North America
Rogers Communications eyes Toronto Raptors and Maple Leafs
Canada’s largest wireless carrier, Rogers Communications is discussing the acquisition of National Basketball Association (NBA)’s Toronto Raptors and National Hockey League (NHL)’s Toronto Maple Leafs.
MLB Network aims at 70m mark
Major League Baseball (MLB)’s cable television network expects to reach 70 million households in the US before the next season starts in the spring.
Penske Racing bags Meijer contract
US Midwest retail chain Meijer has signed a sponsorship deal with the IndyCar series team Penske Racing starting from next year.
Sirius XM Radio extends agreement with NFL
Sirius XM Radio Inc has renewed its broadcasting agreement with the US National Football League (NFL) for a further five years.
Giants award $317,000 share for World Series title
Major League Baseball (MLB)’s San Francisco Giants have awarded 50 full postseason shares worth $317,631.19 to players and other personnel for this year’s World Series title.
GM back to golf at Miami tournament
Carmaker General Motors is to make a comeback as a PGA Tour sponsor in 2011, two years after filing for bankruptcy and ending its 50-year relationship with the golf circuit.
Edmonton approves extra $3m for IndyCar race
The city council has approved plans to raise the extra $3 million necessary to get the IndyCar race back to Edmonton, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation said.
Players’ union almost sure of NBA lockout
The National Basketball Association (NBA) players’ union believes the league is likely heading to a lockout next season.
Ex-Liverpool owner sued by hedge fund
Former Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is being sued for $117 million over a loan used to invest in the English Premier League club.
Big Four US sports enjoy sponsorship hike
The four major North American sports leagues are expected to see sponsorship revenue increase by 7.6 per cent in 2010 according to IEG, the unit of advertising giant WPP.
MLS reserve league will return for 2011 season
Major League Soccer (MLS)'s reserve league will return in 2011, three seasons after it was disbanded because of costs and logistics, according to the Associated Press.
NBA offers full season subscription on mobile for first time
The National Basketball Association (NBA) yesterday announced that NBA LEAGUE PASS International, the full live season online subscription service, will be available on select mobile devices for the first time.
Anheuser-Busch sues MLB for “breaking” sponsorship deal
Anheuser-Busch launched legal proceedings on Friday against Major League Baseball (MLB). The American brewer claims the MLB is improperly trying to back out of agreement, made in April, to extend the company's exclusive sponsorship deal.
Alltech: World Equestrian Games to bring $100m return
Pearse Lyons, founder of Nicholasville-based Alltech, said his company's investment in this year’s World Equestrian Games will lead to $100 million worth of new business in a year.
Surfing champion turns bonus down for stake in sponsor
American surfer Kelly Slater, who won his 10th world title last weekend, has declined a seven-figure bonus from his sponsor, the Australian surfwear brand Quiksilver, in exchange for a three per cent stake in the company.
Las Vegas books suspend bets on college game
Some Las Vegas sports books have stopped taking bets on this week’s college American football game between Auburn University and the University of Georgia.
Bill Clinton to make final US bid presentation to FIFA
Former US president Bill Clinton will take part in the final presentation of the country's bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Tom Brady switches to Under Armour after Nike deal ends
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady has become the first US National Football League (NFL) quarterback to sign an endorsement deal with apparel company Under Armour.