NBCUniversal is "set to unveil a major shakeup of its top executive ranks," as NBC Broadcasting & Sports Chair Mark Lazarus "will expand his oversight" and become Chair of NBCU's Broadcast, Cable, Sports and News divisions. He will "run cable operations previously managed" by Bonnie Hammer as well as NBCU’s "various news operations, including NBC News and CNBC." NBC News Chair Andy Lack and CNBC CEO Mark Hoffman "will report to Lazarus." The elevation of Lazarus "could position" him as a possible successor to NBCU President & CEO Steve Burke (VARIETY.com, 1/14). 

Purdue and Elevate Sports Ventures plan to launch a survey to "gather feedback surrounding future extensive renovations" at Ross-Ade Stadium. Areas of focus in the study will include "entry and egress, communication, concessions, entertainment, parking, restrooms, game-day experiences and more" (JCONLINE.com, 1/14). Purdue will work with Populous on the stadium improvements. While "no timeline or budget has been established for the renovation," AD Mike Bobinski "hopes to have all of the data from the fan study by the middle of this year" (SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 1/14).

Bommarito Automotive Group has signed a three-year extension with Gateway Motorsports Park to serve as title sponsor of the track’s annual IndyCar Series race in late summer. The extension is for ’19-21 and is worth mid-six figures annually. The deal includes presenting rights for Axalta and Valvoline, which are partners of Bommarito. The St. Louis-based dealership group has used the sponsorship to try to spread its name nationally, using media buys with NBC Sports to amplify the race entitlement.

The CFL today announced a "multiyear renewal of its media rights deal" with ESPN, giving the league a "consistent outlet" in the U.S. Financial terms were not disclosed, but CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said the deal represents "an improvement in economics for us." The agreement calls for at least 20 games per season on one of ESPN’s linear TV networks, including "at least one division final and the Grey Cup." It also will place "at least 65 CFL games" on ESPN+. The CFL said that "every game will be available." ESPN has carried CFL games since '14 (SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 1/14 issue).

The NBA is rolling out a new TV ad, titled "Banners," to promote its lineup of Martin Luther King Jr. Day games next Monday. The spot will premiere tonight during the Hornets-Spurs game on NBA TV and across NBA social/digital platforms. The spot features NBA legends Bernard King, Dikembe Mutombo, Dominique Wilkins and Vince Carter as they raise banners into the rafters to recognize today’s players for their work in various communities (NBA).

STX has agreed to be the Premier Lacrosse League's "official equipment provider when the league begins its inaugural season in June." The partnership "will showcase STX-sponsored athletes including Kyle Harrison, Marcus Holman and Will Manny." The brand also will launch "interactive experiences on site at game weekends." As part of the announcement, the PLL and STX "released a video showcasing Harrison," who in addition to playing in the six-team PLL serves as Dir of Player Relations (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/14).

Our sister publication, The Esports Observer, runs a regular briefing recapping the week that was in esports. This week: Engines rev as car sponsors are announced across League of Legends; Activision Blizzard’s leadership reshuffle continues; and the Tokyo government will hold its first esports event.

Showtime will make Saturday's Manny Pacquiao-Adrian Broner fight available to live stream through the Showtime app on select platforms, including Apple mobile, AppleTV, Xbox One and Android TV. The feed will be available to Showtime subscribers and non-subscribers (Showtime).

The Blues and Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey have renewed their partnership for the next three years. As part of the deal, Enterprise Center will feature the Jack Daniel's "Barrel House" bar on the main concourse level (Blues).

Toronto-based esports organization OverActive Media closed its latest round of equity funding with over $22M (OverActive Media).

“It’s got decorated players, it’s got future Hall of Famers, it’s got young stars. There isn’t a final four that would make the league any more satisfied or excited than this current group” -- ESPN's Adam Schefter, on the NFL's conference championship games (“OTL,” ESPN, 1/14).

"I’m going over there to play a sport I’m paid to play. It’s my job to play golf. ... I’m not a politician" -- Dustin Johnson, on playing in the European Tour's Saudi Int'l later this month. Johnson last April was "among the first to sign up" for the event, "long before Saudi Arabia came under even greater scrutiny over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi" (AP, 1/14).

So sad to hear of the passing of Mel Stottlemyre a very decent and kind man to say the least. Tremendous pitching coach & pitcher in his day. #RIPMel

— Ken Singleton (@29alltime) January 14, 2019

Really good update to @espn app today. Moving ESPN+ away from all the other ESPN channels was a very smart move and will make those of us looking for games from niche colleges very happy as the process for finding those games suddenly got way streamlined.

— Jeremy Schilling (@jschil) January 14, 2019

NJ sports betting handle in December: $319M. previous NJ handles: Nov a record $331M, Oct $261M, Sept $184M, Aug $74M, July $41M, June $16M #SportsBiz

— John Brennan (@BergenBrennan) January 14, 2019

This Adam Gase presser is .... uh interesting Not sure. Something seems off

— Booger (@ESPNBooger) January 14, 2019

In Florham Pk for Gase. This is my 10th HC intro presser, not counting Belichick, which turned into resignation presser. Most entertaining: Rex Ryan. Dullest: Eric Mangini. Memorable moment: Leon Hess, in rare appearance, demanding, "I'm 80 years old. I want results now." #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 14, 2019

Great concept from @FIAFormulaE : packable, recyclable, refillable fresh water pouches. Ideal for flying, walking and spectating. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/Ash3K4hawK

— Fritz-Dieter Rencken (@RacingLines) January 14, 2019

Tennis Channel at 6:00pm ET will celebrate the start of the Australian Open will Rod Laver lighting the One World Trade Center spire, which will then alternate among the red, white and blue of the Australian national flag. 

The Brewers posted highlights from this weekend's celebrity softball game in Hollywood benefiting California Strong. The charity was co-founded by MLBers Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas, along with Rams QB Jared Goff, to help victims of several recent tragedies in California.

$3.9B -- Expected construction costs for U.S. sports facilities scheduled to open in '19, led by a near-record year for arenas. Overall, however, this year’s total represents a 21% decrease from $4.9B in '18 (SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 1/14 issue).