Execs Meet In N.Y. To Discuss Media, Technology

There is plenty of optimism coming from this year's SBJ/SBD FSA Sports Media & Technology Conference in N.Y., as industry leaders discuss a sports marketplace getting back on track after bearing the brunt of the economic recession for the last 18 months. Both ad buyers and sellers see a bright future in 2010, and CBS' self-admittedly surprising success in selling February's Super Bowl shows companies are willing to spend on sports once again. Meanwhile, Sharks co-Owner and venture capitalist Kevin Compton believes teams and leagues have done a “horrible” job of using technology to enhance fans' experiences. Also at the conference: fantasy sports experts see growth opportunities in the college space, and with a jam-packed calendar, the consensus is that global growth will be a hot topic to watch in the coming year.

Ring Leader
Paul Tagliabue hired to head committee assessing governance structure of USOC.

Yo Ho Ho, But No Bottle Of Rum
NFL bans players from striking Captain Morgan pose as part of ambush marketing campaign.

Walking Down The River 
WSOP's Pollack to be remembered for making event mainstream with ESPN, sponsorship deals. 

In Good Standing?
Late-season on-field results likely to have impact on PSL sales for Giants, Jets at new stadium.

Island Getaway
ISC agrees to sell site of proposed Staten Island track to KB Marine for $80M.

Back On The Pond 
NHL reinstates Ducks Owner Henry Samueli even though he is still awaiting prison sentence.

The Joy Of Six 
LeBron says he might switch jersey number from 23 to 6 next season as homage to Michael Jordan.

Seeing Stars 
Manny Pacquiao's rising celebrity status building buzz for Saturday's bout against Miguel Cotto.