Events

Just weeks after winning the right to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa has pulled out of its bid to host the 2008 African Nations Cup.

Talks for a major new TV contract for the SANZAR rugby nations – South Africa, Australia and New Zealand – have begun.

Sportswear brand Russell Athletic has become an official partner of tennis’ Australian Open.

The Indy Racing League has signed new deals with ABC Sports and ESPN to extend its existing TV deals up to 2009.

Volvo has restructured its sponsorship of golf – extending his long-term commitment to the sport, but ending its naming rights deal of the PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The Sports Recruitment Company has appointed Dennis Van Maanen head of its digital division.

English Premier League club Birmingham City has extended its sponsorship deal with brewers Carlsberg in a new multi-million dollar contact.

Horse-racing group At The Races has confirmed it will start live coverage of UK racing on June 11.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone says a Chinese-backed team could be around the corner – with the hunt now on for a Chinese driver.

Catch up with all the latest events scheduled for the next seven days with sportbusiness.com's regular look at the week ahead.

Key figures on the women’s professional golf circuit have gathered in New York for the inaugural World Congress of Women’s Golf.

The NHL has signed a new two-year TV deal with NBC – which will see it replace ABC as the league’s broadcast partner.

The NBA’s Boston Celtics has signed a multi-year deal for risk management services.

The WTA has launched its television news service this week – the latest initiative to try and boost interest levels in the sport.

The IOC’s Michael Payne has told sports federations they need to ‘PR their sports’ to become friendly to the widest possible TV audience.

The North American Sports Network (NASN) is to broadcast exclusive coverage of this summer’s World Cup of Hockey in the UK and Ireland.