MLS Extends Labor Deadline To February 12

The soccer world shows the strains of the sports business today with news out of both MLS and WPS that demonstrates the challenges in the marketplace. First, MLS and the players union agree to continue to negotiate over a new CBA agreement, averting a players strike or league lockout that could have started next week. The deal allows MLS players to attend training camp as the league and the union continue to bargain to try to reach an agreement. Meanwhile, the WPS closes one of its top franchises, the L.A. Sol. One of the league's seven teams in the inaugural '09 season, the Sol were “underfunded and did not attract the crowds it expected to the Home Depot Center.” One of the team's co-owners, AEG, has been trying for several months to sell its share of the team without success.

Greased Lightning
Red Sox investor Jeffrey Vinik emerges as frontrunner to buy Lightning in NHL-led deal.

Putting More Arch On His Shot
LeBron James signs long-rumored multi-year sponsorship with McDonald's.

To Tell The Truth
Ted Leonsis offers his side of story in first public comments on efforts to buy Wizards, arena.

Seal Of Approval
Goodell calls Pro Bowl experiment a "success" as event draws extra attention in Miami, while more players express desire for a return to Hawaii.

Changing Of The Guard
Tony George, the person most associated with open-wheel racing in the U.S., is out of the sport after folding his Vision Racing team.

Royal Treatment
Royal Bank of Canada sees partnership with PGA of America as ideal way to expand its brand.

The Storyteller 
CBS' Sean McManus credits intriguing storylines, not the economy, for improved NFL ratings.

Red Dawn
Could Eastern Washington's decision to install red turf on football field launch new trend?