USA

Owner of the Charlotte Bobcats National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise, Bobcats Sports & Entertainment (BSE), has announced a “historic collaboration” between BSE chairman Michael Jordan and team sponsor Presbyterian Healthcare.

Sacramento City Council has approved a plan to help finance a US$391 million downtown arena to bring an end to fears that the Sacramento Kings National Basketball Association franchise could leave the Californian city.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has bolstered its commercial portfolio by signing up Allstate as an official corporate partner.

Major League Baseball (MLB) has confirmed that it will expand its post-season format by two teams to 10 in 2012, the first major change to the league’s playoff system since 1995.

The threat of National Football League (NFL) franchise Minnesota Vikings leaving Minneapolis receded substantially on Thursday as the franchise, Governor Mark Dayton and political leaders unveiled a proposal to develop a new US$975 million stadium on the site of the existing Metrodome.

National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise the Sacramento Kings appear likely to end speculation about their future after reaching a tentative deal to build a new arena in the city.

Cricket Holdings America LLC (CHALLC) has appointed Keith Wyness as its new CEO as it seeks to bring world-class cricket to the United States through the development of a new Twenty20 league.

Budweiser and Daytona International Speedway have announced a new agreement that will see the beer brand take on an enhanced role in the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) season's opening festivities.

Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise the New York Mets is set to secure some welcome investment with the news that hedge fund industry mogul Steven A. Cohen has become one of the team’s new minority owners.

Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise the San Jose Earthquakes has received a major boost after securing a key victory in its bid to develop a new stadium.

A preliminary agreement has been reached to build a US$975 million stadium for the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings in downtown Minneapolis, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Fast food chain McDonald’s has renewed its official partnership with the National Hockey League with a multi-year deal.

Emirates has sealed its first major sponsorship deal in the US by agreeing a partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The IndyCar Series has announced a raft of new commercial partnerships ahead of its 2012 season, including the extension of its deal with official tyre supplier Firestone.

Verizon Wireless has agreed a multi-year partnership renewal with the National Hockey League (NHL) and Players’ Association (NHLPA) in a deal that is set to provide enhanced digital content and streamed action for fans.

Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) interim president Alfredo Hawit has revealed that talks are underway to create a Pan-American championship with the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).