News in brief from The Sports Business Daily

BofA swings at MLB pitch
Bank of America last week signed a five-year agreement to become the official bank of Major League Baseball beginning with the 2005 season. The New York Times put the value of the deal near $100 million. The bank also reached agreements with MLB Properties and Minor League Baseball as well as a four-year deal with Little League Baseball. As part of the MLB deal, Bank of America immediately assumes presenting sponsorship of the AL and NL Player of the Week awards. Beginning with the 2005 season, BofA will receive broadcast and branding opportunities at the MLB All-Star Game, league division and championship series, and World Series.

Giants consider new facility
The New York Giants are considering building a new $600 million stadium rather than spending $300 million to renovate Giants Stadium. Giants executive John Mara told The (Bergen County, N.J.) Record that a decision won’t be made for several months. New Jersey Stadium and Exposition Authority President George Zoffinger said of the Giants, “We’ve been impressed with their work regarding the renovation plan, but when you’re talking about spending $300 [million] on a stadium that’s [28] years old, it makes sense to look at other ideas, too.”

Sayonara to World Cup
Japan’s baseball owners rejected MLB’s World Cup concept, in which MLB Commissioner Bud Selig’s office and the MLBPA would be in charge of the tournament. An official from the Japanese commissioner’s office said the objection hinged on MLB serving as the host, and that a third party such as the International Baseball Federation would be a better-suited host. Other objections revolved around distribution of profits and the timing of the event.

DHL reaches Olympic deal
DHL reached agreement last week to become the official express delivery and logistics provider of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team. DHL will provide express delivery services to and from Athens for U.S. athletes, USOC staff, volunteers and sponsors. Terms of the deal were not available. Also, through an exclusive U.S. broadcast agreement with NBC, DHL will be the only express delivery company to air national TV ads during the 2004 Games.

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