The 76ers on Friday issued a formal apology to Sevyn Streeter, the singer who was "removed from performing the national anthem before Wednesday's season opener" because she wore a "We Matter" shirt. The statement reads in part, "After receiving feedback from our players, basketball operations staff and ownership group, we believe that the wrong decision was made. ... We have reached out to offer her an opportunity to return and perform at a game of her choice. We are waiting to hear back." The team received a "lot of negative publicity over its decision to not have Streeter perform" (PHILLY.com, 10/28).

Several upgrades to PNC Arena will debut tonight with the Hurricanes' home game against the Rangers. The arena operator, Raleigh's Centennial Authority, announced renovations including four suites converted to two loge boxes, two club-level concession stands converted into two upscale lounges and the installation of new 360-degree LED ribbon boards on the upper and lower bowl fascia. The LED boards were designed by Daktronics (Centennial Authority).

The MLB Rangers on Friday confirmed that FS Southwest broadcaster Steve Busby "will not return to the booth" in '17, and the move was the "team's decision." Busby has been the primary play-by-play voice for the last four years, and his "contract expired just before the end of the season." Dave Raymond, a "utility broadcaster for the Rangers last season," is expected to become the primary play-by-play man, joined by analyst Tom Grieve. Other Rangers/FS Southwest broadcast moves are "expected," including "behind-the-scenes production changes" (DALLASNEWS.com, 10/28).

MLB during tomorrow’s Fox broadcast of World Series Game 4 will air its annual thank-you ad to fans. Similar to other years, the ad recognizes fans for their support of baseball and features all 30 MLB clubs. The spot, featuring the song “Remind Me” by Conrad Sewell, will run on MLB Network and MLB.com in addition to Fox. A Spanish-language version will run on Fox Deportes during the World Series, MLB’s Spanish-language social media accounts and on ESPN Deportes during the offseason.

The League of Legends World Championship on Saturday closes out its finals at Staples Center, meaning "thousands of fans will flood downtown" L.A. for the e-sports event. After a "series of qualifying  and elimination matches over the past months, the top two teams, SK Telecom T1 and Samsung Galaxy – both Korean teams – will go head to head" for a $1M prize (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE, 10/28). Friday's media day will include a Q&A with Riot Games leadership focused on future League of Legends competitions (THE DAILY).

The Rugby League Int’l Federation BOD is recommending the U.S. and Canada jointly host the '25 Rugby World Cup. A bid led by Moore Sports Int’l had been aiming to secure the '21 rights for U.S./Canada, but the federation instead chose England. However, as part of the recommendation, the federation said it was working with MSI to launch a pro rugby league in North America, as well host inter-nation tournaments in the countries between the two World Cups. Further details are expected to be announced in November, when the federation’s congress meets.

We are now taking nominations for the Forty Under 40 Class of '17, with a deadline of Nov. 6 at 11:59pm ET. If you know of someone you feel deserves to be nominated, submit their name for consideration by completing an on-line nomination form on their behalf.

The T'Wolves and WNBA Lynx on Friday announced Coca-Cola as the official soft drink at Target Center (T'Wolves).

As part of renovations to Fluor Field, home of the Single-A South Atlantic League Greenville Drive, the ballpark will add 91 seats, plus standing room only, to the top of its miniature version of the Green Monster. The South Carolina-based club is a Red Sox affiliate. The architect on the upgrades is DLR Group (THE DAILY).

Indiana-based United Leasing & Finance today extended its title sponsorship of the Web.com Tour event at Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Ind. The new deal runs from '17-19 (PGA Tour).

"You want to go out on the right note here because it’s been such a good home for us. It’s fun to see that we’ve outgrown it as well. A lot of progress has been made here" – Minnesota United D Justin Davis, on the NASL club playing its final game on Saturday at National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine, Minn. The team will move to MLS next season and begin play in TCF Bank Stadium before a new home is built in St. Paul for '18 (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 10/28).

"This is rock bottom. UTEP sports is frustrating. No one wants to be in an empty stadium. Players don't want to be in an empty stadium, fans don't want to be in an empty stadium" – El Paso-based KROD-AM host Steve Kaplowitz, on the school's declining football attendance headed into homecoming this weekend (KVIA.com, 10/27).

Kudos to the Big 12 and all their ADs. They made the best and right choice. Makes sure the best two teams play for the Championship. https://t.co/0M7MnFABIH

— Burke Magnus (@burkemagnus) October 28, 2016

As part of MLB's blackout policy, all parking will be banned in Iowa this weekend.

— keithlaw (@keithlaw) October 28, 2016

No. 5 and a boy this time - Nathan James #iThoughtTheFactoryOnlyMadeGirls pic.twitter.com/Voj91RQRJx

— Rick Cordella (@rickcordella) October 28, 2016

Epic chat comment from Jackman: Since he lives in LA, heard GGG was going trick-or-treating at Oscar's house, but told to come back in Sept.

— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) October 28, 2016

Friday
Fanatics Dir of Business Development Jeff Chandler will be inducted into the Florida/Georgia HOF. Chandler was a three-time all-SEC K for the Univ. of Florida.

The AHL Tucson Roadrunners play their inaugural game against the Stockton Heat at the Tucson Convention Center. 

Saturday
NBC golf announcer David Feherty performs his one-man show "Feherty Off Tour - Wandering Around On His Own" in Milwaukee.

KidsPeace, a Baltimore-based charity that Orioles manager Buck Showalter is involved with, hosts its annual Trick or Trot 5K at Camden Yards.

The NBA posted this video showing some of the pregame festivities prior to the Kings' first regular-season game at the new Golden 1 Center.

1,355 – The number of consecutive games Nets official scorer Herb Turetzky will have worked after Friday's home opener against the Pacers. The streak dates back to '84, "a few years before 13 of the 15 current Nets were born." Turetzky will have worked 2,040 games total (N.Y. POST, 10/28).