League Notes

NBA owners ratified the proposed CBA via teleconference last week. NBA Senior VP/Communications Tim Andree “wouldn’t say how many of the league’s 30 owners voted to approve the deal.” The CBA must still be approved by the players (Scott Soshnick, BLOOMBERG NEWS, 7/5).

ICE TIME: In Toronto, Eric Duhatschek reported upon return to play, the NHL “will mount an advertising campaign built around a glitzy new silver-edged logo and the slogan, QIt’s a whole new game’” (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 7/5). In Edmonton, Jim Matheson reported the NHL has formed a committee that will “be the final arbiters of rule changes, which will then be forwarded to the [BOG] for this fall’s start-up.” The committee consists of Oilers GM Kevin Lowe, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey, Thrashers GM Don Waddell and Predators GM David Poile, as well as Flames RW and union rep Jarome Iginla, Canucks C and NHLPA President Trevor Linden, Avalanche D Rob Blake and Red Wings LW Brendan Shanahan (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 7/3). Meanwhile, Kings C Sean Avery said of the pending CBA, which will include a salary cap, "[NHLPA Exec Dir Bob Goodenow] thought he was bigger than he was. Bob brainwashed players like me" (L.A. TIMES, 7/6).

WAVING THE FLAG: In Charlotte, Jeff Elder cited a source saying that the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge “appears to be coming back to Charlotte next year.” It is “not a done deal,” but “within a month insiders expect an announcement” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/3)....In Toronto, Dean McNulty reported NASCAR Chair & CEO Brian France “was seen giving the VIP tour” of Daytona Int’l Speedway to Canadian Grand Prix President & CEO Normand Legault “at the same time it was leaked that a NASCAR Busch Series race is on the drawing board for Montreal in 2007.” Meanwhile, a second Busch Series race “is set for Mexico — likely at Fundidora Park in Monterrey” (TORONTO SUN, 7/5).