The National Football League (NFL) and its players’ union have given little indication with regards to the progression over collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks after a 15th day of mediated discussions with a third ‘deadline’ approaching at midnight ET tonight, March 11.

Owners did not meet with players in yesterday’s talks, instead meeting with union representatives and league officials in Washington, while owners convened with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and attorneys for their own discussions.

The NFL and its union are struggling to agree on how to split up US$9 billion in annual revenue with the expiration of the current CBA occurring last Thursday, March 3. Since then the deadline for an agreement to be made was pushed back 24 hours before delaying the talks for another week meaning that, assuming no further adjustments to the deadline are made, the league could face a lock out of its player’s next season. In turn the union may stop representing its members, allowing individual players to sue the league, citing antitrust violations.

Jeff Pash, the NFL’s lead negotiator, told reporters as he left talks yesterday: “If both sides have an equal commitment to getting this done, it will get done. Things can come together quickly and they can fall apart quickly.”

The sides return today to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service for more talks under the supervision of mediator George H. Cohen, head of the government agency.

Numerous NFL writer’s have been speculating as to whether an agreement is imminent with social media network Twitter hosting a barrage of opinions. NFL Network’s Albert Beet posted: “So the 9 labor committee members are here, which means lunch is about to end. Heard things should heat up late afternoon.”

ESPN’s Andrew Brandt revealed what he believed to be the details of the discussions as they stand, tweeting: “On 9B (US$9bn) revenue split, players still asking for 50/50: 4.5B. ($4.5bn) Owners offering roughly 43%: 3.9B ($3.9bn). Gap of approx. $600m and shrinking.”

Michele Roberts has been named the National Basketball Players Association’s (NBPA) new executive director replacing Billy Hunter.

Washington, D.C., attorney Roberts will become the first woman to head up a major North American sports union.

At the close of a chaotic Monday filled with meetings, conference calls, presentations and an array of emotions, NBPA executive committee members and team player representatives cast 32 votes in favor of Roberts as the successor to the ousted Billy Hunter, six more than she needed for election.

Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul said he was impressed by Roberts’ grace under fire, fresh ideas and quiet resolve during an extensive interview process.

“Today, we started out by telling the players how monumental today was,” said Paul, the president of the players association. “We’ve never had this amount of players here for a meeting, to give their input and feedback. After all the hours and time our executive committee, along with an amazing search committee that helped throughout this process, it’s an unbelievable feeling to have the wonderful Michele Roberts now as a part of our team.”

Paul said Roberts was flush with fresh ideas.

“One particular member from our search committee … asked her a very tough question in the interviews and [vice president] Roger [Mason Jr.] almost fell out of his seat after she finished giving her answer,” Paul said. “Even though she’s a female, she’s very relatable to a lot of our players. I think that’s what really hit home for not only myself but some of these other guys as well.”

Roberts said she would assemble a management team to run the union, perhaps even changing the union bylaws, before diving into negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement. The players can opt out of the current CBA after the 2016-17 season.

“They’ve got their union back, and I’m going to make sure that they are empowered to take their union exactly where they want their union to go,” Roberts said. “It’s going to be a team that’s going to empower them to be able to do their business as they decide.

“I am a bad woman, but I’m not that bad,” Roberts said. “We are going to have a team, a very strong team, what I call a team of Gladiators, that’s going to help these men and women, again, go in the direction they choose to go. It’s a new day. It’s not a one-person, Superman, ‘I’ve got this.’ It’s going to be a team.”

Italy’s top soccer league Serie A and its strategic media rights advisor Infront Sports & Media announced yesterday the tender process details for the Serie A media rights on Italian territory.

The tender, which expires on 5 June at 12.00pm, covers 380 matches in each of the 2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18 Serie A seasons. 

In summary, Infront has proposed four innovations in order to enhance competition and the possibility of access by new market players:

• An offering that not only includes exploitation rights through digital terrestrial or satellite platforms, but also primary rights for exploitation through online and other audio-visual platforms. This allows licensees to offer Serie A content through other channels;

• An offering structured “by matches”, covering a certain number of fixtures, but overall not more than 35 per cent of the championship;

• A dedicated offering for direct exploitation, containing live broadcast rights, reserved for licensees offering OTT (“over-the-top”) content via Internet, IPTV and mobile phones;

• An ancillary rights offering, designed to enrich editorial content and allow for differentiation of the core packages (e.g. exclusive feeds, priority in the pre- and post-match interviews, etc.).

The following exclusive domestic tender packages are available to media companies in Italy:

• Packages A and B include home and away matches of 8 selected teams (248 of 380 total matches) for transmission via satellite and digital terrestrial platforms respectively (plus related exploitation rights via Internet, IPTV and mobile phones);

• Package C is an upgrade of package A or B and includes ancillary rights related to live broadcast (e.g. different isolated feeds, (unilateral) camera positions, etc.);

• Package D includes 132 matches which are not included in packages A and B and are complemented by ancillary rights as indicated in package C (for exploitation through all platforms);

• Package E provides 3 matches for each match day, for a season total of 114 matches. These rights might only be offered as OTT content via Internet, IPTV and / or mobile platforms.

Marco Bogarelli, President of Infront Italy, said: “The innovations introduced for the 2015 to 2018 period ensures a system that stimulates competition, guarantees market players to further segment their offer and provides the final consumer with multiple ways to access the football product. This means that the new tools meet consumer demands, allowing fans to get closer to football in a new and more modern way. The ultimate goal is to maximise resources for the league, expanding the number of viewers and ultimately Lega Serie A fans.”

Maurizio Beretta, President of the Lega Serie A, stated: “We are very pleased with the result. On Friday, clubs unanimously gave the green light to the presentation of the packages, expressing satisfaction and approval for the work done. This is a significant arrival point, but is only the first step in the selling process. We are happy to have made a good and confident start for future engagements. We will bring to market new technologies to spread football more and more globally, with a particular attention to new generations.”

California-based World Skateboarding Grand Prix (WSGP) has revealed today it is actively seeking strategic partners in India and China with intentions to bring a world-class skateboarding championship to the country in the next 24 months.

Set on a custom-designed, world-class skate park and featuring the most comprehensive group of professional street and vert skaters from around the world, WSGP events offer one of the largest prize purses in the action sports industry. The contest draws thousands of fans and reach 173 countries and 367 million homes through television broadcasts and live webcasts.

The recent South Africa world championships, the Kimberley Diamond Cup, drew some of the biggest names in skateboarding, including Nyjah Huston, Felipe Gustavo, Ryan Decenzo, Louis Lopez, PLG, Andy Macdonald and Marcelo Bastos.

“South Africa has experienced a skateboarding movement over the last few years and the Kimberley Diamond Cup was the most highly anticipated event of the year,” said John Block, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. “This year’s contest had the largest number of skaters and the biggest names of any skate event we’ve ever hosted. The hotels in Kimberley were at capacity and the flights were sold out. This event has established Kimberley as a tourist destination and paid a tremendous boost to the local economy.”

WSGP CEO Tim McFerran is an expert in the skate events management industry. He previously ran the Maloof Money Cup skate championships and is responsible for many of the innovations seen in skate contests today.

“We’re excited about the possibility of bringing a WSGP championship skateboarding event to India and China,” said McFerran. “Our mission is to not only host a world-class contest, but to develop a program to support host cities economically and socially by promoting skateboarding as a positive and affordable recreational activity for youth of all ages.”

The international skiing federation (FIS) has provided opposition to any plans to stage the 2022 soccer World Cup in the winter, fearing it will damage their own competitions.

Following a council meeting late on Sunday, FIS said it planned to agree on a resolution with the other six winter sports federations in a combined attack on world soccer’s governing body FIFA’s plans to switch the dates of the tournament in Qatar.

“FIS will submit a proposal to the other six International Winter Sports Federations to sign a resolution against organizing the World Cup during the winter sports season in 2022,” it said in a brief statement.

FIS has long viewed FIFA’s plans with suspicion, aware that a soccer World Cup, the world’s biggest and most popular single sports event, would take away viewers and sponsors from the skiing season.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has since said it was a mistake to award a summer tournament to Qatar and is now looking for dates in the winter.

Volvo today announced their new golf strategy, bringing the Championship to geographical areas of interest for Volvo’s businesses.

The strategic move will see the Championship rotate between a few host destinations, acknowledging the true global nature and growing global appeal of golf. Volvo and IMG also announced that the 2013 Volvo World Match Play Championship will be played at the breathtaking Thracian Cliffs Course in Bulgaria from the 16th to the 19th May.

For the 48th edition of the event Volvo and IMG will work closely with the Bulgarian Government in conjunction with the national Golf Association.

The last three editions of the Volvo World Match Play Championships were held at Finca Cortesín in Spain and this move to the much-lauded Gary Player designed signature course marks the first time a full European Tour event will be played in Bulgaria. Framed by rugged coastal cliffs and the vast blue of the Black Sea, which can be viewed from each and every hole, Thracian Cliffs is arguably one of the most dramatic golf courses on earth. Gary Player once commented, “You will not find a golf course like this anywhere else on the planet.” Underlining the unique features of this new venue, the Thracian Cliffs has also been called the ‘Pebble Beach of Europe’.

The Championship has evolved considerably since moving from Wentworth in 2009, successfully securing a world-class field by qualification on merit, increasing the field to 24 players and revising the format.  The qualified players are divided into eight groups of three players to be played out on Thursday and Friday with 16 players progressing to Saturday’s knock-out stage with the semi-finals and final played on Sunday.

Per Ericsson, President of Volvo Event Management explained, “Volvo was the first company to bring a European Tour event to China and we are the first to take a full European Tour event to Bulgaria, as Eastern Europe is an important business area for us.  We are very proud to still be delivering ground-breaking innovations as we mark our 130th professional golf tournament. Everyone at Volvo looks forward to welcoming Bulgaria to the ‘family’ of exclusive host destination partners.”

He continued, “We are delighted to be working with the Bulgarian Government and the Bulgarian Golf Association and are thrilled that they have committed their support to this prestigious and historic Championship. We will announce future venues in due course and while our focus is firmly on delivering a magnificent 2013 Championship as our inaugural event at Thracian Cliffs, we then plan to rotate the Volvo World Match Play Championship between a few very special venues around the world of which Thracian Cliffs is the first.” 
Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, Mr Boyko Borissov, in announcing his Government’s support commented, “This is a real coup for Bulgaria being chosen to host such a prestigious international tournament with a rich heritage and sporting traditions. The vast media coverage will deliver a reputable boost for Bulgaria and our tourism industry. The recent growth of golf in our country will have the opportunity to be showcased around the world.”

He added, “Volvo is setting a wonderful example to other international companies, as this shows they view Eastern Europe and Bulgaria as an area of interest for their future business development. I am looking forward to welcoming the world’s best golfers and the successful staging of the tournament will only enhance Bulgaria in becoming recognized as one of the established golfing destinations around the world.”

Guy Kinnings, Global Co-Managing Director IMG added, “We are very grateful to the Bulgarian Government for their support and all the work the Bulgarian Golf Association has done to make this possible. The Volvo World Match Play Championship was founded in the same year as IMG and now, more than 50 years on, we are delighted that, with the help of our partners, Volvo, this historic Championship continues to ‘trail-blaze,’ going to new venues as was McCormack’s vision back in 1964.”

Kinnings continued, “In the last decade, IMG’s business interests in Eastern Europe, and Bulgaria in particular, have really developed and bringing such a globally significant tournament to the region was always our ambition. The decision to rotate the Championship around different countries in the future is another innovative move which allows the event to remain fresh annually. While these future venues are yet to be announced, it is no secret that we are considering Northern Europe, including the UK, as a possible future destination.”

George O’Grady CBE, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “On behalf of everyone at The European Tour, and particularly our Members, we thank Volvo and IMG for their continued support of this Championship and The European Tour. I would also like to thank the Bulgarian Golf Association who has worked hard to secure the Volvo World Match Play Championship and I know their support will be rewarded when the world’s best players travel to their country in May.”

Krassimir Guergov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Golf Association, commented: “This is just the most amazing news and I am delighted that Bulgaria has been able to demonstrate its credentials to Volvo, IMG and the European Tour in order to make this happen. We will now concentrate on helping IMG and Volvo deliver a world-class Championship that will showcase Thracian Cliffs and Bulgaria.”

Die erfolgreichste deutschsprachige Rockband Die Toten Hosen ist ab sofort Ehrenmitglied von Fortuna Düsseldorf. Der Bundesligist würdigt damit die bis in die 1980er Jahre zurückgehenden Verdienste der Musiker für den Club aus der nordrhein-westfälischen Landeshauptstadt.

Die Toten Hosen haben zweifelsfrei großartige Musikgeschichte geschrieben – dies macht sich nicht nur an mehr als 12 Millionen verkaufter Alben allein in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz bemerkbar. Von “Hier kommt Alex” bis zum jüngsten Smashhit “An Tagen wie diesen” weiß die Band seit 1982 immer wieder mit Songs aufzuwarten, die den Geschmack eines sehr breiten Publikums treffen.

Neben der Musik wussten Die Toten Hosen aber auch immer wieder mit der Unterstützung sozialer Projekte Akzente zu setzen. So erschien 1992 der Song “Sascha… ein aufrechter Deutscher”, der sich gegen Rechtsradikalismus richtet und mit dessen sechsstelligem Erlös die Band den “Düsseldorfer Appell gegen Fremdenfeindlichkeit und Rassismus” unterstützte. Die Band unterstützt darüber hinaus seit vielen Jahren die Entwicklungshilfsorganisation Oxfam und Pro Asyl, einer Menschenrechtsgruppe. Daneben bestritt die Band zahlreiche Auftritte in sozialen Einrichtungen, bei denen sie allesamt auf Gage verzichtete.

Großes Augenmerk legte die Gruppe jedoch immer wieder auf ihre Heimatstadt Düsseldorf und dabei besonders auf die Fortuna, deren bekennende Fans sie vor allem auch in schlechteren Jahren waren. Die Verpflichtung von Spieler Anthony Baffoe zur Saison 1989/1990 wurde beispielsweise durch finanzielle Beteiligung der “Toten Hosen” möglich. Im Jahr 1993 konnte durch erhebliche Spendenzuwendung der Band das “Fanprojekt Düsseldorf” ins Leben gerufen werden, dessen Träger der Düsseldorfer Jugendring und Teil der Jugendarbeit im Umfeld der Fortuna ist.

Höhepunkt der Unterstützung für den rot-weißen Traditionsclub war indes das Trikotsponsoring in den Jahren 2001 bis 2003. Obwohl die Fortuna in die Viertklassigkeit abgerutscht war, konnte der Verein nicht nur die Einnahmen aus dem Sponsoring einstreichen, sondern wusste die Bandmitglieder immer wieder auf ihrer Seite – vor allem bei Konzerten und anderen öffentlichen Auftritten, bei denen “Die Toten Hosen” im besten Sinne Botschafter für den Verein waren. In der Folgezeit unterstützten “Die Toten Hosen” über viele Jahre auch die Jugendabteilung der Flingeraner.

Peter Frymuth, Vorstandsvorsitzender von Fortuna Düsseldorf: “In den vergangenen Jahren war es für mich immer wieder beeindruckend, wie ‘Die Toten Hosen’ an den verschiedensten Orten der Welt ihre Verbundenheit mit der Fortuna deutlich gemacht haben. Ihre Unterstützung in mannigfaltiger Form – gerade in den Zeiten, in denen der Fortuna-Stern noch nicht so leuchtete wie heute – war herausragend. Daher ist es jetzt an der Zeit, zurückzublicken und diese Leistungen zu würdigen.”

Die Band selbst meint zu der Auszeichnung: “Die Ehrenmitgliedschaft ist für uns eine große Auszeichnung. Als Fans von Fortuna haben wir über die Jahre immer wieder versucht, den Verein im Rahmen unserer Möglichkeiten zu unterstützen. Wir freuen uns, wenn uns das hier und da gelungen sein sollte. Die Wiederauferstehung des Vereins und die Rückkehr in die erste Liga sind das Ergebnis vieler gemeinsamer Bemühungen von Spielern, Mitarbeitern, Sponsoren und den unermüdlichen Fans. Insofern empfangen wir die Ehrenmitgliedschaft auch stellvertretend für viele andere, die in den vergangenen Jahren die Fortuna unterstützt haben und nicht im Licht der Öffentlichkeit stehen.”