Nets investor Jay-Z today formally announced that the team's name will change from New Jersey Nets to Brooklyn Nets with the move to Barclays Center in '12. The moniker "had been a poorly kept secret in recent months and was considered a given for some time before that, despite the public ruminations" about rebranding from team Owner Mikhail Prokhorov. Nets officials "considered alternatives ... but ultimately chose continuity (Nets) and cachet (Brooklyn)." The team "expects to unveil new logos in February" (NYTIMES.com, 9/26).

The NHL today formally announced that the Flyers will host the Rangers in the '12 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 2 at Citizens Bank Park. The league also unveiled the special logos that will be used by both teams. Bridgestone returns for the fourth consecutive year as the event's title sponsor (NHL). NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the event, "which he called the worst-kept secret in sports." Bettman also confirmed that the NHL and HBO would partner for another "24/7" series. An outline of the rink was set up at the ballpark (PHILLY.com, 9/26).

A source said that NBA and NBPA officials are "finalizing details of a bargaining session that will take place Tuesday" in N.Y. and "possibly extend to Wednesday." The source added that NBPA Exec Dir Billy Hunter "has postponed a regional meeting" originally scheduled for tomorrow in Miami and will stay in N.Y. for the talks. The "precise composition and format for the negotiations is still being determined due to a scheduling conflict." Once that is resolved, the "goal is to continue with the small-group sessions" (CBSSPORTS.com, 9/26).

The Packers and Wisconsin Lottery today announced details of this year's Packers-branded lottery offerings, which will include a raffle game giving players a chance to win a set of four tickets to all '12 regular-season road games. The Packers claim it is the first raffle-style game to be offered by a state lottery and NFL team. Other prizes include tailgate ticket packages at Lambeau Field and Packers Pro Shop gift cards. The tickets will be sold Oct. 1-Nov. 2 for $2 each or three for $5 (Packers). 

Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, tonight will host the '11 Kraft Hockeyville event, with nearby St. John's hosting a Jets-Senators preseason game at Mile One Centre. This will be the sixth annual Kraft Hockeyville game, in which a small town is selected to host an NHL game and ancillary events. Conception Bay South, which has a population of about 20,000, received a $100,000 check from the food brand "that will go toward updating its local rink" (NHL.com, 9/22).

Angie's List today announced that it as signed on as a primary sponsor of Sarah Fisher Racing's No. 57, which will be driven by Tomas Scheckter, at the Izod IndyCar World Championships in Las Vegas on Oct. 16 (Sarah Fisher Racing).

M&T Bank will "continue to be the official bank of the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival after signing a two-year extension." M&T Bank has sponsored the event, which will be held Oct. 15, for the past three years (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/26).

U.S. sprinter Tyson Gay has signed a deal to become an ambassador for EAS Sports Nutrition's 100% Certified program. Gay joins fellow EAS endorsers Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald and Pacers F Danny Granger (EAS).

USA Water Polo and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announced a multiyear partnership that makes IHG an official hotel partner of the NGB (USA Water Polo).

Minor League Baseball today announced that the 35th annual Minor League Baseball Promotional Seminar next year will be held in Reno from Oct. 2-5 (MiLB).

"Many first-class and reputable potential owners currently avoid football as an investment because of the instability they see" – Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis, on UEFA's efforts to foster long-term financial stability through its Financial Fair Play initiative (NYTIMES.com, 9/26).

"The ratings were good even when the team wasn't very good" – Former KFMB-AM News Dir Jim Holtzman, on Cox Communications Channel 4 often pulling a six or seven ratings for Padres games during their 15-year pact, which expires this week (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 9/25).

"I’d say 2011 has been probably the most trying year a lot of us have had for a variety of reasons" – Dodgers GM Ned Colletti, on the struggles experienced by the team this season (AP, 9/26).

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: "In Indy today w/ local leaders & Super Bowl XLVI Host Cmte. City has a great combo of passion for the game & its community."

Goodwin Sports' Nate Jones: "Really confident we'll get a labor deal sooner than most have been saying. People forget these guys were barely talking in 98."

N.Y. Daily News' Jesse Spector: "Not being here today really shows how disconnected Jim Dolan is from the Rangers. Been on beat over a year, still haven't seen him."

SportsGrid.com's Timothy Burke: "Remember when ESPN paid all that money for rights to the EPL, including the Monday night game? Now only available on ESPN3 & Deportes."

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

NFL Senior VP/PR Greg Aiello posted this pic of Commissioner Roger Goodell speaking to USA Football staff in Indianapolis after the Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee breakfast.

Rams LB James Laurinaitis will host a Make-A-Wish Foundation Celebrity Server Dinner at the Hyatt St. Louis Arch. Several Rams players will take part.

NBA TV will premiere "Big Game James: The James Worthy," a 30-minute special on the life of Basketball HOF James Worthy, at 7:00pm ET.

ESPN's Erin Andrews will appear on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" at midnight ET.

Ahead of the inaugural F1 race in Austin, Red Bull Racing filmed this video of its F1 showcar racing through Texas ranch land, the city's downtown and eventually the track, which is still under construction.

Watch The Clip

$250,000 – Amount NASCAR team Owner Rick Hendrick paid for the "first 2012 Camaro ZL1 offered to the public" at Saturday's Barrett-Jackson charity auction in Las Vegas. The car, which features a Carbon Flash Metallic exterior, is "expected to be released early next year" (MLIVE.com, 9/26).