Premiere Renews Live Bundesliga Rights Deal

While many continue to question the impact of the economy on sports spending, German cable operator Premiere renews one of the most heavily discussed rights deals, extending its live broadcast rights to the Bundesliga as part of an aggressive four-year deal worth $534M annually to the DFL, an unexpected uptick in rights fees given the current climate. Premiere beat competitors including ESPN, marking a rare instance in which the Worldwide Leader has failed to secure rights after offering a bid. In the EPL, Chelsea re-ups with travel partner Thomas Cook in a deal estimated near $2.5M annually. But attendance is down across the league this season, forcing many teams to cut prices. Meanwhile, this week's Twenty20 Champions League cricket tournament has been postponed until ’09 following the Mumbai terrorist attacks, which could have "significant repercussions" on int'l cricket.

Skate Expectations
Brian Burke finally joins Maple Leafs as President & GM; despite Bettman's optimism, tough times seem imminent for NHL.

Keep The Driver In The Bag
After Buick breakup, Tiger Woods reportedly staying away from car sponsorships.

I Go To Extremes 
NBC Sports, MTV create Alli, a joint action sports venture featuring Dew Tour, other events.

Lapse Of Luxury?
E-mails show city of N.Y. pressured Yanks for free suite, amenities in new stadium in exchange for help with parking, tax-free bonds.

Bienvenido a Miami 
FC Barcelona CEO Joan Oliver said club has a 90% chance of winning MLS expansion team.

Lights, Camera, Action! 
AEG execs optimistic about highly-anticipated second phase of L.A. Live, set to open amid collapsing economy. 

Dodging The Questions 
Jamie McCourt defends criticized remarks linking team's free agent spend, philanthropy.

Intentional Walk  
Blue Jays may take a pass on this year's free agent market; Astros GM likely tasked with reducing team's payroll.