North America

International Olympic Committee's top marketers on have predicted record television viewing levels for next month's Olympic games in Sydney, Australia, insisting the movement has recovered from the Salt Lake City scandal.

Massachusetts lawmakers have given final approval for the construction of a new, $664 million baseball stadium in Boston.

Professional boxing in Africa has eceived a boost with the promise of visiting President of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Hiawatha Knight, to support the IBF-Africa in promoting professional boxing in the continent.

Microsoft WebTV Networks, and the Oakland A's are to air 24 of the team?s baseball games on the Microsoft WebTV Plus service.

Omaha, Nebraska aims to launch a $198 million general obligation bond issue to fund the construction of a new convention center and sports arena.

The Sydney Olympics minister has said he felt the city's transport system could cope with an expected crush of passengers during the Games, but added he was not completely sure.

The Boston Red Sox and Massachusetts lawmakers have reached a tentative deal on financing for a new downtown baseball stadium that is projected to cost roughly $600 million.

IBM has begun a new version of its Olympic fan-mail service (www.fanmail.olympic.ibm.com), expected to handle 1million e-mails for athletes during the Sydney Games.

US-based advertising and marketing agency Strategic Sports Group (SSG) has appointed a new account executive.

Major League Soccer players will soon be asking if you've "got milk?" under an agreement announced this week, and players will wear "Milk" insignia on their jerseys in next Saturday's 2000 MLS All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio.

Hussey Seating Company and Seiko Epsom Corp, the global technology company, are to co-develop `an interactive media seating solution? for the sports industry.

Tennis sensations the Williams sisters have signed a new endorsement deal with the manufacturers of a new US energy drink.

Australian swimming star Ian Thorpe has outlined plans to halve the number of his personal sponsors after the Olympics, although each will be paying a premium for their association.

The Prost Formula One team, run by the French four-times world champion Alain Prost, has appointed Credit Suisse First Boston to arrange its sale for about #45m. According to reports, potential buyers include Hidden Creek, a US private equity company, and Vector Motor Sports, a Canadian motor racing concern.

Foreign security forces accompanying athletes to the Sydney Olympics will not be allowed to carry guns to protect their delegations, according to Australian attorney-general Daryl Williams.

Foxsports.com will provide a live webcast of the CaliFlorida Bowl I (July 22), featuring the top high school football graduates from California and Florida.