• U.S. To Miss '18 World Cup After Disastrous Loss In Qualifier
• Golden Knights Make Home Debut With Sellout Crowd, Thrilling Win
• Warriors Eye Spot In New Esports League Operated By Riot Games
• SeatGeek Continues Primary Ticketing Push With SeatGeek Enterprise

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Today: The fallout is already starting to come following the USMNT’s seismic loss.

Start your morning with Buzzcast, a 3-minute podcast on today's top stories.
Today: A song heard in the Cowboys’ locker room gives an indication where players stand on the anthem issue.

Hawks and Philips Arena CEO Steve Koonin said he would “radically change the schedule” if he could be NBA Commissioner for a day. In a one-on-one interview with THE DAILY’s Abe Madkour to close out the ’17 AXS Ticketing Symposium, Koonin joked that today’s headline would read that he “wants to take on baseball,” but he laid out his reasons for the hypothetical schedule shift. Koonin: “I would start around Thanksgiving or early December and I would go straight up against baseball in July. For three weeks, when we’re in our ‘pennant race,’ we are preempted on our principal network by March Madness. I would move away from NFL and move toward summer. We’re an indoor sport. … The demography of the NBA is different than baseball.”

Koonin: “There’s an old fallacy about media by some of the dinosaurs that you can’t get eyeballs in the summer. ‘American Idol’ proved that wrong. The Olympics proved that wrong. The NBA Finals prove that wrong. So I would love to see us playing in the summer. … When you look at the power of college football, college basketball and the vacancy of professional sports in late spring/early summer, I see an opportunity.”

See more of Koonin’s conversation in today’s issue of THE DAILY.

The USMNT is out of the '18 FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 loss to Trinidad & Tobago "before a few thousand observers in a lonely little stadium" on the island nation. The U.S. "played a shameful first half," and with the loss "fell to fifth place in the six-team regional competition." In their "most important qualifier in years ... the Americans flopped" (WASHINGTON POST, 10/11).

SI.com calls this the "most embarrassing failure in U.S. Soccer history." THE RINGER: "The latest national men's soccer fiasco is the most acute, and disastrous, in decades, maybe ever." USATODAY.com writes the USMNT "gave a nation the lowest point in its sporting history, and it's not really close."

The Golden Knights last night in their home debut became the "first NHL expansion team to begin its inaugural season 3-0," defeating the Coyotes 5-2. The Golden Knights scored four times in the first period and "gave the announced sellout crowd of 18,191 something to cheer about." This after an "emotional pregame that honored the first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and medical personnel who assisted" following the mass shooting in Las Vegas. The "Heroes of Vegas" were "brought onto the ice where they were joined by the Knights players and coaches." The Coyotes "joined the Knights on the blue line in a show of support" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOUNRAL, 10/11).

The capacity crowd at T-Mobile Arena "seemed absorbed in the game starting nearly an hour before the puck dropped," and a "deafening cheer reverberated through the venue as soon as the Golden Knights took the ice for a pre-game warm-up." It "only got louder" during the tribute to first responders (LASVEGASSUN.com, 10/10).

NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy yesterday tweeted that NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith will be attending the NFL owners' meeting next week to "talk to owners about what the league can do to move forward on players' concerns toward social issues." This comes a day after the NFL said it "would discuss what to do about player protests" at the meeting, held Tuesday and Wednesday at The Conrad in N.Y. (USATODAY.com, 10/11).

Commissioner Roger Goodell last night said the "real dialogue and the real issues" around the protests have been "overtaken by the controversy." Goodell: "What we really want to try to do is get back to focusing on the actions that we want to take to really improve our communities and support our players to get those things done" ("NFL Total Access," NFL Network, 10/11).

President Trump appearing on Fox News' "Hannity" last night said, "I watched Colin Kaepernick and I thought it was terrible, and then it got bigger and bigger and started mushrooming and frankly, the NFL should have suspended him for two games and he would have never done it again." He added, "They could have then suspended him for two games and they could have suspended him if he did it a third time for the season. You would have never had a problem. But I will tell you, you cannot disrespect our country, our flag, our anthem. You cannot do that" ("Hannity," Fox News, 10/11).

The Warriors are under consideration for a spot in Riot Games’ reconstituted North American League Championship Series in “League of Legends,” a team source confirmed. Riot says that in November, it will announce the 10 organizations that will compete in '18, though multiple sources say the remaining applicants expect to be privately informed this week. Newcomers to the game would have to pay Riot $13M if accepted. Most esports experts believe that only two or three spots will be awarded to applicants that do not currently compete in the league.

The Warriors are a charter member in the "NBA 2K" league set to launch in '18, but otherwise have no esports assets. Warriors co-Owner Peter Guber and Assistant GM Kirk Lacob are part of a large group of investors in aXiomatic, a group that owns a controlling stake in esports' Team Liquid, a current LCS participant  Riot prohibits dual ownership of LCS teams, so if both teams are accepted in the league, restructuring or divestment would be necessary.

New York Life has renewed its title sponsorship of the Pac-12 men's and women's basketball tournaments, a position it has held for the past three years, Officially, the conference is terming this a "multiyear" arrangement, but it is believed to be another three-year pact. Under the new deal, New York Life adds rights to all other Pac-12 sports championships, except football. Peter Stern's Strategic Agency negotiated the deal, and has been New York Life's sponsorship agency of record since '09.

SeatGeek today is formally debuting SeatGeek Enterprise, a new brand that furthers its intent to be a significant player in primary ticketing, with a particular focus on mobile. This follows SeatGeek's acquisition this spring of Israeli ticketing software company TopTix, which had been helping power its open ticketing system. Initial users of SeatGeek Enterprise include Sporting KC, the Sounders and several London theaters, with several other MLS clubs expected to be folded in over the next two years. SeatGeek Open, the company’s prior solution for an open distribution model for ticketing, will exist within SeatGeek Enterprise. “This is about creating a unified, global, enterprise-level solution that can challenge the status quo in the industry,” said SeatGeek co-Founder Russ D’Souza.

Two people involved in the federal investigation into college basketball corruption said that they "expect more college coaches and others involved with grassroots basketball programs to be charged later this month." One former high-major college coach who retains deep connections in the business said that he "believes the case will lead to 40 to 50 job openings for head and assistant coaches by the spring" (L.A. TIMES, 10/11).

NYRR has signed Bedgear as its official mattress and performance sleep partner for the TCS NYC Marathon on Nov. 5. Sources said the deal is valued in the low seven figures and includes a media buy with rights holder ABC/ESPN. Bedgear will showcase its collection of products at events throughout the Marathon buildup, and NYRR trainers will be sharing sleep tips provided by Bedgear at the NYRR runcenter and its pre-race expo. Farmingdale, NY-based Bedgear also has deals with the Red Sox and the Mavericks.

The AXS Facilities & Franchises and Ticketing Symposium kicks off today in Atlanta, site of two ground-breaking new facilities (SunTrust Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium) and one heavily hyped renovation (Philips Arena). The kickoff panel for the 2017 Ticketing Symposium, “The Future Fan Experience,” will touch on all elements of the live event experience. Other Day 1 highlights will include a featured presentation on leadership with Georgia Tech men's basketball coach Josh Pastner, "20 Questions" with the NCAA's Josh Logan and a 30-minute Q&A with Hawks CEO Steve Koonin. See a full agenda.

The event comes at an emotionally charged time for sports and society, and that will surely drive some of the discussion. From a recent spate of natural disasters, to an unprecedented attack on sports by a sitting president, to widespread player advocacy, to one of the most horrific and violent tragedies in America during an entertainment event, it has been a numbing six weeks. We will have a lot of smart people on stage and in the audience this week, and the perspectives they provide are sure to be thought-provoking.

The FBI has acknowledged it "has documents related" to the Univ. of Kansas and its sponsorship with Adidas, but "cannot release them" due to the ongoing legal investigation into college basketball (KANSAN.com, 10/11).

The Ducks last night during its game against the Islanders at Honda Center "recognized 20 Orange County residents who were either injured at the Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting in Las Vegas or first responders to the tragic event" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 10/12).

Virgin Sport last night “canceled its first half marathon” in S.F. that was scheduled for this weekend, saying that air quality caused by the northern California wildfires “played a role in its decision” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 10/12).

“This world is huge, and there's enough space for all of us. We're all different. We're all unique. We all have different stories, and we try to bring that to life with the things we represent from a product standpoint, and a brand standpoint” -- Warriors G Stephen Curry, on a supposed shoe rivalry between he and teammate F Kevin Durant (USA TODAY, 10/12).

"Peaceful protest is fine. You have a right to voice your opinion , as long as it's a peaceful protest" -- New Marlins CEO Derek Jeter, on if he'd have a problem with a Marlins player taking a knee during the national anthem (N.Y. POST, 10/12).
 
“We've taken her as far as we can take her” -- Stewart-Haas Racing co-Owner Tony Stewart, on parting ways with Danica Patrick after this season (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/12).

“I’ll probably reach out before (the meeting) and tell them that I’d like to do it. Hopefully I can get it done, continue to do that for the next few years and one day be the (union) president” -- Celtics F Jaylen Brown, on wanting to become the team’s union rep (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/12).

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Kraft Analytics Group have agreed to a multiyear partnership for data collection across three HBSE properties: the 76ers, Devils and Prudential Center (HBSE).

The Vikings and Minnesota-based Sleep Number agreed to a 10-year partnership naming the company the team's official sleep and wellness partner (Vikings).

The Las Vegas Stadium Authority has "canceled its meeting" planned for tomorrow and instead will hold it Nov. 9. to discuss further details of the Raiders eventual move (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 10/11).

The Hurricanes home opener against the Wild on Saturday took place in front of a "sold-out crowd of 18,680 at PNC Arena." But last night's game against the Blue Jackets at PNC saw only a "sparse" crowd of 7,892 (SPORTSNET.ca, 10/10).

A Newark STAR-LEDGER editorial states, "Proceed carefully, NFL: It's not hard to spot the real patriots." The editorial: "It seems some distracted people in the luxury box need yet another reminder about what the NFL player protest of the anthem represents." Commissioner Roger Goodell "should announce that the NFL will take on civil rights and social justice, just as it champions other causes." Meanwhile, the DENVER POST goes with "Here Is NFL’s Chance To Be Better Than Washington Politicians In Tackling Anthem Controversy."

Also:

• Rays bring relief to Puerto Rico in wake of Hurricane Maria.
• The "sad bullying" of Jemele Hill.
• Michael Phelps "opens up about struggles with depression" in new doc.

"Yes, I watched, but I don't want to give any comments right now. It wouldn't be right" -- Former USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann, on the team losing to Trinidad & Tobago and missing out on the '18 FIFA World Cup in Russia (ESPNFC.com, 10/11).

"It's definitely upsetting because I think I did a good job for the team and my sponsors and work hard for everyone. But it is the business. It is how the sport goes" -- NASCAR driver Landon Cassill, on being dropped by Front Row Motorsports ahead of the '18 season (ESPN.com, 10/11).

"It looks like a cheap costume you’d get at CVS" -- ESPN’s Michelle Beadle, on the Univ. of Florida’s alternative uniforms (“SportsNation,” ESPN, 10/10).

YAHOO SPORTS writes under the header, "Women In Football: What NFL Needs To Get Right To Keep Them As Fans." Roughly 45% of NFL fans are women, and the league "would like that number to be higher." But with how the NFL "handles domestic violence incidents to concussions and CTE, there are problems." Female NFL fans "acknowledge it’s a complicated relationship," but "there’s a lot to love despite their real concerns."

Also:

• Will ESPN suspension actually help Jemele Hill's career?
• 49ers get involved with S.F. school system.
• Furniture Row Racing "does it their way out of Denver."
• Which young golfing phenom will be this year's Justin Thomas?

Derek Jeter owns the #Marlins, by the end of tonight Gregorius might own New York. #Yankees

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) October 12, 2017

Ernie Johnson announces baseball like someone is describing the game in sign language to a second person who writes notes sent to Johnson.

— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) October 11, 2017

Excited and happy to say I've joined forces with @3kingsley & @TV_Agent_Mike in pursuit of my next great adventure!

— Mike Massaro (@MikeMassaroTV) October 12, 2017

Pumped for Game 5, but an 8 pm start time?!?! Living in Eastern Time Zone is brutal for a sports fan

— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) October 12, 2017

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

A 3-minute hit on the stories you need to know ... Subscribe on iTunes ... Check out our podcast home.

It is about time that Roger Goodell of the NFL is finally demanding that all players STAND for our great National Anthem-RESPECT OUR COUNTRY

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2017

Christian Pulisic will not have the chance to play in the World Cup until he's at least 23 years old. That's a loss for soccer at large.

— Bill Koch (@BillKoch25) October 11, 2017

This is what @FOXSports gets for cancelling our show.

— Jay Onrait (@JayOnrait) October 11, 2017

Just think of it as a little ratings boost for the Travelers.

— Will Gray (@WillGrayGC) October 11, 2017

Wild that the official team Twitter account of the Penguins made no mention of their trip to the White House today. None.

— Ty Anderson (@_TyAnderson) October 10, 2017

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

The Edmonton Broadcasters Club will honor longtime Edmonton Sun columnist Terry Jones with a luncheon this afternoon.

The Hornets' new team store at Spectrum Center opens to the public at 11:00am ET. The team yesterday cut the ribbon on the new shop and gave media a sneak peek.

Marvin Williams stopped by for a sneak peek of the new Hornets Fan Shop!! The store will officially open tomorrow at 11 a.m. 🙌 #BuzzCity pic.twitter.com/sG0uXxF5e8

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 10, 2017

A 3-minute hit on the stories you need to know ... Subscribe on iTunes ... Check out our podcast home.

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

“A Latin word for a sea creature, in photography, it’s a color that conveys nostalgia.”

Last night’s edition of CBS’ “The Late Show” featured host Stephen Colbert discussing the ongoing NFL protests, noting, “We talk about Donald Trump a lot on this show but let’s take a little break and talk about sports. According to the Washington Post, Donald Trump has scored a win in the cultural war” regarding the NFL protests. Colbert said of NFL owners meeting next week to discuss the protests during the national anthem, “Well that’s a relief. If a room full of rich, white men can’t solve racism nobody can” (“The Late Show,” CBS, 10/11).

NBC’s Jimmy Fallon noted the USMNT failed to qualify for the ’18 World Cup “after losing to Trinidad & Tobago (Tuesday) night. In response, Trump was like, ‘Why did America have to play two countries at the same time?’” (“The Tonight Show,” NBC, 10/11).

Actress Margot Robbie appeared on NBC’s “The Tonight Show” last night where she discussed being an NHL Rangers fan. Fallon: “You go to the Rangers games all the time, which is fantastic.” Robbie: “The first place I lived in in America was New York so I was automatically a Rangers fan.” Fallon noted “you really get into it” at the games, displaying a photo of an excited Robbie wearing a Rangers jersey at MSG. Robbie said there are “embarrassing photos out there” of her. Fallon said of the Rangers jersey she was wearing in the photo, “Is that a retired jersey that you picked up in the rafters and then fell down?” Robbie said she has appeared on the MSG Jumbotron during games and “it's so awkward. Fallon: “You wave hi and then just hope for applause.” Robbie: “It's like uncomfortably long that you're held on the Jumbotron” (“The Tonight Show,” NBC, 10/11).

Last night’s “Final Jeopardy!” category was “20thCentury Novels.”

“The protagonist of this novel ‘was fairly sure that his age was 39, and he believed that he had been born in 1944 or 1945.’”

Last night’s edition of “Jeopardy!” featured the category “19th Century Sports.”
$400: “In 1878 the annual regatta between these two schools moved to the Thames River in Connecticut.”
$800: “Seen here is this man who in 1891 came up with a new sport.”

$1200: “On June 6, 1892 he became the first president to attend a Major League Baseball game while in office.”
$1600: “On November 12, 1892, $500 from this city’s Allegheny Athletic Association made Pudge Heffelfinger the first known pro football player.”
$2000: “In 1895 this Rhode Island city’s country club held the first U.S. Open golf championships won by Horace Rawlins.”

“What is sepia?”

TNT’s Shaquille O’Neal appeared on NBC’s “The Tonight Show” last night, with host Jimmy Fallon noting he is under contract signed with Turner Sports “until like 2030 or something.” O’Neal: “I am? I didn’t know that.” Fallon said jokingly, “Congratulations. I wanted to announce it on the show tonight in case you want to renegotiate.” O’Neal said he was “looking forward” to beginning the new season of “Inside the NBA” but he wasn’t “looking forward to talking" to Charles Barkley. O’Neal: “I hate Charles Barkley.” O’Neal then looks into the camera and said, “Camera 3? I hate you, Charles Barkley. I know you watching the show. I hate you. ... I’m gonna knock your ass at our first show” (“The Tonight Show,” NBC, 10/10).
CBS’ Stephen Colbert noted the new trailer for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” debuted during halftime of "MNF." Colbert: "I'm not sure if they were advertising ‘Star Wars’ to football fans or football to ‘Star Wars,’ fans but it worked out. But before playing the new trailer, a legion of stormtroopers marched onto the field, in the same amount of armor football players should be wearing. ‘Listen up! Take a knee? You take a knee during the national anthem? No! That is disrespectful to the snow-white pretend Nazis who are coming out in a minute’” (“The Late Show,” CBS, 10/10).

“What is '1984'?”

Correct responses to the “19^th Century Sports” category:
$400: “Who are Yale and Harvard?”
$800: “Who is James Naismith?”
$1200: “Who was Benjamin Harrison?”
$1600: “What is Pittsburgh?”
$2000: “What is Newport?”