Stepping Onto Center Court

The ATP World Tour yesterday formally introduced Adam Helfant as its new Exec Chair & President, and while the former Nike exec comes with some glowing recommendations, it will be interesting to see how the tour does under the leadership of the tennis neophyte. Helfant marks the second straight ATP head to come from outside the tennis world, following the controversial Etienne de Villiers. However, it appears Helfant's time with Nike, as well as several years with the NHL, are key factors in his selection. ESPN.com’s Peter Bodo notes Helfant will have time to “develop the insights and operational expertise of an insider.” The first major task on Helfant’s agenda is finding a new global sponsor amid the current world economy to replace Mercedes-Benz, which pulled its 13-year support of the tour at the end of ’08.

A Baird In Hand 
New USOC CMO Lisa Baird faces critical next few months in trying to renew sponsorships.

One Fish, Two Fish ...
Is Stephen Ross struggling to secure necessary finances to complete Dolphins' acquisition?

It Takes A Village 
Vancouver seeks emergency aid of almost C$500M from B.C. government to finish 2010 athletes village as Canada offers no more money.

Turning Down The Volume
Sling Media CEO & co-Founder Blake Krikorian, four other execs resign from company.

Ready To Rock? 
With Nets reportedly in talks to play preseason games in Newark, the team may be establishing a backup plan should move to Brooklyn collapse.

Float Like A Butterfly
Everlast planning Ali-themed line of boxing equipment apparel for fall retail launch.  

Distance Makes The Heart Grow Fonder
Ombudsman asks ESPN talent to stop becoming part of the story and let “fans get over their ESPN fatigue.”

The Old College Try
Billy Packer, Bob Knight set to host TV series on FSN analyzing '09 NCAA tourney.