CBS Re-Ups With SEC Football, Basketball

The SEC’s media rights negotiations have been one of the most talked about stories in sports business circles for the past year. But today, the picture is clearer. The incumbent CBS announces a 15-year extension of its deal with the SEC that includes a wide variety of digital and streaming rights for football and basketball. In addition to a boost for CBS Sports, the deal also is a big gain for CBS College Sports, which garners a bucket of rights, and will be allowed to re-air CBS’ games. But the conference’s work is not done. It is still negotiating with ESPN on its cable package, and it is still considering launching its own SEC Network, although the likelihood of that is growing more and more remote.

Progress Report
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Pressing Situation
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If Someone Wins A Medal ...
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Eyes Of The Beholder
NBA team exec says if U.S. stars made same ad as Spain, it "would start an international riot.”

Postcards From Abroad
Don Garber struck by "significant" NBA presence in China; columnist ponders "Chinese obsession” with Kobe; and Opening Ceremony DVDs hit shelves in Shanghai.

Are They Ready For Some Football?
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Point Of View
IMG sues BearingPoint over unpaid fees for work on naming rights of PGA Tour event.