Fox has sold 70% of its ad inventory for its Super Bowl XXXVI broadcast, which it claims is "about even" with CBS' pace last year. With the tight marketplace, some advertisers are holding out for last minute bargains from Fox' rate of about $2M per 30-second spot, while others feel NBC's Winter Olympics are a better buy. Traditional advertisers like A-B are back on board, but there is a chance that no dot-coms will buy time this year. Meanwhile, U2 will add sizzle with a live performance during the game's halftime show.

“I don't want anyone to be bored. I want them
to go to a party and have a lacrosse game
break out.”

— NLL Storm Owner Jayson Williams, on marketing his expansion lacrosse team
(Newark STAR-LEDGER, 12/1).

MLB Back On Defense
Courts squeeze contraction calendar; Selig asked for detailed data before testifying on Capitol Hill Thursday.

Up Or Down On The Heitzler Era
CART faces pivotal meeting on its future tomorrow in Phoenix. Meanwhile, series awarded $48M stemming from ISL suit.

Slalom Runs And Flying Spins
NBC's primetime programming strategy for Salt Lake focuses on skiing and skating.

Bids, Not Lips, Are Sealed
One Red Sox bid may have topped $400M; Quadrangle Group to back Prentice's bid.

Not Into Home Improvement
Taylor Smith denies deal to sell to Home Depot's Founder.

Taking It To The Max
NASCAR to team with Imax for large-screen feature
in '03.

Mush!
Wild to sponsor MN musher Keith Ailis in the Iditarod.

A Shortstop With Range
Derek Jeter shows cross-over appeal in "SNL" hosting gig.