Nike's sales rose 10% in Q2 as the company "continued to ride strong demand world-wide" and had the launch of its Colin Kaepernick-fronted ad campaign. North American revenue, which "accounts for the majority of total sales," rose 9% to $3.78B. Gains "included an 8% increase in the footwear business and a 10% rise in apparel." Equipment sales fell 3%. Total sales for the quarter that ended Nov. 30 reached $9.37B, ahead of the $9.17B "expected from analysts" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 12/20). At presstime, shares of Nike in pre-market trading at $73.57, up 8.9% from the close of business yesterday (THE DAILY).

The Michigan state Senate late Thursday night approved a "series of internet gambling bills." Under the main bill, "internet gambling would be legalized," and a "new division of internet gaming within the Michigan Gaming Control Board can issue licenses to existing casinos and tribal casinos to permit internet gaming operators." With state House approval on Senate changes to the bills, "they head next to Gov. Rick Snyder for consideration." The bills "need his signature to become law" (MLIVE.com, 12/21). State Rep. Brandt Iden, who sponsored the main bill, said that it is the "first step toward also legalizing betting on professional sports in Michigan" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/21).

Organizers of the '20 Tokyo Games said that they have secured another $1M (all figures US) in "domestic sponsorships and that the operating budget for the games remains" at $5.6B. This is the organizing committee's "third version of the operating budget." The committee added that "domestic sponsor revenues had increased since its last budget" to $3B. But the "total cost of the Olympics," including $7B to be spent by the Tokyo Metropolitan and Japanese governments, is $12.6B, up from a projected $7.3B in "Tokyo's winning bid" in '13 (AP, 12/21).

saints

Steve Gleason has "scored his Congressional Gold Medal," as the U.S. House unanimously passed a bill to honor the former NFLer for his "humanitarian efforts in the fight" against ALS. Gleason becomes the "first New Orleanian and NFL player to receive the award." The bill "will now head to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law," and a ceremony will be held in DC next year to "formally honor Gleason." The Team Gleason Foundation has "helped raised millions of dollars for people living with ALS and increased awareness of the disease globally" (NOLA.com, 12/20).

The CFL "will stage a regular-season game in Atlantic Canada" in '19, "continuing the drive to put a franchise in Halifax within a few years." The '19 schedule, unveiled Thursday, "will see the Toronto Argonauts face the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, Aug. 25." The "Touchdown Atlantic" game will be "presented by the owners of the proposed Halifax CFL franchise, the Atlantic Schooners." Schooners Sports & Entertainment (SSE) said that it "will unveil the location for the game in the new year" (CP, 12/20).

The WTA is "introducing a 25-second shot clock at all Premier events as part of its changes for next season." The time taken by players between points "will now be visible on a screen during play, with the amount of time allowed also increasing from 20 seconds to 25 seconds." The shot clock was "trialed by both the ATP and WTA tours during the hard-court events leading up to the U.S. Open." The ATP "has not announced whether it will be using a similar rule" (TENNIS.com, 12/20).

Chip Ganassi Racing issued a statement on Thursday after FBI agents raided the California home of Jeff and Paulette Carpoff, owners of CGR sponsor DC Solar. The Ganassi statement read, "Although we have received little in the way of facts, we are aware of the situation with DC Solar and are monitoring it closely." DC Solar sponsors Kyle Larson's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ride, and CGR earlier this year announced that Ross Chastain "would drive its No. 42 Chevrolet full time" in the Xfinity Series, with DC Solar sponsorship. DC Solar's HQ was also raided, and the company "has remained closed since Tuesday" (MARTINEZ NEWS-GAZETTE, 12/21).

The Bears "took about two hours" on Thursday to sell out of tickets for a home playoff game, which will be their first in seven years (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/21).  

FIFA said that more than 3.5 billion people "watched some" of the '18 World Cup in Russia, with 1.12 billion watching "at least one minute of France beating Croatia" in the final (AP, 12/21).

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Thursday night's Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl drew an announced crowd of 14,135 at Raymond James Stadium for Marshall's win against USF. The attendance figure is a record low for the bowl that began in '08 (THE DAILY).

The Ravens "plan to honor the 60th anniversary" of the '58 NFL champion Baltimore Colts during their "final home game of the season Dec. 30" against the Browns (BALTIMORE SUN, 12/21).

Teamworks has reached a deal with the Titans, marking the athlete engagement platform's ninth NFL team partner (Teamworks).

"Growing up, the dream is always to have Olympic gold. But if I never get an Olympic gold medal, I’m fine with that. I want to be able to look back and know that I stood up for something I believe in and created a lasting change" -- U.S. swimmer Michael Andrew, on a battle brewing with international governing body FINA, which has threatened many swimmers with bans as they seek to race in unsanctioned events (N.Y. TIMES, 12/21).

"We’re still waiting on a couple of things but I think we’ll be pretty close to breaking even" -- Hawaii AD David Matlin, on the team playing Saturday against Louisiana Tech in the SoFi Hawaii Bowl (HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER, 12/21).

"If there is a young Muslim who enjoys sports, thinks of being an executive in sports and entertainment, then absolutely I hope they are inspired" -- NBA VP/Basketball Operations and incoming G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim (THEUNDEFEATED.com, 12/20).

CHARLOTTE MAGAZINE notes a 13-foot statue of former Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson "still stands outside the north gate at Bank of America Stadium." It was "meant as a testament to the man who brought the NFL" to the Carolinas, but for his victims, who "faced years of sexual harassment before revelations of illicit behavior and secret payoffs forced Richardson to sell the team, the statue stands as a daily reminder of all they endured."

Also: 

• Montreal group is "playing a long game" in trying lure MLB back.
• Sunday Ticket may be a tech firm's best path toward NFL relationship
• Mavs' female coach and new mom Jenny Boucek feels "collective embrace" of city, team.
• Royals GM Dayton Moore visits Kansas inmates to spread hope during holidays.
• No one at USOC "seems to understand how their behavior looks to the rest of us."

Seven weeks into free agency, six players among the 250 or so free agents have landed deals of more than two years.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 21, 2018

Extremely productive two days in London with @SwimISL As athletes we are incredibly capable to change our sport and how it’s managed. For the first time ever we have an opportunity to have a substantial positive impact and it’s great to see the worlds finest using their voice! pic.twitter.com/TOZJV0I9kP

— Adam Peaty MBE (@adam_peaty) December 19, 2018

What an incredible Christmas present! Just learned I’m one of four of Baylor’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award winners! I’m so proud. Of all the alums around the world. I just wish my mom and dad were here to share this experience with me!

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) December 20, 2018

.@cone_cindy could be the greatest candidate ever, but one-candidate elections are bad and only cement the idea of decisions being made in backroom deals. https://t.co/vcyv5AKpDD

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) December 21, 2018

It’s a fair question to which there is probably no right answer. I don’t object to promoting your own good work, or your company’s great work, only to the idea that it’s unseemly for some, noble for others. https://t.co/G7O7BsMyR7

— Kevin Van Valkenburg (@KVanValkenburg) December 21, 2018

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

My favorite holiday card of 2019 so far. Thanks ⁦@ufc⁩ ⁦@danawhite⁩ pic.twitter.com/tSbdWotSaE

— Burke Magnus (@burkemagnus) December 21, 2018

A brief hit on the stories you need to know ... Subscribe on iTunes ... Check out our podcast home. 

Friday

The NLL Vancouver Warriors, rebranded from the Vancouver Stealth after being bought by the Canucks, will debut at Rogers Arena against the Calgary Roughnecks at 7:00pm PT. The Warriors anticipate a crowd of 8,000-plus for the home opener.

Sunday

The Hurricanes will host "Whalers Night" for their home game against the Bruins at PNC Arena, a nod to the franchise's previous branding in Hartford.

Friday

Netflix debuts the documentary series "7 Days Out," which offers an in-depth look at the run-up to major global events. Sports events covered by the series include the Kentucky Derby, League of Legends esports championship and Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Last night’s “Final Jeopardy!” category was "The Works of Mozart."

"Composed in 1791, the year he died, & last in the Kochel catalog of all his works, K. 626 is this work."

"What is Requiem (in D Minor)?"