Cable Connection

After lengthy negotiations, Comcast has officially announced plans to acquire NBC Universal from GE, a deal that could have far-reaching implications in the sports industry. The $30B transaction would create one of the largest entertainment companies in the world, and the new entity would boast a cable TV pipeline reaching "nearly a quarter of U.S. homes." The acquisition, which could take more than a year to complete pending approval, brings Comcast's nine RSNs, Versus and the Golf Channel under the same roof as NBC's Universal Sports and broadcast properties including "Sunday Night Football" and the '10 and '12 Olympic Games. While some have speculated Versus could now grow to rival ESPN, Comcast's Steve Burke downplays any potential challenge to the Worldwide Leader. But he admits the experience of NBC Sports and Dick Ebersol gives Comcast a "tremendous advantage" moving forward. Meanwhile, NBCU President & CEO Jeff Zucker, who will manage day-to-day operations, stressed that the new company will "remain in the bidding" for the '14 and '16 Games.

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof 
New data shows Tiger's popularity and influence are dropping -- but most believe it's temporary; Golf Channel weighs in on the situation

Two Up, Two Down
Hicks-Gilbert partnership looking to buy the Rangers reportedly falls through.

Saturday Night Fever 
SEC title game attracting record-high ticket demand in Atlanta, while Clemson and Georgia Tech finally give ACC some drawing power.

Footing The Bills
Crowd for second regular-season NFL game in Toronto better than '08, but still less than ideal; series yet to excite Buffalo fans.

Defensive Stance 
Nets refute N.Y. POST report that value of Barclays' arena sponsorship cut in half.

Striking Oil 
Daryl Katz takes huge step forward in push for new Edmonton arena by teaming with AEG.

Rolling The Dice
NASCAR's finest gather in Las Vegas, not the Big Apple, to wrap up the '09 Cup season.