NBA Season Begins Tonight With Heat-Celtics

Tonight is easily the most anticipated NBA tip-off in memory, as the league is packed with compelling storylines, driving fan interest and new business. The financial metrics around most of the league’s line-items all show increases -- new season-ticket sales are north of 50,000; licensed merchandise sales in the past month alone are up 44% from last year; TNT states that its ad sales are pacing anywhere between 30-40% ahead of last year, and the net is virtually sold out in the fourth quarter. Could these be the NBA’s salad days? It is certainly hard to recall such a robust time in league history, but it also comes just nine months before the expiration of the CBA, and the prospect of a lockout will numb much of the excitement.

Raising The Bar 
Vikings-Packers delivers NBC highest-rated "Sunday Night Football" telecast ever; ESPN sees best "MNF" overnight of season for Giants-'Boys.

If You Can't Stand The Heat ...
LeBron James confronts offseason criticism in new Nike spot; Heat tip off season in Boston amid a "buzz the NBA hasn't seen in some time."

Future Of TV?
Bob Bowman questions ESPN/Time Warner online video model, its multiple access points.

For A Good Cause   
Jeff Gordon set to announce anti-hunger campaign as primary sponsor for most '11 races.

Thanks For The Memories
After 10 years, what have the Grizzlies meant to Memphis? One columnist says it is "complicated."

Ad Game
T-Mobile, Taco Bell, Kia ranked as highest-spending NBA advertisers last season.

Social Consciousness
FAST COMPANY tabs Lakers, Suns and Celtics as most "socially savvy" NBA teams.