United States

USOC & IOC file ticketing lawsuits - 24 Jul 08

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have filed two lawsuits against XL&H, Ltd., also known as Xclusive Leisure and Hospitality, for using the Olympic trademarks to deceive the public, according to Around the Rings.

ESPN website breaks sports streaming record - 22 Jul 08

American cable television network, ESPN, said its broadband service, ESPN360.com, recorded over three million video streams of live sports during June – its highest ever traffic.

GolTV acquires rights for Emirates Cup - 22 Jul 08

US network, GolTV, has acquired the exclusive live television rights in North America for the Emirates Cup, for the next three-years from 2008 to 2010.

Verizon and AT&T agree Olympic coverage deal with NBC - 18 Jul 08

US telecoms companies Verizon and AT&T will show live coverage of the 2008 Olympics Games on their mobile, IPTV and broadband platforms after agreeing distribution deals with US Olympic broadcaster, NBC.

Logan appointed new CEO of USATF - 18 Jul 08

Doug Logan was appointed as the new CEO of USA Track & Field (USATF), the sport’s governing body in the US.

MLB to allow top players to participate in Olympics - 17 Jul 08

Major League Baseball (MLB) said that it would consider shutting down the league mid-season if Chicago or Tokyo were selected to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

NBC looks to break Olympic ad sales record - 15 Jul 08

US network NBC Universal is expected to generate more than $1 billion in ad revenue during the Olympic Games.

University of Florida agree $100 million rights deal - 15 Jul 08

US regional network, Sun Sports, agreed a 10-year, $100 million deal with the University of Florida’s marketing for the university’s media rights.

University of Montana and Learfield Sports agree new deal - 15 Jul 08

The University of Montana has extended its contract with sports marketing company, Learfield Sports for nine-years, until 2017.

Yahoo, Turner Sports forge online partnership - 11 Jul 08

US broadcaster Turner Sports and Yahoo agreed a new partnership that will see Turner provide video and text content to Yahoo’s online NBA, golf and NASCAR channels.

US sport greener than European sport - 10 Jul 08

The popular image of the US as a reckless polluter is challenged in a new report from SportBusiness Group. The report, entitled Sustainable Sport, claims that in fact US sport is much more environmentally aware and active than its European counterparts.

CAA Sports and Gestifute enter global football partnership - 10 Jul 08

American agency CAA Sports and Portuguese agency Gestifute formed a new partnership around their football talent businesses.

NBA to reveal best practice at Leaders in Football - 10 Jul 08

The NBA, one of the most successful sports marketing organisations in the world, will address senior executives at Leaders in Football with Scott O’Neill, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing flying in to deliver a keynote presentation.

Eight days worth of Olympic coverage per day on NBC - 9 Jul 08

American network NBC will show more hours of coverage of the Beijing Olympics than of all previous summer Olympics combined – an average of 212 hours per day across 12 different platforms.

PVH announces new IndyCar, Firestone Indy Lights sponsorships - 9 Jul 08

Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (PVH) brand IZOD has been named official apparel of the IndyCar and Firestone Indy Lights motor-racing series’, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Anheuser-Busch extends Chicago Cubs MLB marketing partnerships - 7 Jul 08

American brewer Anheuser-Busch renewed marketing deals with Major League Baseball (MLB) team the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago-based broadcaster of Cubs matches, WGN-TV.

MotoGP secures CBS and NBC broadcasts over summer - 1 Jul 08

Dorna Sports agreed deals with US broadcasters CBS Sports and NBC to broadcast coverage of MotoGP across the United States this summer.

Universal sports available to 13m households - 1 Jul 08

US broadcaster, Universal Sports (formerly World Championship Sports Network) claims to be available to more that 13 million households following a series of launches in the US.

PGA Tour will feature $1m ‘Kodak Challenge’ - 27 Jun 08

The Eastman Kodak Company (Kodak) and the PGA Tour have announced a new competition, the Kodak Challenge, taking place during the 2009 season, which will see one player walk away with a $1 million prize.

2016 bidding cities highlight green credentials - 26 Jun 08

The leading candidate cities for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games have made fresh moves to highlight the green credentials of their respective bids.

NBC Universal names new VP of Business - 26 Jun 08

US network, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics, have promoted Wendy Bass to Vice President of Business Affairs.

Birmingham Alabama to bid for 2020 Olympic Games - 23 Jun 08

The Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama has said that he is putting together a committee to bid for the 2020 Olympic Games.

Nissan launches US athletics sponsorship programmes - 23 Jun 08

Automobile manufacturer Nissan has been named official sponsor of the 2008 USA National Track & Field Team.

NBC, Notre Dame extend television rights deal to 2015 - 23 Jun 08

US broadcaster NBC renewed its TV rights deal for Notre Dame University’s American Football team home matches until 2015.

NBC acquires majority stake in WCSN - 17 Jun 08

NBC Universal has acquired a majority stake in Los Angeles-based online and cable sports network, World Championship Sports Network (WCSN).

Team High Road gets new sponsor - 17 Jun 08

Outdoor clothing manufacturer, Columbia Sportswear Company agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with professional cycling team, Team High Road, until 2010.

BNP Paribas Signs as Title Sponsor of 2008 Taste of Tennis - 17 Jun 08

BNP Paribas agreed a deal to title sponsor the 2008 Taste of Tennis, an event produced by AYS Sports Marketing.

ASO to announce AEG marketing partnership - 16 Jun 08

The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the owner and organiser of the Tour de France, is set to announce a marketing partnership with AEG, the organiser of the Amgen Tour of California later today.

University of Nebraska, IMG College sign $112.5m rights deal - 16 Jun 08

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has approved a 13-year multimedia rights deal between the university’s athletics department and IMG College, worth $112.5 million ($109 million guaranteed).

NBA.com sets web record - 16 Jun 08

NBA.com, the website of the National Basketball Association (NBA), has recorded the largest ever-number of hits for a sports website.

ESPN riding high according to George Bodenheimer - 12 Jun 08

ESPN President George Bodenheimer said "the entire pie to sports consumption is growing ... and ESPN is continuing to ride that wave."

Emirates to sponsor Breeders’ Cup Turf - 10 Jun 08

Emirates Airline and Breeders’ Cup Limited agreed a sponsorship deal for Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, to become title sponsor of the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Turf at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Versus secures Tour de France rights - 10 Jun 08

US cable sports network, Versus, extended its deal with the Amaury Sport Organisation for the exclusive US TV rights for the Tour de France, for five years until 2013.

MP & Silva opens new office in Miami - 10 Jun 08

MP & Silva's new office in Miami will oversee the agency’s operations in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Chelsea FC teams up with CAA - 9 Jun 08

Chelsea Football Club teamed up with the sports division of sports and entertainment agency CAA (Creative Artists Agency).

IOC chooses four cities for 2016 Olympics, Doha loses out - 5 Jun 08

The International Olympic Committee selected Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo as candidate cities for the 2016 Olympic Games. Doha missed out on selection, while Madrid and Tokyo appear the cities to beat in the early running.

LA Lakers agree Sports Chalet deal - 5 Jun 08

NBA team Los Angeles Lakers signed a three-year exclusive sponsorship deal with sportswear retailer Sports Chalet. Under the deal Sports Chalet becomes the ‘Official Sporting Goods Retailer of the Los Angeles Lakers.’ The deal will start next season.

NHL agrees new deals with TSN, Anheuser-Busch - 4 Jun 08

The National Hockey League has signed deals with TSN, for media rights in Canada, and with Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc, for Bud Light to remain the league’s official beer.

Major League Baseball loses out to fantasy league - 3 Jun 08

The US Supreme Court has refused Major League Baseball’s appeal to overrule the Court of Appeals finding; leaving fantasy leagues free to exploit player data and statistics without licence.

RBS to sponsor USGA - 2 Jun 08

Financial services group, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), has signed as a corporate partner of the United States Golf Association (USGA).

NFL sells 40,000 Wembley tickets in 90 minutes - 30 May 08

American Football’s NFL said it has sold the first 40,000 tickets for its second regular-season match in London in 90 minutes.

US looks set to bid against England for 2018 World Cup - 29 May 08

The United States looks set to bid against England for the 2018 World Cup with US Soccer President, Sunil Gulati, saying: “We will be making a decision in the next two or three months, but we are looking very seriously at it.I can't think of any reasons why we wouldn't bid for the tournament.”

Microsoft to sponsor Major League Soccer team - 29 May 08

Microsoft agreed a five-year sponsorship deal with new Major League Soccer (MLS) team, Seattle Sounders FC, worth a reported $20 million.

MTV & NBC team up to expand the Action Sports Tour - 29 May 08

MTV Networks Music Group, a division of Viacom's MTV Networks, and US network NBC Sports agreed a strategic partnership to expand the Action Sports Tour.

Miller Brewing extends sponsorship of Dallas Cowboys - 28 May 08

US brewer, the Miller Brewing Company extended its sponsorship deal with American Football franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, for 12 years until 2020.

New York Yankees to sign Nike sponsorship deal - 22 May 08

The New York Yankees have agreed in principle to a new five-year sponsorship agreement with sportswear manufacturer Nike, beginning in 2009, that will end the team’s 11-year relationship with Adidas.

CBS to launch college sport ad network - 22 May 08

American media conglomerate, CBS Corporation, is set to launch an online ad network focusing on college sports.

Setanta and Fox acquire England FA football rights in US - 21 May 08

Fox Soccer Channel (FSC) and Setanta Sports have acquired broadcast rights in the United States for the English FA Cup and England’s national football team matches in a four-year deal with the English FA.

Coca-Cola renews partnership with Special Olympics - 21 May 08

Soft drink manufacturer, the Coca-Cola Company, has renewed its partnership with the Special Olympics in a four-year deal, from 2008 to 2011.

Pittsburgh to host first marathon since 2005 - 20 May 08

American city Pittsburgh is to host a marathon in 2009, five years after the city’s marathon, which had been run since 1985, was discontinued.

FSN to start HD roll-out in 2009 - 20 May 08

Fox Sports Net (FSN), the largest group of regional US sports networks, has announced that it will start to upgrade to round-the-clock high definition telecasts in the first quarter of 2009.

NBA extends partnership with STATS - 19 May 08

Sports information, content and statistical analysis company, STATS LLC, have extended their partnership with the The National Basketball Association (NBA) to become the exclusive provider of NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League statistics for all territories outside of China.

USC agree 25-year lease with Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum - 15 May 08

The University of South California (USC) has signed a lease that will keep the USC Trojans college American Football team playing at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum stadium for at least the next 25 years.

Disney Sports complex to become ESPN-branded - 14 May 08

Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN are joining forces to re-brand Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex with the ESPN brand.

ESPN wins US Open Tennis rights - 13 May 08

US broadcaster ESPN, has acquired the rights for the US Open tennis tournament in a six-year, $140 million deal from 2009 to 2014, with the US Tennis Association.

IOC invites tender for 2014 and 2016 broadcast rights - 12 May 08

The International Olympic Committee has invited tenders for the broadcast and exhibition rights for all territories, within Europe, for the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Olympic channel won’t debut before Beijing - 12 May 08

A new 24-hour television channel run by the US Olympic Committee won't debut before the 2008 Beijing Games in August.

AEG buys De La Hoya stake - 9 May 08

American sports and entertainment company AEG has become the second-largest shareholder in Oscar De La Hoya’s boxing promotion company Golden Boy Promotions.

Toyota to end cycling sponsorship - 6 May 08

Car manufacturer, Toyota Motor Sales USA, has announced that it will not renew its sponsorship deal with the Toyota-United professional cycling team when its three-year contract expires in December 2008.

NBC agrees largest major network broadcast of equestrian sport - 2 May 08

US network, NBC, acquired the broadcast rights for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games from the World Games 2010 Foundation.

NBC sports to air US Open in primetime - 30 Apr 08

NBC Sports will schedule the final round of this year's US Open golf tournament in primetime for the first time thanks to the event’s west coast location.

PGA TOUR Completes S&T Conference Sponsorship Panel Line-up - 29 Apr 08

Paul Johnson, Senior Vice President of New Media at the US PGA TOUR will be joining the post-lunch panel discussion entitled ‘Creating new opportunities for sports sponsors through technology’ at Sport and Technology: The Conference 2008, in association with BT Media and Broadcast, on 13 June 2008 at BT Centre in London.

New Twins stadium adds $1.2 million in revenues - 28 Apr 08

The Minnesota Twins new baseball stadium is set to generate between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion in additional revenue for the club.

EDS extends Byron Nelson Championship deal - 25 Apr 08

Technology services company EDS has extended its commitment as title sponsor of the EDS Byron Nelson Championship PGA Tour event with the sponsorship now running through 2014.

NBC to continue NHL coverage in 2008-09 - 23 Apr 08

North American television broadcaster NBC is set to announce a one-year extension of its revenue-sharing television rights deal with ice hockey’s NHL, covering the 2008-09 season.

M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment launches US offering - 22 Apr 08

UK based sport and entertainment sponsorship & PR agency M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment launched a US office, headed up by Sandra Carreon-John.

GolTV acquires rights to Italian World Cup qualifiers - 22 Apr 08

GolTV, the all soccer network, has acquired the exclusive USand Canada broadcast rights to the 2010 World Cup qualifying matches of the Italian national team.

ESPN acquires Wimbledon rights until 2013 - 21 Apr 08

North American-based sports broadcaster ESPN has finalised a six-year deal with The All England Tennis and Croquet Club for international television and internet rights for the Wimbledon tennis championships.

NHRA and IMG agree strategic partnership - 15 Apr 08

Global sports and entertainment company, IMG, has agreed a strategic partnership with the NHRA, the world’s largest motorsport organisation, to become its exclusive outside sponsorship marketing agent.

NFL appoints Octagon to support UK commercial strategy - 15 Apr 08

The National Football League (NFL) appointed Octagon to work with the NFL to provide strategic advice to develop current and future commercial strategy around the NFL UK’s year-round activity.

The NFL to Provide Closing Address at Sport and Technology: The Conference 2008 - 15 Apr 08

Sport and Technology: The Conference 2008, in association with BT Media and Broadcast, is delighted to announce that the event’s Closing Keynote Address will be delivered by Brian Rolapp, Senior Vice President, Digital Media & Media Strategy of the National Football League (NFL), on 13 June 2008 at BT Centre in London.

Olympic advertising space sells despite protests - 14 Apr 08

US Olympic broadcaster, NBC, has sold three-quarters of its 2008 Games advertising space at strong prices, despite recent protests surrounding the torch relay.

AT&T in frame for Cowboys naming rights - 14 Apr 08

AT&T could sign the richest naming rights deal in sports history if the US telecommunications giant follows up its reported early interest in naming a new stadium for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

Nike extends sponsorship of US Olympic Team - 11 Apr 08

Nike extended its sponsorship deal with the US Olympic Committee to become the Official Outfitter of the US Olympic and Paralympic Team until the London 2012 Olympic Games.

MLB agree Yahoo deal - 11 Apr 08

Yahoo agreed a two-year deal with Major League Baseball Advanced Media for the rights to show subscription-based live games and sell video ads for MLB.TV in 2009 and 2010.

AOL secures rights for ESPN video - 9 Apr 08

Web portal, AOL, has acquired the rights to carry ESPN video content on its sites, AOL Video and AOL Sports.

Willow TV wins IPL rights - 9 Apr 08

Internet streaming broadcaster, Willow TV, has acquired the television, radio, broadband and Internet rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in North America.

DirecTV sponsors the IndyCar Series - 8 Apr 08

US broadcaster DirecTV agreed a multi-year deal to become the Official Sponsor for the IndyCar Series.

NBA's Bobcats strike naming rights and TV deal - 8 Apr 08

NBA team the Charlotte Bobcats agreed a deal with Time Warner Cable for naming rights to the Charlotte Bobcats Arena and for TV distribution.

MLB games to be shown on-demand for the first time - 7 Apr 08

Major League Baseball is to allow regional sports networks to offer replays of their live baseball matches on demand for 24 hours after the game.

Final Four to go live online - 4 Apr 08

CBSSports.com, in partnership with CBS Sports, CBS College Sports Network and the NCAA are set to provide a live online broadcast of the Final Four and NCAA Championship game for the first time via their NCAA March Madness on Demand video player.

Coca-Cola to sponsor merged IndyCar Series - 2 Apr 08

Soft drinks manufacturer, Coca-Cola North America, agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with IndyCar Series, until 2010.

US Figure Skating signs multi-year marketing deal - 1 Apr 08

US Figure Skating, the national governing body media and sponsorship deal with sports marketing agency, Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment.

WrestleMania XXIV sets revenue record - 1 Apr 08

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) set both attendance and ticket sale records for WrestleMania XXIV at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando last weekend.

Sponsor takes legal action against Team Gordon - 28 Mar 08

Business security software firm Vanguard Integrity Professional is taking legal action against the US motorsports outfit, Team Gordon, following comments made by the driver Robby Gordon on the Dakar Rally.

Microsoft to sponsor NASCAR race car - 27 Mar 08

Microsoft Corporation’s Small Business division has agreed to sponsor a NASCAR Sprint Cup Toyota Camry for the 2008 season.

American Airlines signs MLS sponsorship deal - 26 Mar 08

American Airlines signed an exclusive sponsorship and promotions deal with Soccer United Marketing, Major League Soccer's marketing arm.

Paragon, new sports management agency launched - 25 Mar 08

Hugh Dodson, former COO of The Gersh Agency, launched a new sports and entertainment management firm, Paragon.

GolTV wins rights to German World Cup qualifiers - 25 Mar 08

US-based soccer network, GolTV, has won the exclusive US and Canada broadcast rights to all of the German national team 2010 World Cup qualifying matches starting in September.

Red Sox call off Japan no-show - 20 Mar 08

Players from Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox have called off a threat to boycott the two-game, season-opening series against the Oakland Athletics in Japan after the resolution of a financial issue.

Anheuser-Busch signs Mets deal - 18 Mar 08

Anheuser-Busch and the New York Mets have signed a multi-year marketing agreement in which Budweiser and Bud Light will become the Mets' first ‘Signature Partner’ at the new Citi Field venue which opens in 2009.

March Madness scores record ad sales - 17 Mar 08

Total advertising spend around this year’s ‘March Madness’ NCAA basketball tournament could reach around $545 million, according to analysts.

Cycling team to lose title sponsor - 14 Mar 08

American technology services company, Computer Sciences Corp, has decided to end its title sponsorship of professional cycling team - Team CSC.

Advertising revenue for CBS basketball coverage soars - 12 Mar 08

Coverage of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship is expected to generate $450 million in advertising revenue for American network CBS.

FANZ-TV to show arenafootball2 league - 12 Mar 08

Newly launched US sports TV network, FANZ-TV, agreed a one-year rights deal with the arenafootball2 league for the 2008 season.

Blue Equity to merge its sports and entertainment divisions - 11 Mar 08

American private equity firm Blue Equity LLC is to merge its sports and entertainment properties to form a new company, Blue Entertainment Sports Television (BEST).

Chicago Cubs consider Wrigley Field naming rights deal - 10 Mar 08

Major League Baseball team, The Chicago Cubs, have been approached by at least three companies interested in purchasing the naming rights to the historic Wrigley Field ball park.

Fox Sports to distribute ‘Free Kick Masters’ - 5 Mar 08

US-based sporting and entertainment events producer, Camelot Island Entertainment, has signed an agreement with Fox Sports International Distribution for the global distribution of the ‘2008 Free Kick Masters’.

Johnson & Johnson showcases US Olympic hopefuls - 4 Mar 08

Health care brand Johnson & Johnson has teamed up with the NBC Olympics to launch a multimedia showcase, which will follow the journey of eight American athletes and their families as they prepare to qualify for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

UFC secures sponsorship deal - 3 Mar 08

Anheuser-Busch’s Bud Light brand signed a three-and-a-half-year deal to sponsor the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed-martial arts league.