MLB Commissioner Bud Selig today formally declared his plans to retire when his current contract ends on Jan. 24, 2015. Fully consistent with his stated intentions since signing an two-year contract extension in January '12 to carry him to that date, Selig's planned retirement will end his tenure as commissioner after more than 22 years. Today's announcement in effect formally begins the efforts to find Selig's successor, and the league said he will soon announce "a transition plan in preparation for his retirement, which will reorganize centralized Major League Baseball management."

MLB execs declined to specify the forthcoming changes, but the transition plan could be the most significant change to the sport's senior leadership structure since the departure of league President Bob DuPuy three years ago. Industry sources, however, suggested the forthcoming transition plan will not signal a likely successor to Selig.

"It remains my great privilege to serve the game I have loved throughout my life," Selig said. "Baseball is the greatest game ever invented, and I look forward to continuing its extraordinary growth and addressing several significant issues during the remainder of my term." During Selig's tenure, annual industry revenues have more than quintupled to about $8B, labor peace has existed since '95, attendance has reached record levels, both the MLB Network and MLBAM were created, and competitive balance has improved measurably.

In a "shocking shakeup," the Knicks today named Steve Mills the team's President & GM, replacing Glen Grunwald, who will remain with the club as an advisor. Knicks Owner James Dolan "apparently was not pleased with the Knicks' second-round playoff exit or the summer overhaul that have some predicting the Knicks as the fifth-best team in the East." Grunwald did finish third in NBA Exec of the Year balloting. Mills left his role with the Knicks six years ago (NYPOST.com, 9/26).

Nike today reported that Q1 net income fell 12% "as the boost from higher sales was offset by increased costs and ad spending." The company also is "facing a slowdown of future orders of its products, particularly in China." Income fell to $567M, or $1.23 per share, down from income of $645M, or $1.36 per share. That "beat expectations" that the company would earn $1.12 per share. Nike execs said that they are working to come up with products "more tailored to the Chinese consumer" (AP, 9/26).

NBC Sports Group today announced a pair of new NHL-themed programs that will debut on NBCSN Tuesday, Oct. 9, and continue through the '13-14 season. “NHL Rivals” was developed following the success of last season's introduction of the Wednesday Night Rivalry game. The half-hour, documentary-style show will delve into the history behind some of the sport's most storied rivalries, as told by current and former players, broadcasters and writers. Each episode will debut at 10:30pm ET Tuesday night, then replay at 6:30pm as a lead-in to the Wednesday night telecast. The premiere episode features Blues-Blackhawks.

“The majority of the content is going to be in the players’ voices,” NBC Sports Exec Producer Sam Flood said. “There will be an occasional bridge line to get from place to place or fill in the details, but the concept here is let the players, let the stars, tell the story.”

Meanwhile, “NHL Top 10” will air each week following “NHL Rivals” at 11:00pm. It will feature a traditional countdown of hockey “bests,” whether it be goal-scorers, U.S.-born players, tough guys or goaltenders. Flood said the show “will create some wonderful debates” and feature commentary and analysis from former and current players, broadcasters and writers.

The Virginia Tech athletic department has given the football team "the thumbs up" to wear the "Hokie Stone" helmets for tonight's game against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The helmets, which "created a stir last week on the Internet," are "meant to replicate the 'Hokie Stone' used on buildings throughout the campus" (FOXSPORTS.com, 9/23). ESPN's Tony Kornheiser said the helmets are "intriguing and terribly stupid at the same time." Kornheiser: "This is going to make the players look like they have rocks in their heads" ("PTI," ESPN, 9/24).

Meanwhile, Georgia Tech for tonight's game will wear white throwback jerseys "reminiscent of those the Yellowjackets wore during their heyday in the 1950s with blue numbers and striped sleeves." This comes as the school is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Grant Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 9/22).

The NCAA D-I men’s lacrosse tournament will “expand to 18 teams beginning with the spring 2014 season with a pair of play-in games” (LAXMAGAZINE.com, 9/25).

SOCOG today formally announced that Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin will be the “first Russian to carry the Olympic Torch once it is ignited in a ceremony at Olympia, Greece, on Sunday” (NHL.com, 9/26).

IMG College and Learfield Sports today announced an extension of their relationship with SiriusXM Radio through June ’16 (IMG/Learfield).

Apple TV today will begin offering an MLS channel that offers free on-demand highlights, analysis and player profiles. MLS LIVE subscription holders will have "access to live streaming and archived versions of regular-season matches" (MLSSOCCER.com, 9/26).

New Amsterdam Spirits today announced renewals of its sponsorship of the Falcons and Raiders. The spirits brand will have a branded bar and sales carts at the teams’ stadiums and the rights to use team marks and logos (THE DAILY). 

Wake Forest Univ. has contracted with Greensboro Coliseum Complex to book and manage external events at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum and other school athletic venues (WFU).

MoGo Sport, which makes flavored mouthguards, today announced a partnership with Warriors G Stephen Curry, who will serve as a brand ambassador and will begin wearing a special-edition lemonade-flavored mouthguard this season (MoGo).

Granola and cookie brand Bear Naked today announced sponsorships with U.S. skier Hannah Kearney and snowboarder Chas Guldemond (Bear Naked).

“I think the authority played a critical role in building Three Rivers Stadium. It’s played a very vital role in the redevelopment of the area between the stadiums. But once that debt ends, I think the authority’s time should end as well” – Pittsburgh City Council member Bill Peduto, on the Pittsburgh Stadium Authority (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 9/26).

"Guys are learning the only way a commercial can be successful is if it's funny. I figured that out a long time ago. A lot of guys made bad commercials trying to be too serious. I think if you make people laugh that's the best commercial" – TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley, on a winning formula for ads (ADAGE.com, 9/25).

The Big Lead's Jason McIntyre: "Delany attempting misdirection. why is talking minor leagues? that has never been the issue."

Deadspin's Barry Petchesky: "I also seek a $350 million contract, but neither I nor Cano is going to get one."

Reuters' Karolos Grohmann: "Interesting to see what kind of financial/media fallout the #AmericasCup will have on sailing overall, other series such as @extremesailing"

Charlotte Business Journal's Erik Spanberg: "NASCAR's @DaleJr to be guest DJ on @SIRIUSXM Lithium channel (90s rock and grunge) Friday at 6 PM. Replays Sat and Sun."

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

The Rams will host the Celebrate Primetime with Rams Legends event at St. Louis’ Ferrara Theater prior to the team’s game against the 49ers. A total of 23 former players from '58-'08 will attend the event.

Bidding ends at 8:00pm ET on the Nationals' auction of 41 signed, patriotic game-worn jerseys, with all proceeds going to help the families affected by the Navy Yard shooting.

ESPN 540 AM Milwaukee will host a business of sports panel discussion at 6:00pm CT featuring Packers TE Jermichael Finley, former NFLer Gilbert Brown, former MLBer Craig Counsell and Bucks broadcaster Jon McGlocklin.

SI's Golf.com earlier this week posted a slideshow of the "50 Greatest Bill Murray Golf Photos."

26 – Number of times Virginia Tech has appeared on ESPN's Thursday night college football series in combined home and away games, the most of any program. VT's opponent tonight, Georgia Tech, ranks second with 24 appearances (ESPN).