At A Crossroads

While NBA Commissioner David Stern in DC earlier this week said that he does not believe "any teams are in dire financial straits," one market that continues to bear watching is traditional basketball hotbed Indianapolis. The Pacers Monday announced that they will lose about $30M this season, and co-Owner Herb Simon is pretty frank about the team's long-term viability in the market given the mounting losses. Simon: "There comes a point where you have to say, 'Maybe I can't do this anymore.'" Simon acknowledges he would like to keep the Pacers in Indianapolis and avoids threatening to leave town, but he stresses it is "very important" to resolve the club's financial issues. It seems clear that sweeping changes are in order if the team is unable to right the ship soon, but is it already too late? Having lost $200M in total since Simon bought the franchise in '83, the Pacers are struggling just to cover operating expenses for Conseco Fieldhouse.

Beauty Is In The Eye
Sean McManus bullish on CBS' March Madness ad sales, pacing at 90%, in tough market.

Switching The Field
DC United wants county funding to help build stadium, a change from previous statements that could threaten the entire project.

When In Milan...
Beckham says he wants to play at "highest level" in first public comments on transfer agreement.

Tiger Cub
Michelle Wie reportedly joining IMG's team following recent departure from WMA.

Hurry-Up Offense
NFL execs step up negotiations with Comcast to avoid losing another 2 million subscribers.

Tickets To Ride
Bristol Motor Speedway resorts to rare advertising push to save sellout streak.

Down On The Backstretch
Setbacks continue for horse racing -- Pimlico reduces race dates; Delaware North backs out of deal for Aqueduct racino.

Two For The Money
Maloof Money Cup set to return for second year despite losing around $1M last year.