Fans Hope Murray Ends Wimbledon Run With Title

Wimbledon heads into its final weekend with Roger Federer on the cusp of making Grand Slam history, but perhaps the biggest story on the men's side is local hero Andy Murray. Murray stands only two matches away from becoming the first Brit to win Wimbledon in over 70 years, and a Wimbledon title would instantly elevate Murray to the highest echelon of British sports figures. Marketing analysts are predicting a huge financial windfall from Murray's potentially-enhanced sponsorship appeal. Meanwhile, NBC will air both the men's and women's finals live this weekend, which fans surely will welcome as a pleasant change after several days of frustrating tape-delayed matches.

Land Of The Free
NHL free agency gets off to a bang, as the Blackhawks ink Marian Hossa to a 12-year deal.

Wild Blue Yonder
UNC signs a 10-year athletic supply deal with Nike reportedly worth in excess of $37M.

Stars And Stripes 
Hicks Sports Marketing Group dissolves as Tom Hicks continues to seek buyer for Rangers.

One Nation 
Polo Ralph Lauren re-ups its deal with the USOC and will outfit U.S. Olympians through '12.

Grand Old Flag
While sponsorships, ticket sales are down for AT&T National, Finchem insists PGA Tour is weathering downturn.

As American As Baseball And Apple Pie
Front-page N.Y. Times piece examines why Sony Pictures halted production of "Moneyball."

For Spacious Skies
Thunder Owner Clay Bennett reflects on the one-year mark of team's relocation from Seattle.