Rory McIlroy has signed a 10-year, $100M "deal with TaylorMade to use the firm’s clubs, ball and golf bag." McIlroy, who officially announced the news today ahead of The Players, had been "without an equipment contract since the end of last year, when Nike announced it was to withdraw from that market." McIlroy had spent the early part of '17 "alternating between TaylorMade and Callaway clubs" (THEGUARDIAN.com, 5/9).

McIlroy "will remain" with Nike for footwear and apparel. TaylorMade seems to have "regained its footing, along with its mojo," with the deal, as it had "struggled some in recent years" amid the ongoing sale by parent company Adidas (GOLFDIGEST.com, 5/9).

Time to show the world what you’re really made of.

Welcome to the family, Rory. #TeamTaylorMade pic.twitter.com/akofFlZI1X

— TaylorMade Golf (@TaylorMadeGolf) May 9, 2017

Liberty Media today said that the Braves in Q1 had an adjusted operating loss of $33M, $10M better than Q1 '16, with revenue up by $1M to $5M. Liberty said the increase in Braves Group revenue came "primarily from an exhibition game played at SunTrust Park" on March 31 against the Yankees. No regular-season games were played during Q1. Meanwhile, opening night revenue on April 14 was the "largest in Braves history," including "ticket sales, retail and concessions." The "exact amount was not disclosed" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/9). MLB teams "post the vast majority of their revenue – and profits – in the second and third quarters" (AJC.com, 5/9).

David Beckham appears "ready to buy the three acres needed to complete" his Miami MLS stadium site, and Miami-Dade County Commissioners "could vote on the pending deal" as early as next Tuesday. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez' administration "will be submitting an agenda item" for Tuesday's County Commission meeting. With the recent investment from Dodgers co-Owner Todd Boehly, sources said that Beckham's reps have "jump-started county talks and want a quick vote of approval" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 5/9).

The Missouri Valley Conference last night unanimously voted to "formally invite" Valparaiso to join the conference, according to sources. Valpo, currently in the Horizon League, is "expected to accept the invitation and officially join the MVC on July 1." This comes "just over a month removed from Wichita State's departure" from league. Sources said that the MVC "intends to remain at 10 teams for the forseeable future." One source said that the "majority of league presidents were in favor of Valpo," but two "stumped hard for Murray State" (CBSSPORTS.com, 5/9).

Blizzard Entertainment will put operation of the much-anticipated Overwatch League under the control of Major League Gaming, the tournament organizer and streaming platform acquired by its parent Activision Blizzard in '15. The reorganization gives new power to former Fox Sports exec Pete Vlastelica, who was hired by Activision last year to become MLG CEO. In addition to managing operation, sales and distribution for the planned OWL and Overwatch World Cup, MLG will also oversee Activision’s Call of Duty World League, as well as continue to operate the MLG-branded streaming network.

The announcement comes with just a few months before Blizzard has said it will launch the Overwatch League, despite having not yet named any buyers for franchise spots. Sources familiar with Blizzard’s road show say the publisher is in advanced talks with several pro sports organizations, but has not yet secured signed contracts. Blizzard confirmed it is in talks but did not comment on any particular buyers. Blizzard’s existing esports team will continue to directly manage and operate the global esports programs for Heroes of the Storm, Hearthstone, StarCraft and World of Warcraft. However, the new MLG division will begin to contribute its media production, sales and distribution efforts to those titles as well.

Three senior execs that predate Activision’s purchase of MLG will continue in their current roles: Mike Sepso as Senior VP, Sundance DiGiovanni as VP/Brand & Content and Adam Apicella as Senior Dir of League Operations. Blizzard’s Nate Nanzer continues to lead the Overwatch League’s efforts to build the roster of teams. MLG’s media responsibilities will still be overseen by Steve Bornstein.

Former Sabres coach Dan Bylsma begins a three-night run as an NHL Network studio analyst, appearing on "NHL Tonight" at 9:30pm ET tonight and at 10:00pm tomorrow and Thursday. Viewers should not expect Bylsma to "offer any revelations about his two years in Buffalo." He has "three years left on his contract and virtually all employees fired" by Sabres Owners Terry and Kim Pegula "have non-disclosure clauses" (BUFFALONEWS.com, 5/9).

The USGA rolled out plans today in support of the Play9 program, which encourages shorter rounds of golf. The organization will work with state and regional golf associations and courses throughout the U.S. that will host and promote local Play9 Days from May-October. The USGA created online and printed toolkits for golf courses and facilities that are interested in hosting events. USGA.org/play9 will become the organization's hub for all Play9 content (USGA).

The North American FIFA World Cup bid's "request for a fast-track award" of the '26 event is "on hold." Sources said that FIFA's ruling council "has allowed three more months for rival proposals to be presented" (AP, 5/9).

DIY Network announced that Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his wife, Amy, will "headline a home-renovation series set in Key West." The four-episode series will arrive "early next year," following the pair as they "fix up a home in the Old Town historic district" (ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 5/9).

Lightning Owner Jeff Vinik is partnering with global startup accelerator Dreamit to launch its newest urban technology vertical, UrbanTech, in Tampa (Lightning).

Abilene Christian Univ. reached a 10-year deal for IMG to serve as its exclusive athletics multimedia rights partner. ACU AD Lee De Leon said that the deal, which begins July 1, will more than double ACU's projected revenues in '17-18 (ACU).

CBS Sports Network and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced a multiyear extension of their TV contract. The net will air 11 regular-season games as well as the NCHC Frozen Faceoff semifinals and championships in '17-18 and '18-19 (CBS Sports).

“I feel lost. I feel like a child” – Pro Football HOFer Nick Buoniconti, 76, on the effects playing football has had on his health (SI.com, 5/9).

"Any head contact is a possible mechanism of injury. I can't believe we have to say that in 2017" – Concussion Legacy Foundation CEO Chris Nowinski, who after Penguins C Sidney Crosby's rapid return to the ice claims the NHL has a "poorly written policy" on concussions (USATODAY.com, 5/9).

"There were a lot of bumps along the road, and we all know what they were. But I'm proud of the way everybody banded together and golf presented itself, I think, really well. We're excited about '20 in Tokyo" – PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, on golf's return to the Olympics in Rio last summer (ESPN.com, 5/9).

D-League scuttle ... hearing that the Clippers are working toward naming their new 2017-18 team thusly: Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 9, 2017

Monahan does fantastic job avoiding question about the possibility of a PGA Tour TV channel in the future. Personally, I think it's coming.

— Sean Steinemann (@SMSteinemann) May 9, 2017

As NBA teams are restructuring their analytics groups, I strongly suggest having a member of the analytics group travel with the team.

— Steve Shea (@SteveShea33) May 9, 2017

Star-Telegram Sports Editor Celeste Williams passed away last night.. We lost a pioneer in the field of journalism and a great boss. RIP

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) May 9, 2017

Monmouth Park reducing beer prices from $7/$8 in 2016 to $4/$5 this summer, promise better food as well

— John Brennan (@BergenBrennan) May 9, 2017

See HBO's new trailer for the upcoming season of "Hard Knocks" featuring the Buccaneers.

C$400,000 – Rough amount the Edmonton police force has spent on "overtime and administrative costs" during the Oilers' current Stanley Cup Playoff run, according to city Police Chief Rod Knecht (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 5/9).