Selig: MLB Play-off Expansion Possible

Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner Bud Selig is open to the idea of expanding the play-offs at the end of every season, but has insisted recent talk of realigning the League’s divisional structure is premature.

Currently, eight teams qualify for the post-season event under the current system, less than any other top American sports’ play-offs system. The current MLB play-offs has four fewer than the number of National Football League (NFL) teams that make the play-offs and half the number of teams that reach the National Hockey League and National Basketball Association (NBA) play-offs.

However, Selig did say that the League had not decided what length a play-off series between wildcard teams would be.

Selig said: “We only have eight of 30 teams (making the post-season). That’s the least number in sports. If we go to 10 (teams), that’s 10 out of 30. Twenty go home. That’s not too many. I can make a case for 10, no more than 10.”

There has been recent speculation that the 16-team National League and 14-team American League could be restructured to have 15 teams in each, but Selig added: “There have been some stories about it lately that I found to be somewhat premature. I talk to people about it from time to time. Is there anything imminent? No.”

With the NFL and NBA currently in lockout scenarios, Selig was also asked about MLB’s progress in labour talks with the players’ union ahead of the expiration of the existing collective bargaining agreement in December, to which he replied: “In my baseball career that started in 1970 we had eight work stoppages and one became more painful than the other.

“Of the many things I’m proud of about my commissionership is that we’ve had 16 years of labour peace,” Selig added. “I’m very sensitive to what’s going on in the other sports. We’ve started our negotiations. It’s been constructive, but it’s early.”

Platini: Bulgaria able to host Youth Euro 2013, must avoid football fraud

Bulgaria is all set for hosting the youth Euro 2013, said UEFA president Michel Platini, who is on an official visit to the country Sunday.

Bulgaria currently is being considered together with four more potential hosts to the 2013 event – the Czech Republic, England, Israel and Wales.

Platini said he and Bulgarian Football Union President Borislav Mihailov had complete unanimity in matters they discussed. “The only thing we disaggreed on is whether he’d be able to save a penalty kick by me,” joked the former French midfielder in regards to his talks with the former Bulgarian goalie.

The UEFA president did not express a great familiarity with Bulgarian club football, but said that the UEFA central has sent letters to the Bulgarian Football Union requesting information about official games of the national championship that are suspected to have been settled outside of the field.

“It is not up to the Bulgarian Football Union and Mihailov to review the signals and to decide whether to refer matters to the prosecutor,” stated Platini, demanding fair play and transparency in the Bulgarian National Championship.

During his visit to Sofia, Michel Platini also met Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov. Among other things, the two discussed opportunities for financing projects relating to football.

South African government to investigate state World Cup ticket purchases

The South African government will look into why public-owned companies spent over US$14 million on tickets for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, had asked government ministers before the tournament not to overspend on the purchasing of tickets as he looks to try and control costs.

A statement from the finance ministry said:” While there may be legitimate reasons for buying tickets to advance the business case of public enterprises and government departments, concern has been raised as to what action may be taken should the auditor-general deem this expenditure wasteful or fruitless.

“The minister reiterates his call for civil servants to live up to their moral contract with citizens and for restraint and discernment to be exercised in the use of public funds.”

Chief Exec of Leicestershire CCC resigns

David Smith, the Chief Executive of Leicestershire County Cricket Club has handed in his resignation after two-and-a-half years in the role.

Smith puts his reasons behind resigning down to ‘interference’ in cricketing matters from Chairman Neil Davidson.

Smith said: “The Chairman seems to think he is entitled to intervene in selection and that is unacceptable to me. I think I have reason to bring it to everyone’s attention.

“We have had intervention from the board on cricketing matters and I don’t think that is appropriate. I’m very disappointed at having to make this decision. I’m 25 per cent into the job of trying to move the club forward and I believe we have started to see that.

“I inherited a club that had six Kolpak players and we have made significant progress from that time. The ground was dilapidated when I took over but the facilities for the membership have been improved during my time.

“I’m very disappointed but I cannot have intervention from the Chairman and the board.”

The club issued a statement which read: “The board of directors of Leicestershire County Cricket Club regrets to announce that it has today accepted the resignation of its Chief Executive, David Smith.

“The club is in discussions with David as to the date of his departure. Mike Siddall has been appointed to role of acting Chief Executive until a permanent appointment can be made.”

Dove Men+Care Launch New Marketing Campaign with Stanford University Coach Davis Shaw

Stanford University football coach David Shaw has agreed a partnership with Dove Men+Care Deodorant who will launch the ‘Care Always Wins’ campaign, to draw attention to the importance of care and how it helps end irritations inside the locker room and on the field.

As part of the ‘Care Always Wins’ campaign, Coach Shaw, who has earned multiple coaching leadership awards over his 20-year career, will inspire families and sports fans to visit DoveMenCare.com to nominate impactful coaches in their local communities for the inaugural Dove Men+Care Deodorant “Caring Coach of the Year Award.” Three K-12 coaches will be selected and honored in Atlanta, Georgia by the College Football Hall of Fame, an organization devoted to celebrating football’s greatest players and coaches as positive role models.

“Coaches have the power to teach much more than the physical elements of the game — my job is to guide players on how to be successful in the heat of competition, as well as in the classroom, and after graduation,” said Coach Shaw. “I am extremely proud to be part of a campaign that champions the influential role coaches play in young people’s lives every day, and hope we soon see a larger shift in how athletics prioritizes positive, caring attitudes.”

The Dove Men+Care Deodorant ‘Care Always Wins’ program will kick-off during the start of the college football season this week at Stanford University’s Fan Fest, on Saturday September 6, 2014.

“Dove Men+Care Deodorant is a brand dedicated to providing care in our products that help end underarm irritation, so that all men can stay focused on what matters most” says Matthew McCarthy, Senior Director of Deodorants/Antiperspirants, Unilever. “We understand how important care is in all aspects of life and admire the resounding impact a coach’s care can have on players. We are excited to put the spotlight on the most caring coaches who demonstrate how more care means less irritation on and off the field.”

Infront to Work On International Media Rights for Serie A

Italy’s top football league Serie A has signed a partnership with Infront Sports & Media for the agency to be an exclusive advisor in exploiting the national and international media rights for all its properties including Lega Serie A.

The contract secures Infront’s role until the end of the 2017/18 season, with the possibility of extending the agreement for a further three-year cycle until 2020/21. Overall, it will guarantee the league a minimum revenue of EUR 5.94 billion for the next six seasons.

The agreement was signed today in Milan with Maurizio Beretta, President of Lega Serie A, Marco Bogarelli, President of Infront Italy, Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Infront and also the Serie A clubs’ presidents and representatives attending.

Over the past months, Infront has worked closely with Lega Serie A to outline the final long-form agreement. In the forthcoming days the media packages for domestic rights tender for Serie A TIM League, TIM Cup and TIM Supercup for the period 2015/16 to 2017/18 will be defined. 

Maurizio Beretta, President of Lega Serie A, said: “We are proud to continue our strategic partnership with Infront. Over the past years it has allowed us to increment the media rights value. The new agreement confirms that Italian football is of great value – recognised nationally and internationally – and, thanks to the new technologies, we will work on diffusing it globally, with a particular attention to new generations.”

Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Infront, added: “In the past six years, the League and Infront have proven the success of its partnership, significantly increasing the value of Lega Serie A media rights and further exploiting the high potential of the respective properties. We are delighted to continue to provide our professional advice and expertise to our partner Lega Serie A – further strengthening the appeal and accessibility of Italian football and providing seamless, targeted and premium football content across multiple delivery platforms and devices for the fan.”

Tunisia to Host First-Ever WBSC Congress in May

Tunisia in North Africa will host the first-ever WBSC Congress, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced today.

The event will be organised in Hammamet, Tunisia 10-11 May 2014. 

The historic inaugural WBSC Congress will unite all national governing bodies of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and the International Softball Federation (ISF) for the first time under the umbrella of the WBSC, as elections will be held to select all positions within the WBSC Executive Board, including that of the president.

Never before has an IBAF or an ISF Congress been organised in Africa — what is now a primary target of the WBSC’s growth strategy to deepen baseball and softball’s global footprint.

With the decision to award the Congress to Tunisia, WBSC officials have confirmed the focus will be on those emerging territories with high potential for development, and where baseball and softball can be practiced to activate the youth demographic, promote gender equality, encourage greater universality and where the National Federations can build and reinforce their National Teams for international competition.

“This is another key milestone — across many levels — for the global evolution of baseball and softball,” said WBSC co-Presidents Riccardo Fraccari and Don Porter, “and we are not only honoured but we are particularly proud to have Tunisia as the host of the WBSC’s very first Congress.”

WBSC’s Fraccari and Porter noted that baseball and softball’s union has resulted in increased opportunities and reach — and has raised the potential legacy and value of WBSC’s events so that new hosts like Tunisia are showing serious interest for the first time.

“We are committed to growing the appeal and relevance of baseball and softball in emerging territories across Africa and around the world, and Tunisia’s excellent bid is a key indicator that underscores baseball and softball’s continued worldwide emergence and highlights the attractiveness, benefits and realities of baseball and softball’s partnership,” said the WBSC co-presidents.

USGA Selects Torrey Pines as 2021 U.S. Open Host

The U.S. Golf Association has awarded the 2021 U.S. Open to the city-owned Torrey Pines golf course pending city approval. 

Mayor Kevin Faulconer told U-T San Diego on Monday that an item will be placed on the City Council docket this week that asks it to support hosting the prestigiuos event 13 years after the successful 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

“It’s a great win for San Diego, pharm ” Faulconer said. “The fact that we’ve been selected again speaks volumes as to how this city came together and put on a world-class tournament in ’08. It just shows, from the USGA’s standpoint, that we know how to get it done.”

Tiger Woods won the 2008 US Open in a playoff against Rocco Mediate. 

Magic Johnson Buys Los Angeles Sparks

NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter has purchased Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team Los Angeles Sparks.

The deal was unanimously approved by the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors.

The investment group includes Dodger co-owners Todd L. Boehly, Robert L. Patton and Stan Kasten. 

The franchise will remain in Los Angeles and play at STAPLES Center. The WNBA’s 2014 game and television schedule will also be announced this week.

“We are thrilled to welcome Magic Johnson and Mark Walter to the WNBA,” said Richie. “With their proven track record in the business realm, their commitment to the city of Los Angeles through civic engagement, and their passion for the game of basketball, we look forward to partnering with our new owners to usher in a new era for this iconic team. This is a great day for Los Angeles, the Sparks franchise, its players, and of course, the loyal fans who have been so supportive of the team for 17 seasons.”

“This is a great day for the city of Los Angeles and the Sparks,” said Johnson. “The leaders of this great city came together quickly to keep this franchise right where it belongs—in the city of Angels. Thanks to my sister, Evelyn, playing college basketball, I have a great appreciation of the talented players that represent the WNBA. Our group will now work together to bring our loyal fans another WNBA championship. ”

“Earvin came to me and said we need to help save the Sparks and keep them in Los Angeles,” Walter said. The decision was quite easy for our investment group due to the passion Magic has for this city, these great athletes and our phenomenal fans. This team and its great players should remain a part of the sports fabric of this wonderful city.”

NASCAR’s Swan Racing Reveals New Investor

Swan Racing, a stock car racing team that currently competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has announced the addition of Anthony Marlowe as a minority owner.

Marlowe, a successful business leader from Iowa has been involved in NASCAR as a sponsor with different teams since 2011. His leadership and his experience with business-to-business deals will be increasingly valuable to the team as it seeks additional partnerships.

“Anthony is an entrepreneur like me,” said team owner Brandon Davis. “He has the same work ethic and the same approach when it comes to finding creative and innovative solutions. Anthony is the perfect fit for the team and will be an integral part of it going forward.”

“This is a remarkable day, which for me marks the intersection of my passion for NASCAR and my dream of owning part of a professional sports team at the highest level,” said Marlowe. “I kept a close eye on Swan Racing during its inaugural season last year and was so impressed with Brandon Davis, the way they do business, and their pursuit of excellence that I wanted to be part of his Cup team for the long-haul.”

Marlowe joins other successful investors in Swan Racing including former NFL great Bill Romanowski. Romanowski, who played 16 seasons in the NFL, was an early investor in the team. Additionally, Romanowski’s business, Lean1 Health Shakes, is a primary sponsor for Swan Racing.

Marlowe, 34, is co-founder and president of TMone (pronounced T-M-one), a domestic customer relationship management (CRM) firm supporting Fortune 500 companies. He is also the managing member of Iowa City Capital Partners, which is a private investment firm that provides equity funding to companies. Inc. Magazine recognized Marlowe in 2007, at the age of 28, as one of the 25 youngest CEOs of the 5000 fastest growing companies in America.