A source said that Fox "has sold almost 90% of the ad inventory" for its Feb. 5 telecast of Super Bowl LI in Houston. The source "suggested Fox has fewer than 15 ad slots to sell," while another source indicated that Fox "could have as many as 17." Fox is seeking more than $5M for each 30-second ad slot, according to one source. The net reportedly is "not sensing hesitation from advertisers over recent ratings weakness seen in NFL games broadcast earlier in the season" (VARIETY.com, 12/8).

adidas today announced that it has reached a multiyear extension of its endorsement deal with Cubs 3B Kris Bryant. Bryant will continue to play a lead role in the brand's marketing campaigns while collaborating on future cleats and accessories (adidas). The agreement reportedly is a "record breaking MLB shoe deal, worth $1M+ a year in neighborhood of a decade long" (TWITTER.com, 12/8). The deal was negotiated by Bryant's agent, Scott Boras. Bryant said of adidas' momentum in baseball, "I have friends in the league texting me that they’re wanting to switch over to adidas" (NICEKICKS.com, 12/8).

The cleat and the contract.@KrisBryant_23 signing his "Extension" Boost Icons like a true #Cleathead.#teamadidas pic.twitter.com/Y5RLjrkSCg

— adidas Baseball (@adidasBaseball) December 8, 2016

The IOC Exec Board today "cleared all three candidate cities" to host the '24 Games – Paris, L.A. and Budapest – to "advance to the next stage of the race." IOC President Thomas Bach "did not categorically rule out the possibility of awarding the hosting rights for two games at once – 2024 and 2028 – when the IOC votes next September in Lima, Peru." Asked about speculation the IOC could award '24 and '28 simultaneously, Bach said, "Let us study this question, which is not an easy one" (AP, 12/8).

The city of Columbus is "working with the Browns and Franklin County on a long-term deal to build a new recreation center at Tuttle Park" near Ohio State Univ. that would "host part of the NFL team's training camp." Under the plan, the Browns would contribute $5M, with $5M from Franklin County and the city covering the "rest of the cost of the recreation center," estimated at a total of $15-17M. A "similar proposal earlier this year died after a request for state aid was withdrawn." The deal between the Browns and the city "likely would be for 10 years" (DISPATCH.com, 12/8).

The NHL "does not intend to reconsider the name or logo" of the Golden Knights expansion franchise after "U.S. patent authorities denied the club’s trademark request." NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said that the league is "reviewing the response from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which ruled the Golden Knights nickname was too similar to the College of Saint Rose Golden Knights." Daly said the NHL considers it a "routine matter" (CP, 12/8).

Bowlsby spoke highly of the CFP and agreed that four teams is an appropriate number

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said the CFP has room for improvement as it begins its third year in determining the sport’s national champion. “There’s a lot of magic in it, there isn’t any doubt about it,” Bowlsby said on Day 2 of the '16 Learfield Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “But I think we’re still finding our way in some ways.” Bowlsby earlier this week asked the CFP for clarification on its selection process, which for the second time in three years did not name a Big 12 school to the four-team playoff. “I don’t take any issue with the teams that are in the playoff,” he said. “I’m not challenging the outcome of it.” However, he said some aspects of the way the system was supposed to work seem to be at "odds with the way these four were put together."

Despite his comments, Bowlsby and the rest of the panel spoke highly of the CFP and the positive impact it has had on college football. NCAA Exec VP/Regulatory Affairs Oliver Luck said, “We’re seeing the strengthening of schedules in September, and I think that’s only going to help our cause. That’s been undervalued a bit.” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said he believes four teams is an appropriate number for the CFP. Added Bowlsby, “I don’t think there’s any way you expand without doing away with, or damaging, the conference championship games.”

Five years ago this week, NBA Commissioner David Stern nixed a trade in which the league-owned New Orleans Hornets agreed to send G Chris Paul to the Lakers. Stern faced pressure from a contingent of owners who believed the deal undercut the belief that the new lockout-ending CBA would prevent big-market teams from taking advantage of small-market teams for pending free-agent stars. Fallout was swift, and reports surfaced that Paul was considering taking legal action against the league. Within days, however, the Hornets had reached a deal to send Paul to the Clippers.

Other stories from this week in '11:

• Angels sign free agent Albert Pujols to the second-largest deal in MLB history.
• Big East creates a coast-to-coast footprint with addition of five new schools.
• NHL BOG approves four-conference realignment plan.

The 10th Anniversary of the Sports Business Awards will be held on Wednesday, May 24, at the N.Y. Marriott Marquis at Times Square. Entries are now being accepted in 17 categories. Visit the event page to make your bid to share the stage with the best in sports business at the SBAs. The deadline for entries is Friday, Jan. 13.

ESPN and the College Football HOF today announced a new multiyear deal to continue holding "The Home Depot College Football Awards" at the Atlanta venue through '20 (ESPN).

Country singer Jennifer Nettles will headline the '17 NCAA Women's Final Four concert in Dallas. The concert will be held outside American Airlines Center on April 1 (NCAA).

The Bucks are "teaming up with SkillSmart, a tech firm whose software matches job seekers with employment opportunities, to foster employment development" in the team's forthcoming arena, the Wisconsin Entertainment & Sports Center (JSONLINE.com, 12/8).

"I don’t think anything is going to happen between now and the time I go pick up my bags and head to the airport. But still thoroughly engaged, deeply engaged on a number of different fronts" – White Sox GM Rick Hahn, as MLB's winter meetings wound down, saying the team is still willing to remain active in trade talks (CSNCHICAGO.com, 12/8).

"Chapman can handle New York. That is not a question" – Yankees Senior VP & GM Brian Cashman, on newly acquired P Aroldis Chapman (NJ.com, 12/8).

Again, options of sending #Raiders to Las Vegas or keeping them in Oakland is not shaping us as a great choice for NFL owners at the moment

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) December 8, 2016

Yeah I've already been confusing the Vegas and St. Rose Golden Knights. A pro hockey team and a D2 school w/o a hockey team. https://t.co/7MZ2x1GDSG

— Scott Sudikoff (@Sudikoff) December 8, 2016

The Las Vegas Toronto Blue Jays has a nice ring to it #goldenknights

— Allan Shifman (@AllanShifman) December 8, 2016

Feel like the atmosphere and electricity in Arrowhead Stadium tonight will rival the mid 90's. Crowd in big primetime games always put on.

— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) December 8, 2016

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

TMZ Sports offers a look at the UFC's montage promoting Ronda Rousey's return to the Octagon at UFC 207 on Dec. 30.

$1M – Amount raised last year by the Mitch Albom/S.A.Y. Detroit Radiothon, benefiting 20 charities. This year's edition is being held from 6:00am-9:00pm ET today in the Grand Court of the Somerset Collection. Every dollar "goes straight to needy people in Detroit, with zero administrative costs" (FREEP.com, 12/8).