The U.S. Supreme Court today "delivered a major victory" to the country's TV networks, ruling that startup Aereo "was violating copyright laws by transmitting their programs without paying for them." In a 6-3 ruling, Justice Stephen Breyer wrote Aereo’s "use of modern technology to stream broadcast television was not much different than cable systems that must pay the networks for its content." ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and PBS, among others, "are all parties to the suit." Local broadcasters, the NFL and MLB "support the networks" (AP, 6/25).

Fox Sports today announced that it has hired Tim Brando for coverage of college football on Fox and FS1 starting this season. The veteran broadcaster joins Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel as other recent additions to Fox Sports' expanding college coverage. Brando via a statement posted on his Facebook page addressed the widely reported fact that he nearly joined ESPN's SEC Network: "While I value their interest and wish them well, football was never part of their short term vision for my future. I want to thank them and the SEC for their interest and wish them nothing but the best" (THE DAILY).

The NFL Panthers today provided local media with a final look at ongoing upgrades to Bank of America Stadium, including new and larger video boards in both end zones. The $65M in improvements also covers new ribbon boards, audio upgrades and new escalators. To date, the project is 95% complete, said Panthers Dir of Stadium Operations Scott Paul. The public gets its first look at the finished product July 25 during the team’s annual fan fest.

Nike reportedly will not grant golfer Rory McIlroy's former agent "access to confidential details of its dealings with him." Nike "has objected to the production of confidential documents in an Irish High Court action" brought by McIlroy against Horizon Sports Management, which "helped negotiate the Nike deal." Nike said that "confidential information can not be shared in the Irish proceedings – and has invoked a protective order issued in the U.S. Courts" (BELFASTTELEGRAPH.co.uk, 6/25).

Tech firm Pointstreak has named former Flyers President Peter Luukko its Exec Chair. Pointstreak is a leading provider of digital 50/50 raffles at sports facilities and has deals with multiple teams and buildings, including seven NFL clubs. As part of his new role, Luukko has increased his investment in the Canadian firm. Prior to joining Pointstreak, Luukko headed the Flyers and was also president of Comcast-Spectacor, owner of the team and Wells Fargo Center, its arena.

Former A-B sports marketing and media chief Tony Ponturo’s theatrical production company is taking another flyer at an entertainment vehicle based on a sports property. His Kirmser-Ponturo Group has acquired the life story of former heavyweight champion Joe Louis for future film and theatrical projects. Over the past four years, Kirmser-Ponturo Group has produced plays based on the lives of Vince Lombardi; Larry Bird and Magic Johnson; and "Bronx Bombers," based on the history of the Yankees. The theatrical adaptation of "Rocky" likely paved the way for the Louis project.

NCAA President Mark Emmert responded to a recent letter from MiLB President Pat O'Conner that decried Emmert's testimony last week in the O'Bannon trial that minor-league sports "aren't very successful either for fan support or the fan experience." The tone in Emmert's letter was conciliatory as he sought to address O'Conner's rebuttals, calling MiLB "one of America's greatest traditions."

Emmert said his "responses at trial only were intended to suggest that our nation's college's and universities should not be used as minor league teams for professional men's basketball and football." Emmert: "We at the NCAA believe in amateurism. And I meant nothing behind that." He added MiLB games are "fun, family friendly and enjoyed by young and old alike. ... In no way did I mean to imply that they were not."

The Univ. of Oklahoma Board of Regents today approved a proposal from OU Athletics to proceed with renovation and and modernization of Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (OU).

CDW today announced deals to sponsor golfers Gary Woodland and Camilo Villegas, both of whom will participate in CDW-sponsored events throughout the year (CDW).

Ferris State Univ. has signed a multiyear deal with Under Armour which will become the official supplier and outfitter of Bulldog Athletics beginning this fall (UA).

SI features Astros RF George Springer on the cover of this week's issue: "Baseball's Great Experiment ... Your 2017 World Series Champs" (THE DAILY).

"At the drop of a hat, to bring in $3 million in cash, it might get you into a spot of bother. I don’t think the Brazilians will confiscate it but they just may not allow it to be released" – Bidvest Bank chief dealer Ion De Vleeschauwer, on the Ghanaian government sending a plane to Brazil with compensation for its World Cup team (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 6/25).

“We enjoy our name and we’ve had no negative anything directed our way based on what’s going on in Washington” – Triple-A Int’l League Indianapolis Indians GM Cal Burleson, on not receiving any backlash for the club's Native American name and moniker (IBJ.com, 6/25).

“I think we’re looking forward to just moving forward. … We’ll just respect the process and follow through” – Cubs Chair Tom Ricketts, confident the team’s $575M plan to renovate Wrigley Field and develop the surrounding area will receive approval from the city (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 6/25).

“I don’t think Martin's the kind of guy that's going to make a change that quickly" – Golf Digest Equipment Editor Michael Johnson, on Martin Kaymer not having a corporate logo on his bag ("Morning Drive," Golf Channel, 6/25).

Octagon First Call Managing Dir David Schwab: "Strasburg says he'll quit chewing tobacco 'cause of Tony Gwynn's death. Gives a long-term opp for a cancer non-profit, even gum brand, etc."

QMI Agency's Mike Zeisberger: "Leiweke says TFC attendance/ratings will rival the #Leafs within 10 years."

Media consultant Ben Grossman: "Was wondering if @espn was going to address reported bombing in Nigeria today. They did so, and during the match. Full marks, appropriate."

FoxSports.com's Leander Schaerlaeckens: "Irony: Jogi Loew sees MLS lasting less than 11 months as an advantage for USA. Klinsmann sees it as a disadvantage."

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

U.S. Soccer's official feed posted this image of legendary pro wrestler Hulk Hogan backing the men's national team ahead of tomorrow's World Cup match against Germany.

Lakers G Steve Nash hosts his eighth annual Steve Nash Foundation Showdown soccer exhibition and fundraiser at Sara D. Roosevelt Park in N.Y. Celebrity participants this year will include Red Bulls F Thierry Henry, Cavaliers G Kyrie Irving and Mavericks F Dirk Nowitzki.

ESPN promotes the new "SportsCenter" studio with this parkour-themed online video that showcases the net's Bristol campus.

$6.5M – Value of Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue's new four-year contract, according to sources. That deal makes him the "highest-paid assistant coach in NBA history – and perhaps all of professional sports" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 6/25).