Constellation Energy today will take the wraps off its first league sponsorship, a multiyear pact that will be used to make the claim that the NHL is the first "carbon-neutral" sports property. Constellation's NHL team sponsorships include the Blackhawks and Capitals – not coincidentally the teams competing in the Jan. 1 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, where Constellation will have its first activation of the deal. Strategic, N.Y., has been Constellation's sports marketing agency of record for the past three years.

As deregulation of energy has increased, so have the industry’s sports ties. However, the Constellation-NHL hookup is believed to be the first league sponsorship deal with an energy provider. The Southern Co. has a longstanding sponsorship of the PGA Tour.

U.S. District Judge John Lee denied preliminary approval of a concussion settlement between the NCAA and plaintiffs, citing a "wide variety of issues." Lee in his ruling questioned whether $70M is "sufficient to fund a 50-year medical monitoring program, raised concerns about the questions used to determine if athletes qualify for a medical evaluation, and said it's 'critical' to know what actions the NCAA would take against members who violate the settlement's return-to-play guidelines." He encouraged the parties to continue talks (CBSSPORTS.com, 12/17).

The deal, which in addition to the $70M set aside $5M for research, was "designed to settle a host of class-action suits accusing the NCAA of failing to protect athletes against head trauma." The agreement "would also shield the NCAA from being hit with a single, blockbuster damages payout" (AP, 12/17).

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver last night at Time Warner Cable Arena said the Hornets have a “great chance” of hosting an All-Star Game in the near future and at this point, “it’s really just a question of what year.” The Hornets in August formally announced their intent to bid on the ASG and soon after released arena renovation plans. Silver, following a venue tour, said, “I’m appreciative that the city responded to the organization here and agreed to make needed renovations.”

He noted the next available ASG is '17, and the host cities for both the '17 and '18 games will “most likely” be named at the same time. Silver: “We want to award them as early as possible so there can be maximum opportunity to plan.” He added that after going through a period in the league where “for whatever reason, some of the owners were disfavoring” hosting ASGs, it is now “back in vogue.”

NYC FC and YES Network today are expected to announce a new multiyear TV rights agreement that will show the expansion MLS club on the RSN when it begins play next season. The deal gives YES live game rights in three different major pro sports. Scheduled to appear at a morning press conference are NYC FC Chief Business Officer Tim Pernetti and YES President  & CEO Tracy Dolgin. The agreement perhaps comes as no surprise given the Yankees' business interests in both the MLS club and YES. The network in '13 announced a multiyear agreement with EPL club Manchester City to show the club’s games on tape delay.

The St. Petersburg City Council today is scheduled to vote on Mayor Rick Kriseman's memo of understanding with the Rays, which would allow the team to "consider stadium sites in Hillsborough County." This comes after team Owner Stu Sternberg "has already vowed he will not remain at Tropicana Field for the long haul." Today's vote is "not the end of the story," as "that chapter will be written by the Rays, and not the City Council." The team "could discover their best deal is still in St. Pete" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 12/18).

The Las Vegas City Council yesterday approved a financing plan for a downtown soccer-specific stadium by a tally of 4-3, contingent on a local ownership group being awarded an MLS franchise. The council approved the revised term sheet for the proposed $200M stadium. The city estimates its debt for the project would be $25M, with a total investment of $56.5M. Developers Findlay Sports & Entertainment and The Cordish Cos., are now tasked with obtaining an expansion team. MLS Commissioner Don Garber has previously said the league will likely make a decision on expansion in the first half of '15.

Nike today is slated to report Q2 numbers after the market closes, and the company is "likely to leap over earnings expectations yet again," which would be "the 28th time out of the past 30 quarters." Nike's "sportswear seems to be as hot as ever and its technology keeps giving competitors more than a run for their money," but "global economic woes matter." The economies and currencies of Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Turkey and Argentina are looking "in some cases far weaker" than at the end of Q1 in August (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 12/18).

The logo for the '16 men's Final Four was unveiled yesterday in Houston and it “incorporates elements specific” to the city and Texas. The logo features a red, white and blue color scheme, “the primary star serving as the Lone Star, and the top blue section serving as the vast Texas sky” (CHRON.com, 12/18).

Southern Miss’ Pete Taylor Park has been chosen to host the '15 Conference USA baseball tournament, marking the “second-straight season the championship will be played at Southern Miss and the fifth time in league history” (HATTIESBURG AMERICAN, 12/18).

StubHub today announced a partnership to serve as a distribution channel for AudienceView-ticketed events (StubHub).

Mount St. Joseph F Lauren Hill, who is battling an inoperable brain tumor, yesterday decided to "give up her playing career." Mount St. Joseph has made Hill "an honorary coach with the team" (AP, 12/18).

“I wasn’t smart enough to know where to go or what changes to make. I feel (Vivek Ranadive’s) pain. ... It is not easy. And you make mistakes” – Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban, referring to his initial seasons as a team owner, on the Kings Owner being criticized for firing coach Michael Malone (ESPNDALLAS.com, 12/18).

“I had this conversation with him just the other day. I don’t think it’s imminent but, yes, over time, there’s no question that what was once one of the very best buildings in the league is becoming older” – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, on Suns Owner Robert Sarver wanting to replace US Airways Center with a new arena (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 12/18).

“I didn’t run for the historic nature of it, I ran because I really feel I can make a difference” – PGA of America Secretary Suzy Whaley, on becoming the first female officer in the organization’s 98-year history (ESPNW.com, 12/17).

“NASCAR is already engaged in conversations with other companies. I know there will be some great opportunities for a partnership that will help elevate this sport and I’m excited to see where that comes out” – Bristol Motor Speedway GM Jerry Caldwell, on NASCAR finding a title sponsor for its top series to replace Sprint (JOHNSON CITY PRESS, 12/18).

Last night’s 2:00am ET editions of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” and FS1’s “Fox Sports Live” both led with Grizzlies-Spurs. ESPN followed with Rockets-Nuggets, Hawks-Cavaliers and the Bears benching QB Jay Cutler. FS1 followed with Hawks-Cavaliers, Rockets-Nuggets and the 49ers releasing DT Ray McDonald.

ESPN’s Keith Olbermann called out his “world’s worst” persons in sports: the “three American television viewers” who complained about Patriots QB Tom Brady’s “swearathon” on the sideline during a game. Olbermann also blasted the Pistons for staging concerts at halftime to “boost sagging attendance,” and the Cubs for creating a video of the team winning Game Seven of the World Series to P Jon Lester despite not winning a championship since 1908.

Sources: #Michigan has made another run at Jim Harbaugh after he initially rebuffed the school. U-M has made an offer of 6 years, $48M. Wow.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 17, 2014

It's good to see that Michigan can offer Jim Harbaugh $8million a year to coach, but paying athletes will break the whole system.

— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) December 18, 2014

Per a source, #USC is using architecture firm DLR Group to renovate LA Coliseum. Price of renovation is between $300 million & $600 million.

— Max Meyer (@TheMaxMeyer) December 18, 2014

All that's left for Obama is to get the Yankees to normalize relations with A-Rod.

— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) December 17, 2014

Hangin' with El Pibe @thesoccerdon @soccerkcarter @courtemancheMLS #PremiosUnivisionDeportes pic.twitter.com/smrKLm7C83

— howardhandler (@h2ny) December 18, 2014

Last night’s “Final Jeopardy!” category was “The AFI’s 100 Greatest Films.”

“One of the top 20, this 1946 film was based on a short story published as ‘The Man Who Was Never Born.’”

NBC’s Jimmy Fallon said, “President Obama announced that the U.S. is working to improve its relationship with Cuba in an effort to normalize full diplomatic relationships. For instance, today they released one of our prisoners and in return we sent back one of their shortstops. … I heard Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck sincerely compliments other players when he gets sacked, which confuses his opponents. It’s a pretty good strategy. Nothing is going to freak a guy who is on top of you like saying, ‘Hey. Nice sack, man’” (“The Tonight Show,” NBC, 11/17).

CBS’ David Letterman said, “Probably heard about this big prisoner swap with Cuba. A man who has been incarcerated in Havana for five years is back home in the United States and free. Now we sent them some prisoners. The deal still has to be approved by President Obama and Bug Selig, but it looks like the U.S. is now trying to normalize relations with Cuba” (“Late Show,” CBS, 12/17).

Comedy Central’s Jon Stewart made note of the Cleveland Police Union demanding an apology from Browns WR Andrew Hawkins for wearing a T-shirt asking for “justice” for two young people shot by police. Stewart said of the police stating the team “should stick to what it knows best “ and that is football: “Wait, stick to what they know best, football? We’re talking about the Cleveland Browns, right?” The broadcast aired video of Attorney General Eric Holder saying the Cleveland Police Dept. has “used excessive force” in the past. Stewart: “I guess the only difference is when football players use excessive force they get penalized” (“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” Comedy Central, 12/17).

Last night’s Top Ten list was “Top Ten Things You Might Not Know about Cuba.” Letterman said, “Earlier today, President Obama announced plans to begin normalizing relationships with Cuba by opening an embassy in Havana and easing restrictions on travel and commerce” (“Late Show,” CBS, 12/17).

10) “Cuba is run by Castro brothers Fidel, Raul and Cooper.”
9) “Pronounced ‘Cooba’ by natives and pretentious American blowhards.”
8) “Fidel Castro has thwarted multiple assassination attempts by Seth Rogen and James Franco.”
7) “Cuba has never been hacked because they have no Internet.”
6) “Highest civilian honor: Receiving a second-hand jacket from Castro's sister.”
5) “Stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (oh, I'm sorry, that's something you might not know about scuba).”
4) “At age 18, every Cuban must perform four years of service in baseball.”
3) “Birthplace of Jose Canseco, burial place of his severed finger.”
2) “Cuban ‘Wheel of Fortune’ stars Havana White.”
1) “Cuba has the world's greatest number of vintage American cars second only to Jay Leno.”

“What is ‘It’s A Wonderful Life?’”