Break Point

While it may not be receiving front page headlines, one of the most interesting stories in sports business today has to be the threat to the ATP, where top players are fighting current management for a greater say in tour policy. Just two days before the start of Wimbledon, the ATP elected Senior VP/Tennis Industry Relations David Edges and former ATPer Justin Gimelstob to its six-member BOD in what is "believed to be the first step in the effort by players to seize control of the men's tour away from" ATP Tour Chair & President Etienne de Villiers. Meanwhile, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are elected to two-year terms on the Players Council. Djokovic says, "We're changing the face, changing the picture of everything in general. ... We have to defend our interests." But the embattled de Villiers maintains a brave face and is quoted in the FINANCIAL TIMES saying, "I only want to be around if people want me to be around."

Free Agent Acquisition?
NFL Network, ESPN reportedly in talks over partnership which could see games transferred to ESPN Classic.

Star Power 
Starter nearing $10M sponsorship of Romo, which would be tops among all NFL endorsers.

Key Note Address 
Sonics-Seattle trial takes a break with team seemingly at a clear advantage in the proceedings.

Man About Town
Are Armstrong's dating habits scarring his image as a cancer research advocate, sports icon?

Survivor All-Stars
IMG in talks to acquire part of Mark Burnett's reality TV company for up to $250M; IMG will sell programming for Fox Sports Int'l.

The Price Of Success
Packers report net income of $23.3M, though team says player costs lessened profit.

Coming Of Age
Bloggers maturing from "edgy and independent" phase with evolution of sports media landscape.

Will The Peacock Strut?
Liberty Media’s Malone wonders if NBC’s Beijing online strategy will have enough advertising support.