The Islanders today announced that a group led by former Capitals investor Jon Ledecky and London-based investor Scott Malkin has reached an agreement to purchase a minority interest in the team. Per the deal, Charles Wang will continue as the Islanders' majority shareholder and Governor, with the Ledecky/Malkin group transitioning to majority owner in two years (Islanders). The deal is contingent on approval by the NHL BOG. Wang "declined to comment through an Islanders spokesman" (NEWSDAY.com, 8/19).

Tim Leiweke denied a report from earlier today that he "could soon resign" as MLSE President & CEO. Leiweke said, "There is no timeline. I've never said I would be here forever, but my work here is not done. ... You’re going to hear a series of announcements in the next couple of days. We have some very good things about to be announced, that’s why these rumours are completely untrue" (SPORTSNET.ca, 8/19).

The CBC's Elliotte Friedman earlier this afternoon tweeted, "Hearing MLSE president/CEO Tim Leiweke will be leaving the company soon. ... Not sure of where he's going, but hearing the reason is he is looking for a new challenge" (TWITTER.com, 8/19).

Marriott Int'l today launches its #LoveTravels campaign starring U.S. men's national soccer team G Tim Howard, in "one of his first new brand partnerships" since the FIFA World Cup. Other spokespersons in the effort are designer Angela Simmons, chef Mia Banducci, model Anouschka Dap and Mima Media CEO Christoph Geisler. The hotel brand "worked with agency Grey to roll out branded videos and a media campaign." Marriott has partnered with U.S. Soccer since '12 (ADWEEK.com, 8/19).

Sources said that the NFL in its search for Super Bowl music acts "has asked artists under consideration for the high-profile gig to pay to play." The league has "narrowed down the list" for the '15 Super Bowl to Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Coldplay, according to the sources. NFL reps "asked at least some of the acts if they would be willing to contribute a portion of their post-Super Bowl tour income to the league, or if they would make some other type of financial contribution." The sources said that "the pay-to-play suggestion got a chilly reception from the candidates' representatives" (WSJ.com, 8/19).

Sources said that the ESPN-Mid American Conference media rights deal announced today is "worth over $100M, about $8M/year" (TWITTER.com, 8/19). It is "understood" that the "ability to get regional providers to broadcast games will play a big part" in the league gaining exposure. MAC schools will be "broadcasting many of their own events, which will then be shown by ESPN on one of their platforms." ESPN and the MAC are "banking on technology being able to integrate both TV and the internet into one, so ESPN3 ... becomes as readily available as its other platforms" (CLEVELAND.com, 8/19).

Joe Gibbs Racing today formally announced that Arris Group will be the primary sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series No. 19 Toyota driven by Carl Edwards for 17 races in '15, when JGR expands to a four-car lineup. Arris also will sponsor newly announced JGR driver Daniel Suarez in a multiyear program, starting with the '15 Nationwide Series and including a partial schedule in the Camping World Truck Series (JGR).

Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO Ed Stack today "addressed for the first time the company's golf employee cutbacks and the potential impact on golf sales at Dick's and Golf Galaxy stores." Stack in a Q2 earnings call said, "We've got very good people who are there who can still help people. We don't think it's going to have any impact on the business." Stack and other Dick's execs "again emphasized the company’s shift away" from golf merchandise, "reallocating the capital from golf to more profitable lines of business in athletic wear for women and children" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/19).

The company reported a 10.3% increase in Q2 sales, but also saw profit drop 17% during the period (POST-GAZETTE.com, 8/19). At presstime, shares of Dick's were trading at $44.22, up 1.63% from the close of business yesterday (THE DAILY).

The College Football HOF and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience in Atlanta has hired two hometown agencies to direct communications and marketing. Jackson Spalding will manage communications, media relations, event planning and digital for the HOF, while CSE will handle advertising, creative campaign development, media buying and production. The new $68.5M facility is scheduled to open on Saturday. Prior to the opening, the HOF will stage a tailgate party with bands, cheerleaders, mascots and children’s activities. The tailgate is free. Adult tickets for the 94,256-square-foot Hall cost $19.99.

NBC has "a number of new hires" on tap for its NFL coverage this season, adding longtime assistant coach Kevin Gilbride and former players Jason Taylor, Takeo Spikes and Brian Westbrook. All "will be regulars" on NBCSN's "Pro Football Talk." The show which will have a "new co-host" alongside Mike Florio, with NBC bringing in former NFL Network personality Paul Burmeister to replace Erik Kuselias in that role (SI.com, 8/19).

Levy Restaurants today announced the launch of E15, a subsidiary that uses advanced analytics services to optimize the fan experience and the financial performance of sports and entertainment venues. Jaime Faulkner will serve as CEO of the Chicago-based venture (Levy Restaurants).

The LPGA today announced that Japan- and South Korea-based food conglomerate Lotte has extended its title sponsorship of the Lotte Championship in Honolulu for three years through '17 (LPGA).

A new set of marks were unveiled today for Holy Cross athletics (Holy Cross).

The NFL and ESPN today announced a deal making the net the league’s only pay-TV broadcast partner in Brazil through '16 (ESPN).

Palisades Arcadia Baseball partner Nick Sakellariadis today confirmed that his group "closed late last week" on its purchase of the Single-A Midwest League Dayton Dragons from Mandalay Baseball Properties (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/19).

Fox Sports has reached a deal with the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational and Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic to sell all of the events’ multimedia assets. The deal makes FS1 the home of the two men’s regular-season college basketball tournaments (Fox Sports).

The Magic announced a deal making FanDuel a "Champions of the Community" sponsor. FanDuel's assets will include outreach initiatives, on-court exposure and sponsorship of Amway Center's North Club Bar. The deal comes less than 24 hours after the NBA announced it would begin to allow sponsorships with fantasy game operators (THE DAILY).

K.C.-based Dimensional Innovations has been selected by the Target Center renovation design group to provide experiential branding, theming and wayfinding for the venue (Target Center).

“There are a few people to put their hands up saying, ‘We’re going to be the ones that will challenge for the majors.’ I felt like I was a part of that group. It obviously worked out really well for me over the summer” – Rory McIlroy, on becoming a dominant player in golf (“Morning Drive,” Golf Channel, 8/19).

"As we all know, there is money being made. It would be a shame if she’s not able to earn something off this and put it toward college" – Octagon's Erin Kane, on the attention 13-year-old female P Mo'ne Davis is receiving at the LLWS (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 8/19).

"I think it would be impractical for me to continue to serve on the board, and it is best for me to move off. I see a combination of the Clippers, civic contribution, teaching and study taking a lot of time" – Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer, in a letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, on resigning from the Microsoft BOD (WSJ.com, 8/19).

Washington Post's Neil Greenberg: "Props to Leafs for bringing critics in house. Shows strong leadership and true dedication to getting better."

ESPN's Jim Trotter: "What's the over/under on how many postponements there'll be in the Irsay case? What say you, @nflcommish?"

Birmingham News' Brandon Marcello: "SEC is moving its basketball media days to Charlotte (home of the SEC Network). Women's teams Oct. 22, men's teams Oct. 23."

NBCSports.com's Joe Yerdon: "I guess Charles Wang wasn't kidding when he said he had a buyer."

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

Ducks Dir of Marketing & Brand Management Matt Savant posted this image of a fan helping G Frederik Andersen paint the ice at Honda Center.

The Yankees will introduce metal detectors at Yankee Stadium for their game against the Astros as part of MLB's effort to standardize security procedures across its ballparks.

Today marks the 37th anniversary of Groucho Marx' death. This scene from "Horse Feathers" in '32, particularly the first minute of the clip, was eerily prescient on the current state of college athletics.

Tennis player Novak Djokovic will appear on CBS' "Late Show" at 11:35pm ET.