Yankees Help Propel Fox To 39% Ratings Bump

Celebrations continue in Gotham today as MLB closes the books on another season, one Commissioner Selig dubbed its “greatest.” The postseason will be remembered for many reasons, but one element can’t be denied: the unquestionable draw of the Yankees. It’s been six years since the team was in the World Series and it could easily be argued that MLB needed the Yankees in '09 more than ever. Coming off the lowest rated World Series in history, the power of the pinstripes was clear throughout the playoffs. MLB benefited from big markets and the early start times, it had the popular teams in the mix and close competition throughout. But at the end of the day, without the Yankees' global brand, all that may not have mattered. Buoyed by the Bombers, Fox’ six-game average of an 11.9 for the Fall Classic was up a healthy 39% from last year’s lowest rated ever. While there may be no long-term significance to these numbers, it still marks welcome news for a league and its media partners.

No Horsing Around
Drop in ticket prices, ending two-day packages keys to boosting Breeders' Cup attendance.

What's In A Name?
IRL touts reach, engagement of sponsor Izod; shoots down rumored sale of Series, IMS.

Everything's Bigger In Texas
Top Rank pursuing Pacquiao-Mayweather bout at Cowboys Stadium; Manny featured in Time Asia cover story.

Trailing The Field
With Tiger teeing off in China, survey shows he's not among country's top 10 most popular foreign athletes.

Wide World Leader
Disney unveils details of Wide World of Sports ESPN branding, set to debut in February.

Dodge Ball
Jamie McCourt denied reinstatement to Dodgers; six front-office employees dismissed.

Packing Up The Clubs
Dottie Pepper to leave Golf Channel; ESPN's Ron Franklin sounds off about reduced role.

Eight In The Box 
NFL touts impressive viewership gains through eight weeks, with three TV partners up double digits from '08.