ESPN's Darren Rovell on Twitter noted NFL owners are "talking about" an extension for Commissioner Roger Goodell. But NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's deal is "done at same time," and Rovell believes "that's a bigger deal." Under Silver, the NBA "saw franchise values go +115%, national TV rights fees go up 3X," and Silver is "universally loved." In light of that, "what will NBA owners do to keep him?" (TWITTER.com, 4/4). SBD research shows both Goodell and Silver's contracts are up in '19 (THE DAILY).
BONUS ROUND: USA TODAY's Brant James wrote under the header, "Search For Bonus Points Has Drivers On Edge Early." NASCAR’s new stage racing format "actually is making lengthy races more entertaining." The new points system is a "boon for race fans, whose collective attention NASCAR has attempted to arouse with the latest round of competition tweaks." Unsettled drivers "often prove the most entertaining" (USA TODAY, 4/4).
HOT TALKS: The AP reported talks between the U.S. Soccer Federation and USWNT players "intensified over the weekend in the ongoing effort to reach a deal on a new contract." The latest negotiations "come on the heels of an agreement between USA Hockey and its women's national team for better compensation." The players' association has "met numerous times with U.S. Soccer since the union brought in a new executive director and legal representation earlier this year" (AP, 4/4).
