Events

NTL has pulled out of a multi-million dollar deal to broadcast English Premier League soccer matches on a pay-per-view basis.

Universal McCann Event, McCann Erickson?s sports marketing department in Paris, has brokered a partnership agreement between Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), the world governing body for air sports, and Discovery Wings Channel, the North American channel for air sports enthusiasts.

The World Wrestling Federation Entertainment has signed new television distribution deals in Russia and Bulgaria.

Philips Electronics has decided not to renew its title sponsorship of the Texas-based Philips Invitational honouring Harvey Penick.

South Africa has called for several team sports to be axed from the Olympic games because they were unnecessary and put the event beyond the financial reach of most developing countries.

The Japanese city of Osaka has pressed its claim to stage the 2008 Olympics against current favourite Beijing, saying it could outdo the Chinese capital in experience and facilities.

Australians have been queuing in their thousands at the main SOCOG Sydney box office for the release of 7,500 Olympic swimming tickets.

SportsLine.com, publisher of CBS SportsLine.com, and Westwood One/ CBS Radio Sports are to provide live pre-game and post-game coverage of Sunday afternoon NFL Football for the second consecutive year.

The race to host the Olympic Games in 2008 has now begun in earnest following the announcement of the shortlist by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The European Commission has backed a UK government pledge forcing broadcasters to screen the UK?s major sports events on free-to-air television.

Portland, Oregon will issue $35 million in taxable bonds to renovate its 74-year-old stadium through a private-public financing partnership that will convert the facility into a multi-sport venue.

The Golf Channel is to revamp its web site during the PGA Championship next week to offer visitors more than just the latest news about the day?s golf.

Australian companies aim to learn from the mistakes made by sponsors dealing with the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG), in anticipation of another major international sporting event hosted by an Australian city next year.

Athletics Australia has appointed ActiveTV as its agent in selling international television rights of Athletics Australia events including the forthcoming Telstra Athletics Trials and next year's Grand Prix Series.

Daktronics has signed a letter of intent to purchase Sports Link, a large screen video rental company.

Sportal has signed a live webcast deal with the Emirates World Series Racing Championship and Ascot Racecourse to show one of the most prestigious events in the English racing calendar