NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and other league officials will be in Las Vegas today for a "ticket drive kickoff at the MGM Grand to test the city's interest in hockey." Las Vegas "has never been this close to becoming a professional sports city," and today "could be a significant step in making that a reality." If Fidelity National Financial Chair William Foley "can secure deposit money for 10,000 season tickets," he is "confident the league will give him the green light for a franchise" starting in '16-17 (LAS VEGAS SUN, 2/10).

The NFL has reminded its 32 teams that "the league as a whole – and not an individual club – will make the major decisions regarding relocation." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also announced the members for the new Committee on L.A. Opportunities. The memo "does not specifically name" the Rams, Chargers or Raiders, but it is "clearly a reminder to them that the league has no intention of straying from protocol and allowing a club to unilaterally decide to move and begin construction of a stadium in the L.A. area" (L.A. TIMES, 2/10).

NFL Films Founder and Pro Football HOFer Ed Sabol died yesterday at the age of 98. Sabol started NFL Films in '64 and headed the company from '64-95, during which time it won 52 Emmy Awards. He "changed the way football was filmed and how it was viewed," making the filming of sporting events "an art form as he layered on music, dramatic and literate narration." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Sabol "made the NFL a better league, and that's quite a legacy" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 2/10).

See THE DAILY for more on how Sabol impacted the NFL and sports media.

Bulls Exec VP/Business Operations Steve Schanwald will retire at the end of June. Schanwald has spent 40 years in the business, including 28 years with the Bulls. No replacement has been named. Schanwald in a letter announcing his retirement wrote, "When I joined the Bulls in January 1987 we had but 15 employees on the marketing side. I am proud of our many accomplishments here over the past 28 years, and I will take with me many warm memories. Being associated with global brands like the Chicago Bulls and the NBA, and with the individuals who comprised and continue to comprise both those entities, has been the honor of my professional life."

Lawyers for Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson and his estranged heirs today will "square off" in a New Orleans courtroom to debate whether Benson is "competent to manage a business portfolio" worth roughly $2B. Benson's attorneys claim that he is "lucid and running his daily affairs," while lawyers for his heirs argue that a psychiatric evaluation "could settle the dispute." Experts said that "persuading a judge to order such an examination can be a high legal hurdle to clear" (NOLA.com, 2/9).

Meanwhile, Bexar County (Texas) Probate Judge Tom Rickhoff yesterday ruled that Benson "needs help in managing his assets in Texas," appointing former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger and estate lawyer Art Bayern as "receivers over the Benson family fortune in Texas" (NOLA.com, 2/9).

China-based Wanda Group today announced that it is buying Swiss sports marketing company Infront for US$1.2B. Wanda's move "will help support China's efforts in bidding for major sports events." Infront's businesses include "producing the World Cup television broadcasts for FIFA through its subsidiary HBS." Leading clients include the FIS, IIHF, Serie A and the Chinese Basketball Association. Infront said that its "senior managers will stay in place after the sale is completed" (AP, 2/10).

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver appeared on CBS’ “Late Show” last night and discussed the upcoming All-Star Weekend in N.Y. and the Knicks. Following his introduction, host David Letterman said to Silver, “I think it’s safe to say that most people went from not knowing who you were to suddenly seeing you quite a lot.” Letterman jokingly noted it was going to be a "big weekend here in New York" with the All-Star Game because "I remember before the Knicks left town," when there was still a team in the city.

Letterman said of Knicks Owner James Dolan: "How about Dolan sending that hot e-mail to a fan? What do you think about that? Do you call him and say, ‘Don't do that again?’” Silver: “We talk. He's got a lot of passion.” Letterman said, “New York should be the hub of baseball and basketball in the free world for God’s sake! Now do something about that!” Silver: “I am. It will be this weekend with the All-Star (Game).” Letterman ended the segment by telling Silver, “You’re doing a great job, congratulations, and please do something about the Knicks” ("Late Show," CBS, 2/9). Watch a segment of Silver's appearance.

The Univ. of North Carolina will celebrate the life of late Basketball HOFer Dean Smith during a memorial service Sunday at 2:00pm ET at the basketball arena that bears his name. The public is invited. The family will have a private church service on Thursday morning. Members of his family, close personal friends and his basketball lettermen are expected to attend the private ceremony (UNC).

The Richmond City Council unanimously voted to ask Mayor Dwight Jones to “gauge interest in a regional effort to build a new minor league baseball stadium” for the Double-A Eastern League Richmond Flying Squirrels (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 2/10).

FC Dallas has announced an affiliation with USL team Arizona United SC for the '15 season (FC Dallas).

“I agree with Commissioner Silver that it’s time. Especially in the day and age of fantasy (sports), daily fantasy (leagues). … It’s still a game of skill and has its own set of issues with algorithms and bet large sums, but it’s time” – Former NBA Commissioner David Stern, backing Adam Silver’s stance on legalizing sports betting (ESPN.com, 2/9).

“Every one’s a challenge. We just don’t know what challenge we’re going to be thrown here” – NHL Senior Dir of Facilities Operations Dan Craig, on the process of building the rink for outdoor games. Craig is getting Levi’s Stadium ready for a Feb. 21 Kings-Sharks game (MERCURYNEWS.com, 2/9).

“To clean it up completely would not really give the viewer that inside look of reality. But we also don’t want to be gratuitous with it” – Ross Greenburg, an exec producer of Epix' “Road to the Stadium Series,” on the amount of cursing on the show (L.A. TIMES, 2/10).

“You go into it knowing this is fun and games. There’s nothing really riding on this. It’s all designed as an appreciation and thank-you for the fans” – TNT’s Ernie Johnson, on “Inside the NBA” being on for four consecutive days during the NBA All-Star Weekend (USA TODAY, 2/10).

Last night’s 1:00am ET edition of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” led with South Carolina-UConn women’s basketball, which aired earlier on ESPN2, followed by Spurs-Pacers and Clippers-Mavericks. ESPN first reported on charges being dismissed against Panthers DE Greg Hardy at 19 minutes into the broadcast. Last night’s 1:00am ET edition of FS1’s “Fox Sports Live” led with Spurs-Pacers, followed by Clippers-Mavericks and Thunder-Nuggets. FS1 reported on the Hardy case 20 minutes into their telecast.

ESPN’s Keith Olbermann called out his “world’s worst” persons in sports: The track maintenance crew at the European skeleton championships in Austria, who left a broom on the track. Olbermann said, “Did skeleton merge with curling?” Olbermann also blasted those “criticizing the inaugural Philly 0.0 Instant Gratification Run,” where the starting line and finish line “were the same line,” and Flyers G Steve Mason for injuring himself during a TV timeout.

USA TODAY on Greg Norman turning 60 today: "He continues to be a thunderous presence from Down Under in golf and business and doesn't in any way think he's in the autumn of his life."

Under the header, "Why Rece Davis Is Replacing Chris Fowler On ESPN 'College GameDay,'" SI's Richard Deitsch writes, "ESPN management figured out a solution (it helps when cash is part of the solution) to keep two longtime staffers challenged and happy, and most of all, in-house."

Also:

• Pac-12 basketball fans growing apathetic to gameday experience.
• Indians bench coach Brad Mills raises bulls for bullriding competition.
• 76ers GM Sam Hinkie's plan for rejuvenating franchise has serious flaw.
• Despite on-field ability, G Hope Solo may be on the outs with U.S. Soccer.
• ESPN's Dick Vitale discloses plenty of personal details in latest book.

It snowed alot and the T is Broken for the day. Really makes us look forward to the 2024 Olympics

— Dan Shaughnessy (@Dan_Shaughnessy) February 10, 2015

Dolan has to get that fan All-Star tix, don't you think

— Kevin Kernan (@WheresKernan) February 10, 2015

Hope couch-side prophets who predicted @espn would bail on #NASCAR have seen talent they've retained, acquired. Stout team, knowledgeable.

— Brett Jewkes (@BJewkes) February 10, 2015

The NFL has tested me twice in 5 days for steroids. I'm flattered but I owe my physique to a steady diet of 8 minute abs and the Nordic trac

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 10, 2015

If you could create a Flipbook for one play in #Giants history what would it be? Comment below! #GiantsPride

A video posted by New York Giants (@nygiants) on Feb 9, 2015 at 8:22am PST

NCAA national officiating coordinator Rogers Redding said that the “use of technology on the sideline will be a focus” during rules committee meetings being held today and tomorrow (AP, 2/9).

The Islanders will begin selling season tickets for their inaugural '15-16 season at Barclays Center.

Last night’s “Final Jeopardy!” category was “19th Century Writers.”

“After his death, he was given full military honors in Greece before his body was returned home for burial at his Baronial seat.”

SI Swimsuit Issue cover model Hannah Davis last night appeared on NBC’s “The Tonight Show.” Davis said of discovering she was the cover model, “I flew right to you” for the unveiling of the cover on Wednesday night's show. Host Jimmy Fallon said, “As one does, fly right to Uncle Jimmy. It’s all going to change. This is a giant, giant thing for you.” Davis said after telling her mother she got the cover, her mother told her that she had “wet her pants” because she was so excited. Davis told Fallon, “She asked if she could maybe score a Depends commercial after that. She was like, ‘Maybe you should call your agent and see what they can do’” (“The Tonight Show,” NBC, 2/9).

CBS’ Letterman said, “Tony Bennett, 89 years old, still tremendous, sang a duet with Lady Gaga. Tony Bennett is 89 years old and he could have run the ball in for the Seahawks” (“Late Show,” CBS, 2/9).

Last night’s Top Ten list was “Top Ten Thoughts Going Through This Woman’s Mind At This Moment.” CBS’ David Letterman said, “A South Korean woman was attacked by a robotic vacuum cleaner when it latched on to her hair while she took a nap on the floor. The fire department was called” (“Late Show,” CBS, 2/9).

10) "Oh my God, the psychic was right!"
9) "Did I fall asleep with my hair stuck in a vacuum?"
8) "Could have been any one of us, right guys?"
7) "Will I ever trust a robot vacuum again?"
6) "This is causing me as much anxiety as watching Dave run."
5) "Always happens the day after the warranty expires."
4) "Still more convenient than tangling my hair in a traditional vacuum cleaner."
3) "This is why they tell you to vacuum wearing a helmet."
2) "Thank God help arrived before it mopped me."
1) "Still better than 'Supercuts.'"

“Who was Lord Byron?”