Media

Online auction site eBay Inc is to form an alliance with the National Football League to sell pro-football merchandise, memorabilia and "fantasy experiences" to raise money for charity.

The World Wrestling Federation Entertainment has signed a multi-million dollar television distribution agreement in Japan.

NBC finally showed some live coverage of the Olympics at the weekend ? deciding at the last moment to broadcast the men?s basketball gold medal game.

Italian public broadcaster RAI and publisher RCS Editori have launched Sport Set, a television and multimedia sports services joint venture.

International Sports Wagering Inc (ISWI), the US-based online gambling software firm, has retained Hayden Communications to heighten awareness of the company in the professional investment and media communities.

If there's a strike or lockout that causes Major League Baseball?s new broadcast partners Fox to lose games in 2002, baseball owners are still guaranteed their money from the recently signed $2.5 billion, six-year deal.

The Women's British Open has replaced Canada?s now-defunct du Maurier Classic as the fourth ?major? championship on the LPGA Tour.

The Extreme Group has launched the Extreme Sports Channel on the Telekabel cable network in Llubljana, Slovenia.

The Equestrian Federation of Australia and ActiveTV have signed a deal to enhance the sport?s television coverage.

Canadian production company Stormcrow.com is producing an extreme sports TV travel series, which will include the offer of an integrated interactive advertising package to potential corporate sponsors.

Manchester United have been dealt an embarrassing PR blow after their new communications director was booted out of the club before taking up her position after lying about her past employment record.

Southern African Investments Limited (SAIL), the sporting brands company with stakes in eight South African rugby clubs, a soccer club and a chain of upmarket golf practice centres, has made its first move into professional cricket.

Bernie Ecclestone has said he will not sell his stake in Formula One, despite the interest of a number of Formula One motor manufacturers who want to buy into the business.

The World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Inc. announced a stock repurchase programme, a day after it said revenue from its core businesses for the remainder of the year would fall below expectations.

NBC Sports chief Dick Ebersol has defended the network?s broadcast strategy for the Sydney Olympics in the face of disappointing ratings.

Commercial broadcast coverage of the Sydney Olympic Games in Mexico has been dominated by TV Azteca over it rival company Televisa.

UK commercial television network ITV has commissioned Red Pepper Film Company to produce a new package of sport "stings" to run before all of ITV Sport?s presentations.

The woman running a race against the clock to stage the 2004 Olympics in Athens has dismissed talk that the city could lose the Games and said the Greek capital would lay on a sporting show to rival Sydney's success.