Events

Japanese broadcast companies, including pay-TV companies, are ready to pay the highest amount ever committed to a Japanese televised sports event for the right to broadcast the World Cup 2002.

The Euro 2000 website received more than a billion visits during the championships, making it one of the most popular sites ever, according to the company hosting the site.

Sailing World, the international magazine devoted to sailboat racing, and Quokka Sports, have formed an alliance to share editorial content.

The Cincinnati Reds have signed a 30-year naming rights deal with Great American Insurance Company.

While the failed bidders in the race for the 2006 World Cup count the cost of their defeated campaigns, German economists are looking to the bright ? and profitable ? future hosting the World Cup will bring. For full details see SportBusiness.com `FEATURES?.

Moroccan officials said they felt betrayed on Thursday after falling out in the first round of voting to stage the 2006 World Cup ? and then faced further humiliation when their support for South Africa failed to bring the tournament to the continent.

Hooliganism which marred England?s Euro 2000 campaign has been blamed for the collapse of the country?s hopes of staging the 2006 World Cup.

Honda UK has signed a new four-year sponsorship to continue its title sponsorship of the Delta Air Line ATP Senior Tour of Champions events, the Honda Challenge.

Ticketmaster has signed a long-term ticketing agreement with the NHL team the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Germany has sensationally won the right to stage the FIFA 2006 World Cup ? bringing soccer?s most valuable property back to European shores.

The Guby Network, an internet platform formed by the union of Latin America's top search engines, has signed Todosport, the online sports marketing firm targeting Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking sports enthusiasts, as its exclusive provider of the latest in sports-related news and information.

Cardiff?s Millennium Stadium is reported to be seeking a naming rights deal to help alleviate its debts.

Australia?s Seven Network has unveiled a host of added-value enhancements to its coverage of this summer?s Olympic Games.

South Africa looked poised to win Africa the most prestigious sporting event in the continent's history on Thursday - the 2006 World Cup finals?and Sportbusiness.com will bring you the news first.

UK pay-TV digital service Sky Sports has signed three new exclusive soccer deals.

Major League Baseball team the Seattle Mariners are reported to have signed a $200m deal with Fox Sports Net.