All These Stories And More As The Daily Looks Back At The Year That Was

As we close the books on ’04 and look forward to ’05, THE DAILY wishes all of our readers a happy and healthy holiday season. In this special year-end issue, we offer our traditional holiday fare. The seasonal favorite "Jingle Bells" provides the background music for our sports business year in review, and we remember some of the best quotes from the past 12 months. We also list the ten most important stories and ten newsmakers from the past year. Some industry decision-makers give their predictions for ’05 . This marks our last issue of ’04. We will return after the New Year on Monday, January 3.

Come All Ye Faithful?
Sources say with no labor deal, NHL BOG to recommend season be canceled in January 14 meeting with Gary Bettman.

Silent Night
NBA ratings on TNT, ESPN see downturn, but holiday matchups, playoff races could turn tide for all league TV partners.

Stocking Stuffers
Chargers gear flying off the shelves, up 20% over last year on NFLSHOP.com.

The Nutcracker
N.Y. West Side stadium opponents file suit over poll; Jets take jabs over size of project as compared to proposed new home for the Giants.

Scrooged
Wayne Embry calls Stern on carpet in new book about his life as an NBA exec.

It’s A Wonderful Life
EOE’s newest film venture to focus on the legacy of heavyweight Jack Johnson.

Join In Reindeer Games
Reebok inks multiyear deal with EA to have apparel featured in titles.