Media

One of the world?s most valuable sport stars of all time, Michael Jordan is set to return to the NBA next season, according to press reports.

The Football League has announced a #12m ($17.3m) three-year extension to its sponsorship deal with Nationwide.

Asian internet sports portal, Sportalasia, has selected Digital Island to provide content delivery and streaming media services to sports fans globally.

Golf sensation Tiger Woods? sensational display at the weekend is set to see his potential in the commercial market boom ? with many now suggesting he could be set to land more than a billion dollars in sponsorship and advertising. For the full story see the FEATURES section of sportbusiness.com.

Shares in soccer side AS Roma fell sharply on Monday after the Italian first division leaders lost 3-1 to Fiorentina, recording only their third league defeat of the season.

The prospect of the XFL surviving a second season is now officially against the odds ? according to a major US gambling firm.

The UK government may still permit the broadcast rights of certain World Cup 2002 matches to be sold to pay-TV operators ? despite a statement last week claiming all 64 matches are listed events.

The French soccer league (LNF) has rejected bids from TF1 and Metropole Television (M6) for the right to broadcast highlights of soccer games on Sunday mornings.

Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL), is believed to have told a senior UK government official that he cannot guarantee the stadium will open by May 2005 as planned.

The Gaelic Athletic Association has voted not to allow soccer matches to be played at Dublin?s Croke Park venue.

International cricket's corruption policeman has called for specific training and education for young players around the world to combat match-fixing.

Formula One motor racing supremo Bernie Ecclestone has offered to sell 50 percent of his family's stake in the sport to the motor manufacturers in a bid to quash threats of a breakaway, rival circuit, according to a UK newspaper report.

The BBC has signed a deal with virtual technology firm Symah Vision to use its Epsis Graphics system, following a successful trial period.

Formula One promoter Bernie Ecclestone has said that Europe's major carmakers could wreck top-level motor racing if they proceed with their plans to set up a rival championship to F1.

The English Football League has appointed Richard Masters, 34, as its new Commercial Director.

British bookmakers expect to take bets worth up to #100m (US$143.2m ) this weekend - one of the busiest in the UK sporting calendar.

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) is reviewing Perth?s future as an international venue, placing in doubt the Tri-Nations test between Australia and South Africa scheduled for August.

ESPN may set up a new cable channel dedicated to outdoor fishing and boating, following its acquisition of BASS Inc. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society).