The Times They Are Exchangin'

In the latest confirmation that major sports properties are embracing and looking for a piece of the $10B secondary ticketing business, the NFL formally announces today that it has signed a multiyear deal with Ticketmaster, making the company the league's official online ticket exchange provider. The agreement follows MLB's deal with StubHub in August, while the NHL is closing in on its own five-year deal with Ticketmaster. The league partnerships are an attempt by Ticketmaster to compete in the secondary ticketing space with market leaders like StubHub. Ticketmaster Exec VP Eric Korman: "It's fair to say we're an underdog in the category right now."

Facing The Music 
Feuding with agent Scott Boras and in need of an image makeover, Alex Rodriguez surprisingly turns to former record company exec Guy Oseary for brand management.

Out Of Dodge
Dodgers become first team to ink player named in Mitchell Report; USA Today/Gallup poll shows many fans "less enthusiastic about baseball;" editorials call for tougher drug testing programs, Selig's resignation.

House Call
Sprint Nextel purchases naming rights to east gate at Colts' new $700M Lucas Oil Stadium.

Sixteen & Dough 
NFL Network selling 30-second spots for $200,000 for December 29 game that could cap Patriots’ undefeated regular season.

Stick Figures 
NHL ratings showing healthy gains on Versus, as well as in several local markets, so far this season.

Bank Book
Lenny Dykstra producing magazine aimed at helping athletes manage their money.

Regional Managers 
Bill Bridgen tapped to lead Comcast SportsNet New England; Ted Griggs to run FSN Bay Area.