Jump Start

The NBA’s 62nd season tips off tonight, and THE DAILY offers part one of our two-part season preview. While David Stern & Co. say they are moving on from a summer of off-the-court distractions to focus on the game,  the N.Y. TIMES' Howard Beck writes, “Never in the NBA’s modern history has the league confronted so many crises, big and small, in such a short period." Also, NBA observers Sam Smith and Peter May give their take on the state of the NBA in our media roundtable, and one clip-and-save nugget from Stern is his comment on last year’s all-time low ratings for the Finals: “I’m going to have genuine concern if it is as low this year.”

Rocky Road
Fox’ 10.6/18 Nielsen rating for World Series up 5% from last year but comes in as second lowest of all time.

International Friendly
FIFA's decision to not choose World Cup hosts based on rotation creates greater competition for U.S. for 2018 event.

L.A. Story 
Ed Roski back in NFL picture with plans for new stadium near L.A.

Cover Two 
Grumbling around carriage disputes grows louder with Big Ten Network set to air first marquee football game on Saturday;  Packers-Cowboys, Patriots-Giants could lead to similar buzz for NFL Network later this season.

Badgering The Witness 
Univ. of Wisconsin maintains apparel deal with adidas despite student labor group urging school to end ties with company.

Down The Stretch 
Breeders' Cup ratings up on ESPN, but event loses nearly half its TV audience from two years ago in move from NBC to cable.