Cowboys-Giants Earns Fox 16.8/31 Overnight

The NFL as a TV drawing card was long ago established, but it remains to be one of the only sports properties seemingly immune to downward ratings across the industry. Fox earns the season's best overnight rating to date with a 16.8/31 for Cowboys-Giants, and NBC earns an 11.9 overnight for last night’s Patriots-Colts game. Meanwhile, “MNF” is “thriving” in its third year on ESPN, and the net hopes to maintain the momentum with Steelers-Redskins tonight and win Monday night for the ninth straight week. However, two of the main drawing cards tonight will not even break a sweat -- Chris Berman's much-hyped halftime interviews with Barack Obama and John McCain are likely to deliver a ratings boost.

Rings Of Fire?
USOC CMO Rick Burton out after just one year on the job, marking yet another change in the organization's marketing department.

Crystal Bowls 
BCS asking Fox for a new six-year, $800M deal, which would mark a 60% jump from current pact.

Hut, Hut, Hike!
NFL set to borrow almost $2B to help financially support teams through economic crisis.

Support System
While NBA season-ticket sales are on par with last season, renewal rates have dropped 4% as teams seek new ways to fill seats. 

Transition Offense 
Pacers using creative marketing -- and political pollster Frank Luntz -- to help regain fan interest lost over the past few seasons.

Dress To Impress
NBA coaches nearing partnership with upscale clothier Joseph Abboud.

Spring In Their Step 
After flirting with Sarasota, Red Sox decide to stay put in Ft. Myers with 30-year agreement.

Street Fighting Man
And1 inks sponsorship with MMA fighter Nate Quarry to increase brand exposure.