Quote of the Day
"It’d have to be the Pirates. Not from a business standpoint, that wouldn’t be the best business move. But it just kills me the team I grew up with sucks so bad."
-- Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban, on what other pro sports team he would want to own in an ideal world ("Mike & Mike," ESPN2, 9/28).
Top Stories
Licensed Products Could Fall Under One Banner NASCAR has taken the first steps toward consolidating its licensing business under one banner, known as NASCAR Properties. NASCAR and team officials laid the groundwork for the licensing body at a meeting last week, and there appears to be "significant momentum" behind the movement, particularly with the industry's leading licensee, Motorsports Authentics, believed to be "on the brink of bankruptcy." The centralized body would unify the sport's licensing rights, which currently are "splintered from team to team," and it would include a revenue-sharing model that pays teams and drivers according to their sales figures. Meanwhile, NASCAR is exploring the possibility of increasing the number of two-day race weekends instead of the typical three-day weekend in an effort to cut costs. More short weekends could result in millions of dollars of savings over a 36-race season.
Getting A Second Wind
Obama's decision to attend Friday's IOC meeting could push Chicago ahead of Rio as favorite to host '16 Summer Games.
Phone A Friend?
PGA Tour shopping for new title sponsor of Hilton Head event with Verizon deal expiring.
Talk Of The Town
NHLPA holding ad hoc conference call today in wake of growing unrest surrounding Kelly's firing.
Dialed In
UFL signs Motorola, a longtime NFL partner, as its first non-endemic sponsor.
Hit The Cutoff Man
Nationals make several amendments and cuts to ticket prices, including new look for priciest seats.
Caught In The Rain
Financially-strapped Jones Soda scales back sponsorship with hometown Seahawks.
Purple Haze
Vikings looking to personalize Metrodome as team becomes the facility's lone major tenant.
Retaining The Belt
Boxing shows some mettle with impressive Mayweather-Marquez PPV buys.
