Satellite Signal

The fate of MLB’s Extra Innings package continues to be in question after the FCC confirms it will complete a full investigation of any exclusive deal between the league and DirecTV. FCC Chair Kevin Martin in a letter to U.S. Sen. John Kerry writes he is “concerned whenever consumers cannot purchase the programming they want.” Meanwhile, there are rumblings a deal could be announced very soon and that the length of DirecTV’s exclusivity could be shorter than originally anticipated. One question is, why the delay? The length of time that it has taken MLB to announce this has given the cable industry more time to get public opinion on its side and shift the debate.

Pay At The Pump
Shell begrudgingly makes changes to branding on Kevin Harvick’s fire suit.

Giving Peace A Chance
Bennett says Sonics will not apply for relocation this year.

Dancing On The Ceiling
NHL cap expected to rise by about $4M next season, but will teams spend more?

Stars & Stripes
Former adidas endorser Anna Kournikova signs with K-Swiss.

’16 Candles
SoCal Olympic bid group unveils plans for a $112M renovation of L.A. Coliseum.

Conduct Becoming
Goodell, Upshaw hold small meeting with team reps over player behavior.

Long Distance Charges
Holding ACC hoops tourney in Tampa area causing decline in ticket sales.

Bristol At The Thought
ESPN rebranding “Cold Pizza” to focus on news programming.