Bank of Montreal (BMO) today will announce that it has signed a multiyear deal to become the "first ever official bank of NBA Canada." BMO already has team deals with the Raptors, Bulls and Bucks, among other clubs. A league sponsorship "gives the bank the chance to market itself using basketball and NBA athletes across the country." The partnership "will include the launch of basketball programs for young people in 125 communities in Canada this fall" (GLOBE & MAIL, 3/9).

The NHL and Samsung Canada this week will announce that the electronics brand has signed on as "one of the league's official corporate partners" in a sponsorship deal that "revolves around content." Samsung phone users who download the NHL app will have exclusive access to videos: "specifically, edited footage from the league's 'Situation Room,' where officials watch videos, then issue rulings on disputed goals." Samsung also will sponsor a blog at NHL.com (TORONTO STAR, 3/9).

Houston AD Mack Rhoades today is "expected to be named the new AD at Missouri." He would replace Mike Alden, who is stepping down in August. Sources said that Rhoades was selected "after other candidates dropped out of the picture." These include Ole Miss AD Ross Bjork and Texas A&M Senior Associate AD Jason Cook. This will be Rhoades' "first Power Five job" after stints at Akron and UTEP (CBSSPORTS.com, 3/8).

Meanwhile, sources said that the process of finding a new Hawaii AD is "moving faster than expected and an announcement on a selection could possibly come down within the next few weeks." The search committee "has apparently interviewed" about 15-20 of the 70 applicants (HAWAIINEWSNOW.com, 3/7).

Jerky brand Oberto today is rolling out new marketing creative starring ESPN's Dick Vitale, in addition to ads promoting its expanded partnership with Tough Mudder. New TV spots featuring Vitale and the '14 Tough Mudder men's and women's winners will break today across several cable networks. The Vitale ad continues the "Little Voice In The Stomach" theme, with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith appearing as the inner stomach voice. Other activation includes a consumer contest (Oberto).

Ivan Lendl today will announce that he is endorsing Larasan Pharmaceutical's Flex24 pain relief patch. Larasan is also becoming a three-year sponsor of the BNP Paribas Showdown, the annual tennis exhibition at MSG that occurs tomorrow. Lendl will announce his deal at a press conference that also includes Roger Federer, other players taking part in the exhibition and Int'l Tennis HOF nominees. StarGames President & CEO Jerry Solomon, whose company organizes the Showdown, said that Lendl will be present for hospitality around the event and will don the Flex24 logo at competitions and appearances. Lendl also will be featured in Flex24 ads.

The 13th annual NFL Consumer Products Summit kicks off today at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. More than 500 NFL retailers, licensees and club merchandising personnel will attend the two-day gathering, which will include a show floor with 146 booths displaying licensed products. Super Bowl 50 merchandise is expected to be a key focus. Outside speakers will include Texans President Jamey Rootes and Pro Football HOFer Warren Moon.

The BNP Paribas Open gets underway today at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, with the tournament this year celebrating its 40th anniversary. An attendance "goal of 450,000 has been set with 500,000 in sight within the next two or three years." Last year, the combined ATP/WTA event drew crowds totaling 431,527. The tournament is the "fifth-largest annual tennis event in the world" (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 3/9).

EPL club Manchester City is “about to strike it rich” with a new $120M-a-year sponsorship renewal with Etihad Airways. See more in SBD Global (London DAILY MIRROR, 3/8).

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said that a “new round of expansion should be announced within 45 days” (AP, 3/8).

A crowd of 13,552 yesterday attended the Northern Iowa-Illinois State MVC men’s basketball tournament final at Scottrade Center, the fifth best attendance in tournament history (PANTAGRAPH.com, 3/8).

A report commissioned by the UCI states that top cycling officials “turned a blind eye to doping, operating in deference primarily to one rider – Lance Armstrong” (N.Y. TIMES, 3/9).

Tag Heuer today announced an endorsement deal with NHL Rangers G Henrik Lundqvist, who joins Cristiano Ronaldo, Maria Sharapova, Kei Nishikori, Jenson Button and Jeremy Lin, among others, as a brand ambassador for the Swiss watchmaker (Tag Heuer).

MLB has chosen Game Day Communications as the local PR firm for this year’s All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park. The firm was founded in '02 by former ESPN anchor Betsy Ross (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 3/8).

"Does he need to campaign or just do business as usual or just to showcase he did well? What he brings is continuity and stability to the organization” – FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke, on Sepp Blatter not putting together a campaign team as he seeks a fifth term atop FIFA's leadership (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 3/6).

"At this time that’s really up to NASCAR. Some of our concerns are obviously if he does come back, can we get in the Chase? But those issues really now kind of reside with NASCAR" – Stewart-Haas Racing co-Owner Gene Haas, on driver Kurt Busch being on indefinite suspension for an alleged domestic violence incident (FOXSPORTS.com, 3/8).

The WALL STREET JOURNAL notes that the use of public funds for sports arenas is drawing "fresh scrutiny" with President Obama's '16 budget. An ORLANDO SENTINEL editorial weighs in on the issue under the header, “Lawmakers Must Keep Commitment To Stadiums.” In the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINAL, a Wisconsin professor breaks down Gov. Scott Walker's plan to help finance a new Bucks arena.

Also:

• Roush Fenway Racing undergoing baseball-style retooling.
• Can Katie Nolan be Fox Sports’ next breakout star?
• College basketball officials looking at ways to pick up the pace.
• It’s game over for Houston’s “Stadium Of The Future.”

Frankly, given strong coverage of issue in US media and awareness among US fans, no reason @MLS shouldn't lead. Do what NFL never did.

— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) March 8, 2015

Definition of charade: NFL three-day discussion time prior to Tuesday where offers can't be made or agreed to.

— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) March 9, 2015

Ahh, the 49ers — the kind of football organization that is deciding whether or not it still likes football.

— Ray Ratto (@RattoCSN) March 9, 2015

If Fox and ESPN really talked about trading Katie Nolan for Ian Darke and Marty Smith, Fox was really trying to up its accent game.

— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) March 9, 2015

The Orlando City Council will consider declaring Tinker Field an official historic landmark "in an effort to save at least some portions" of the former minor league ballpark (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 3/6).

Friday’s “Final Jeopardy!” category was “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Speeches.”

“Springsteen said David Sancious was ‘the only member of the group who ever actually lived’ there.”

“What is E Street?”