Let The Bidding Begin

Michelle Obama Lands In Denmark This Morning

IOC members will gather in Copenhagen and select the host city for the 2016 Summer Games in less than 48 hours, and it appears that Chicago and Rio de Janeiro have emerged as the heavy favorites. With Michelle Obama on the ground and the President getting ready to join her, Chicago's bid team is holding little back in an effort to persuade voters. However, Rio bid leader Carlos Nuzman contends Barack Obama's presence "changes absolutely nothing," and the Brazilian city hopes its effort to bring South America its first Games is enough to win the day. While the focus is squarely on Friday's vote, other Olympic host cities find themselves in the news. A Russian media report claims the budget for the '14 Sochi Games has risen to $33B, nearly triple the original estimate. Russian officials dispute the cost increases and vow to release the final total by the end of the year. Meanwhile, LOCOG secures UPS as its fifth Tier-Two sponsor of the '12 Games.

Hit By Pitch
MLB attendance projected to be down 6.5% for season, though still fourth highest total ever.

World Of Possibilities
ESPN to televise NBA in the U.K. for the first time as Stern again notes desire for permanent teams across Europe.

It's A Small World After All? 
Wayne Weaver says Jags could play games in Orlando if NFL expands regular-season schedule.

Just Another Manic Monday
After "MNF" again becomes most-watched cable show in '09, eyes turn to potential huge numbers for Packers-Vikings.

Transition Offense
Kobe to be spokesperson for Panini, bringing an end to nine-year run with Upper Deck.

Toeing The Line 
Nike's Q1 profits flat with same period last year despite revenue declines in nearly every region.

Relay Team
SBJ/SBD Relay Worldwide Sports Sponsorship Symposium kicks off at Marriott Marquis in N.Y.

Inside The Reporter's Studio
THE DAILY catches up with ESPN "E:60" correspondent Jeremy Schaap.