Countdown To Kickoff

Peyton Manning Named Most Marketable NFL Player

As Roger Goodell meets the media for the first time today as commissioner, news around the start of the NFL season dominates headlines. Peyton Manning is named the most marketable player in the league in our exclusive survey; ad sales for the NFL’s TV partners pace ahead of a generally flat market; the league lookings at strengthening its drug policy; the Saints’ ticket-sales success continues; and more local news stations are learning to cope with sideline restrictions. See tomorrow’s issue for our special NFL season preview package.

Spirit Of St. Louis
ACBJ, parent of THE DAILY and SBJ, acquires Sporting News.

Fountain Of Youth
A-B looks to exploit sports ties with online network geared toward young male demo.

Bill Of Rights
Ford Motor CEO’s move to step down could portend larger role with Lions.

Agassi & Ecstasy
Andre’s goodbye brings CBS, USA best U.S. Open Nielsens in years; ESPN scores with FSU-Miami.

Better In Small Packages?
Forest City Ratner reducing size of Atlantic Yards project.

Time Traveler
Derek Jeter signs long-term deal to endorse Movado watches.

Spanish Armada
Real Madrid to fund 50% of elite soccer academy under new partnership with RSL.

Private Conversations
Shock coach Laimbeer refusing to wear mic on ESPN’s telecast of WNBA Finals Game Four.

Hoop Screams
Despite loss to Greece, Jerry Colangelo says he’s pleased with “first step” in rebuilding U.S. hoops in time for ’08.