West Coast Offense

Industry Execs Gather In L.A. For World Congress

The most powerful players in sports business have congregated in L.A. at the IMG World Congress of Sports to discuss timely issues facing the industry. The inaugural SBJ/SBD class of "Champions" brings the opening day to a close by sharing secrets to success, with timing and networking as the two most prevalent themes. Earlier in the day yesterday, Visa's Michael Lynch presents a case study of the credit card company's well-regarded Olympics activation, discussing the inherent risk of creating time-sensitive ads. A panel of team execs addresses the increasing demand from fans for a better in-stadium experience, and a group of marketing experts agrees the ability to develop effective ideas remains the cornerstone of sports marketing. Also, Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz in the keynote speech outlines her company's plans for growth, while team and league officials tackle labor issues troubling all of sports. The two-day conference wraps up this afternoon before tonight's Forty Under 40 Awards banquet.

Let's Get It Started
March Madness underway with 53 of 65 teams in men's field wearing Nike brands; North Carolina tops Forbes' college basketball valuations. 

Cornered Kick
Dave Checketts, Lew Wolff latest MLS owners to weigh in on strike possibility; Checketts says work stoppage would be "devastating" to league.

Wrigley Wrinkle
Cubs finalizing multi-year deal with Toyota for sign above bleachers at Friendly Confines.

Throwing Their Hat In The Ring
Ed Goren confirms Fox will bid for '14, '16 Olympics rights, says NBC "paid too much."

On Second Thought 
Woody Johnson clarifies coin-flip remarks, says he trusts Goodell but disagrees with handling.

Double Your Money
Nike's Q3 profits increase over 100% over last year on strength of int'l sales, future orders.

Strategic Move
EA Sports to release online version of "Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf" during Masters; "South Park" premiere parodies Woods' problems.