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Wednesday 9:00am ET....Today's News....Beam Me Up, Scottie

  • CDW Adds Pippen, Mahorn To Latest "People Who Get IT" Spots
  • Boston '24 Games Study Projects Thousands Of Construction Jobs
  • LPGA Extends Deal With IMG For Global TV Distribution
  • Korean Air Signs On As '18 Pyeongchang Games Domestic Sponsor

CDW Adds Pippen, Mahorn To Latest "People Who Get IT" Spots

CDW today announced the launch of its latest round of ads in the "People Who Get IT" campaign, timed to coincide with the NCAA Tournament. In the latest iteration, Basketball HOFer Scottie Pippen and broadcaster Rick Mahorn join campaign mainstay Charles Barkley. Ogilvy & Mather, Chicago, worked with CDW on the TV spots, which will run during tournament broadcasts and shoulder programming on CBS and CBS Sports Network. Radio spots will air on ESPN and Westwood One affiliates (CDW).

Boston '24 Games Study Projects Thousands Of Construction Jobs

A study commissioned by The Boston Foundation to be released today found that a '24 Boston Olympics "would pump billions of new dollars into the Massachusetts economy, potentially creating 4,000 construction jobs annually for six years and tens of thousands of temporary jobs the year of the event." The research, conducted by the UMass Donahue Institute, marks the "first extensive independent study" of '24 Games plans. Projections include $4B in new construction and $5B in economic activity from operating the Games (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/18).

LPGA Extends Deal With IMG For Global TV Distribution

By John Lombardo

The LPGA has signed an extension with IMG to continue to distribute the tour’s international television broadcasts through '19. IMG has held the LPGA’s exclusive international broadcast distribution rights since '96. Financial terms were not disclosed. “Our Tour is now driven by its international influence,” said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan. "IMG has been a terrific partner and continues to invest in showcasing our engaging stars on a global platform. We look forward to collaborating with them on enhancing the viewer experience of the LPGA."

Korean Air Signs On As '18 Pyeongchang Games Domestic Sponsor

Korean Air today "became a corporate sponsor" of the '18 Pyeongchang Games, making it "just the fifth company to sign on." Organizers of the event "have been struggling to find companies to join its domestic sponsorship program, a critical source of revenue." Korea's largest airline "will provide air transport for South Korean athletes, Olympic staff members and cargo services" (AP, 3/18).

Canucks Honor Late Pat Quinn With Renamed Stretch Of Road

The Canucks and their fans last night "fittingly" paid tribute to late NHL coach and exec Pat Quinn on St. Patrick's Day. Prior to their win over the Flyers, the team held a ceremony on the Rogers Arena north plaza to "unveil a newly renamed section of Abbott Street," which will now be known as Pat Quinn Way. The event featured Quinn family members, Canucks co-Owner & Chair Francesco Aquilini, President Trevor Linden and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. The game featured an "in-arena presentation that celebrated Quinn's life" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 3/18).

NHL Panthers Have Two Winners For "Goal Of A Lifetime" Contest

The NHL Panthers' "Goal of a Lifetime" contest "ended in a tie in a shootout during the first intermission" of last night' game against the Canadiens. Both finalists – Bill Ruggiero and Dustin Smith – "will take a turn in net" during today's practice. Ruggiero has "played in several minor leagues," while Smith played for Middle Tennesse State and has practiced with the Predators. They were chosen from 58 competitors out of a pool of 1,500 applicants (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 3/18).

Will Ferrell Discusses His Spring Training Stint In Cactus League

Actor Will Ferrell appeared on CBS’ “Late Show” to discuss playing for 10 different teams in Cactus League Spring Training games to raise money for Cancer for College. Ferrell: “There were moments that were terrifying. I’m not going to lie to you. Trying to hit a 90-mile-an-hour fastball, it's next to impossible.” CBS' David Letterman: “They don’t ease up, because the last thing they want to do is give up a hit to Movie Boy.”

Ferrell said the high mark of the experience was when he got a foul tip, a “dribbler” that did not make it past first base, and the low point was “playing left field for the Diamondbacks.” Ferrell: “I entered the game, they were down 9-1. When I left, we were losing 12-1 after four consecutive balls were hit to me in the outfield. ... Then I tried to joke around with the guys. They didn’t like it at all. I said, ‘Come on guys, here we go, a little 11-run rally, we can do it.’ And no one would look at me” (“Late Show,” CBS, 3/17).

Speed Reads....

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has signed into law a bill that “redirects the state’s excise tax on live pari-mutuel wagering during the Breeders’ Cup” in October. The money will be used for “boosting prizes awarded to horse owners” (LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER, 3/18).

Under Armour plans to donate “nearly 1,600 pairs of boots to members of the Baltimore Fire Department for its members’ personal use.” The donation is valued at $192,000 and is “set to be approved by the city’s Board of Estimates” (BALTIMORESUN.com, 3/17).

UCI President Brian Cookson said that “mixed-gender cycling events could form part” of the ’20 Tokyo Games if “experiments prove successful.” Men and women also could “compete against each other in sports” such as Alpine skiing and bobsledding as soon as the ’18 Pyeongchang Games (REUTERS, 3/17).

The PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational will accept new payment technologies at this year’s event – including chip cards, contactless payments and QkR! With MasterPass – via main tourney sponsor MasterCard. Apple Pay also will be accepted (MasterCard).

Quick Hits....

“I would love to see Pete reinstated” – MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark, on Pete Rose formally reapplying to have his lifetime ban from baseball lifted (ESPN.com, 3/17).

“He has brought in stakeholders that will be able to pull off the stadium without the public side. If they do it privately, that’s another reason to embrace the team” – MLS4MN Founder Joe Leyba, on NASL club Minnesota United FC Owner Bill McGuire’s efforts to build a privately financed stadium for a potential MLS expansion team (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 3/18).

“It’s something I’ve experienced. Just making them aware, you’re going to have to put that football down one day, basketball, volleyball. So, have a plan” – Former South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore, who was forced to retire from football due to injuries, on a speech he gave to high school students about developing a career after playing days end (THESTATE.com, 3/17).

"There is another life apart from football, and you can be happy. You can still work. It's encouraging to see guys say, 'If it feels right, I can do this'" – Former NFLer Rashard Mendenhall, who retired at the age of 26, on five NFL players under the age of 30 retiring over the past two weeks due to concerns about the long-term effects of playing football (USATODAY.com, 3/18).

Night Moves....Miami Nice

Last night’s 1:00am ET edition of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” led with BYU-Ole Miss and Hampton-Manhattan First Four games, followed by Spurs-Knicks and Bucks-Pelicans. The first non-basketball report came 12 minutes into the broadcast with highlights of Islanders-Blackhawks and Wild-Predators. Last night’s 1:00am ET edition of FS1’s “Fox Sports Live” also led with BYU-Ole Miss and Hampton-Manhattan, followed by Spurs-Knicks and Grizzlies-Pistons. The first non-basketball report came 16 minutes into the broadcast with Sabres-Bruins and Senators-Hurricanes.

ESPN’s Keith Olbermann called out his “world’s worst” persons in sports: the “several dozen” NYC FC supporters celebrating the club’s home opening win outside Yankee Stadium on Monday. Olbermann also criticized Siberian diving club head Roman Vytovtov for organizing underwater hockey games played upside down in full scuba gear, and the Heat fans in attendance for a game against the Cavaliers holding up signs begging LeBron James to come back to Miami.

Morning Hot Reads: He Jumped Early

USA TODAY reports two concussion experts agree that 49ers LB Chris Borland's early retirement is a "clear sign that years of science and research about traumatic brain injuries in football have created a new generation of educated athletes." Meanwhile, the SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS goes with the sub-header, "Early retirement a surprise to some experts in concussion field."

WALL STREET JOURNAL: "The media industry is racing toward an Internet-TV future at a breathtaking pace." The L.A. TIMES goes with the header, "Apple TV 'Skinny' Bundle Could Accelerate Cord Cutting." Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE: "Cutting The Cord: A Sports Fan's New Breed Of TV."

The WASHINGTON POST on adidas not renewing its deal as official NBA outfitter: "This fight isn’t just over basketball. The winner will also gain a crucial new foothold in America’s hyper-profitable sneaker industry."

Also:

Twitter Me This....

If you see a tweet we will not want to miss, send it to us at editorial@sportsbusinessdaily.com.

Spanning The Global....

The most-read Global stories today on SportsBusinessDaily.com:

1) Under Armour Announces $40M, Five-Year Sponsorship of Brasileiro Side São Paulo
2) Bernie Ecclestone Says Manor F1 Will Have To Pay For Travel Expenses To Melbourne
3) Australian Football League Side West Coast Eagles CEO Calls Clubs 'Delusional'
4) Fox Sports GO's Live Stream Of Miami ePrix Attracts 1,240 Viewers; Increase Of 454%
5) Tennis Agency StarWing Sports Acquires Football Agency Absolute Sports Management

Back Pages....

The Morning Buzz offers today's back page sports covers from some of North America's major metropolitan tabloids:

N.Y. Post N.Y. Daily News Newsday   Boston Herald Chicago Sun-Times Toronto Sun

Final Jeopardy!

Last night’s “Final Jeopardy!” category was “Numbers.”

“This two-digit number is the smallest prime number whose digits are both themselves prime numbers.”

Laugh Track....Ear Today, Gone Tomorrow

CBS’ Letterman: “Mitt Romney ran for president of the United States twice and is now as a fundraiser going to get in the ring, the old squared circle, and he’s going to fight Evander Holyfield. This is the dumbest thing Republicans have done since they wrote the open letter to Iran. Holyfield has no idea what he’s getting in for. He’s going to be in the ring with a politician, with Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney will talk Holyfield’s ear off” (“Late Show,” CBS, 3/17).

NBC’s Jimmy Fallon: “Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar is out for a week after a strong sneeze caused him to pull one of his muscles before a game. When asked about the injury, he hiccupped and passed away. I’m going to miss him. He’s great. One of my favorites” (“The Tonight Show,” NBC, 3/17).

Top Ten....Pluck Of The Irish

Last night’s Top Ten list was “Top Ten Things You Don’t Want To Hear In A Bar On St. Patrick’s Day.” Letterman said, “Often, there are things you might not want to hear on this holiday, or perhaps any day, really” (“Late Show,” CBS, 3/16).

10) “We’re out of cabbage; I’m using Ficus leaves”
9) “Green beer = antifreeze.”
8) “Why is Robert Durst here?”
7) “Open your copies of ‘Dianetics’ to page 43.”
6) “One more and then I gotta go, the plane won’t fly itself.”
5) “Someone take away Justice Ginsburg’s keys.”
4) “The only thing left on tap is Fresca”
3) “Turn up the volume, I can’t hear ‘Wheel of Fortune.’”
2) “In observance of the holiday, the pub is closed.”
1) “Wake up! It’s March 25th!”