Quote of the Day
align="center">I myself am thrilled to be doing this game. This is a sporting event that has tremendous interest.
ESPN's Bill Walton, who, along with Dick Vitale, was criticized by CBS' Billy Packer for calling tomorrow night's high school basketball game featuring LeBron James (PLAIN DEALER, 12/10).
Events
Top Stories
Pac Bell Park To Be RebrandedSBC Communications announced that it plans to drop all of its regional brand names in favor of one corporate moniker. That means the Giants will have a new name for Pac Bell Park, indicating that one of the most ubiquitous names for a sports facility will cease and that the team will face the daunting task of rebranding an enormously successful facility. Discussions on a name change will begin in January, but speculation has the Pac Bell moniker remaining in place for the '03 MLB season.
News At Deadline
NFL, DirecTV reach $2B, five-year extension for "Sunday Ticket."
Who Rests For The Holidays?
Bettman concludes BOG meetings and talks of CBA and team issues.
The Math Works...
Viacom CFO Bressler says CBS will not take any writedowns on its NFL package.
Annual December Discourse
While ABC continues to lobby for flex NFL schedule, rivals don't see how it can be implemented until next TV deal.
Finding A New Connection
Sony's PlayStation becomes Rose Bowl presenting sponsor.
I'd Like To Buy The World...
A Budweiser? A-B to target int'l audience through its NBA sponsorship renewal.
San Diego Lays Down The Rules
City Council rejects Chargers' call for private talks with the city.
The Debate Over LeBron James
Coming out party on ESPN2 draws national attention and USA TODAY Cover Story.
Sticky Situation For The Tar Heels
UNC tries to balance tradition with revenue needs in selling for the first time video advertising at the Dean Dome.
Why They Did The Deal
Thanks to the NBA, after 20 games ESPN sees Wednesday and Friday night average viewership increase of 124%, ratings increase of 79%.



