with the PGA of America to renew their
rights to the Ryder Cup, according to Phil Mushnick of the N.Y.
POST.  The event between the top golfers from the U.S. and Europe
takes place every two years and is "fast becoming the most
appealing watch in golf."  It was first televised by NBC in '91.
Mushnick notes the PGA of America is also expected to sign a
"long-term renewal of NBC's rights to show the Senior
Championships" (N.Y. POST, 2/15).
     ESPN'S MLB GAMES:  ESPN begins its season of MLB coverage on
March 31 at 9:00pm with the Mariners hosting the White Sox in the
network's "Sunday Night Baseball" opener.  ESPN will show 26
straight Sunday Night Baseball games this year.  Teams with three
Sunday games:  Braves, Yankees, White Sox, Rockies, Red Sox,
Indians, Dodgers.  ESPN will also show select Wednesday night and
holiday games (ESPN).