ESPN President John Skipper today acknowledged that the collective $720M commitment from his network, Fox and Univision for eight years of MLS and U.S. Soccer media rights is an investment in the sport's growth. Skipper, during a press conference announcing the deals in N.Y., said, "It's a futures buy. We're buying pork bellies. It's going to be more valuable over time."

MLS also considered changing to the FIFA soccer schedule of August-May, but Commissioner Don Garber at today's media rights announcement said that the league will keep its current format long-term. Garber: "From a weather perspective, I think it's impossible to change (to the global schedule)."

Meanwhile, Univision Deportes will have the exclusive Spanish-language rights for the Copa America Centenario, the soccer tournament in the summer of '16 that will feature the best teams from CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. The formal announcement is expected to be made tomorrow, when Univision holds its upfront at Broadway’s Al Hirchfeld Theatre. The network bought out a week’s worth of performances of the musical “Kinky Boots” in order to host the presentation at the theatre.

A source said the sale of the Bucks to prospective co-Owners Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry is "moving quickly," and it is "possible there will be news later this week." NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in mid-April anticipated that it "would take about a month for the sale to be formally approved" by league owners. Assuming the sale goes through this week, Lasry and Edens are "expected to take control of the team quickly" (JSONLINE.com, 5/12).

NFL Media COO Brian Rolapp appeared on CNBC's "Squawk Box" this morning and discussed the issue of whether the Draft will change sites: "We’ve heard from a lot of different places where they realize that this event not only puts a city on television, but it is a way for fans to come out and do things in the offseason." He also said the use of Twitter to show Draft highlights "has worked great." Rolapp: "We tweeted every podium pick where (NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell) is hugging the guy, which people love. … We probably had about 10 million (re)tweets."

Rolapp also spoke more generally about TV as an NFL platform: "When it comes to live games, we still think television is the best way to distribute those. We have made our television deals through '21-22. We have made our bed, but that is not the sole consumption of our sport. Most of our consumption or a lot of it is with highlights outside the game" (“Squawk Box,” CNBC, 5/12).

U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken today "denied one of the motions that the NCAA has made in an effort to redefine and/or delay the prospective trial" in the Ed O'Bannon lawsuit over use of athlete likenesses. Wilken "refused the NCAA's request that she reconsider part of her ruling April 11 on the sides' respective requests for summary judgment – or, rulings in their favor without trial." The NCAA "still has three pending motions that could alter the complexion or timing of the case" (USATODAY.com, 5/12).

Marley Coffee today announced that it has signed a five-year deal to sponsor the Rapids, becoming the MLS club's official coffee partner. As part of the agreement, Marley Coffee will be the exclusive coffee served at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The partnership, brokered by Denver-based Impression Sports & Entertainment, expands the gourmet coffee brand's pro sports presence in the region, as Marley also has deals in place with the Broncos and Rockies (Marley Coffee).

Samsung will serve as title sponsor of the NBA Summer League, which tips off in July in Orlando and Las Vegas. The electronics company already serves as the official handset, tablet and TV provider of the NBA, WNBA and D-League (NBA).

Gatorade today announced plans for its "Unreal Around the World" soccer-themed consumer contest. Winners will receive an int'l soccer experience giving them the chance to attend matches of some of the world's iconic clubs, including FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal and Boca Juniors (Gatorade).

SMG and Puerto Rico-based McConnell Valdes Consulting announced a joint venture to create SMV Advisors, a venue consulting and event promotion company (SMG).

TYR Sport and USA Triathlon today announced the renewal of their Gold-Level sponsorship deal through '16. TYR serves as the NGB's official supplier in several categories (USA Triathlon).

"The fans were pretty vocal, they really got into it. It was pretty exciting being a part of it the first time" – Yankees SS Derek Jeter, who starts his final Subway Series tonight, on playing in his first one in '97 (NEWSDAY, 5/12).

"This kind of acceptance is happening quicker than any of us might have thought, and so I think the NFL is just getting in line with what's happening in society overall" – NBC's Bob Costas, on Michael Sam being drafted ("Today," NBC, 5/12).

ESPN.com's Marc Stein: "NBA coaching carousel always has surprises in store & Mike Brown ouster after just one season -- even after last season's chaos -- is a wow."

Al Jazeera English's Sulaiman Folarin: "In USA, @MLS is worth more than #EPL. #EPL = $83M/year. New #MLS deal $90M from 3 networks. Don Garber singing #JayZ 'I'm a hustler baby.'"

Baltimore Sun's Eduardo Encina: "For those who have asked about Jim Palmer being away from doing MASN games, he will return to the booth for tonight's game. #Orioles"

Portland Oregonian's John Canzano: "Super Bowl LB @CatoJune was terrific just now on Jerry Jones, 'You have to have confidence in your people and let them go to work for you.'"
 
If you see a tweet we will not want to miss, send it to us at editorial@sportsbusinessdaily.com.

The Rockies' official feed posted this image of Coors Field today covered with snow. The team is scheduled to play its next home game Friday against the Padres.

The Winter Park (Fla.) City Commission will vote on the first of several steps toward building a new $30M minor-league ballpark.

Relativity Sports produced this Mother's Day-themed video in which current and future NFLers share their thoughts about how their mothers have shaped their lives. The featured athletes are Bills draftee Sammy Watkins, 49ers draftee Carlos Hyde, Saints DE Cam Jordan and Titans G Chance Warmack.

9 – Number of picks in this year's NFL Draft who played their college football at LSU, marking the highest total for any school. LSU also placed first in a metric that takes into account how high players were chosen (WSJ.com, 5/11).