For everyone sounding the death knell of the Big East Conference, you can put away your bells.

The Memphis Tigers will be joining the Big East Conference in all sports in 2013.

An official announcement is expected tomorrow at 1 pm, with a news conference in Memphis to follow.

Memphis, who leaves the Conference USA conference, will be joining a host of other schools headed for the Big East in the upcoming years — Central Florida, Houston, SMU, Navy, San Diego State, and Boise State. Many believed that even with the addition of the other schools, the addition of Memphis was crucial for the Big East’s survival as a conference due to the losses of West Virginia (Big 12), Pittsburgh and Syracuse (ACC).

With Big East approval guaranteed, Memphis still has yet another hurdle to climb; the Conference USA exit fee. Memphis will be forced to pay the conference’s $500,000 fee plus a share of their television rights revenue, putting their total exit fee at a little over $6.5 million.

Memphis has been trying to move from Conference USA since being snubbed when the Big East expanded in 2005, losing a longtime rivalry with Louisville. A departure now would be pricey for the Tigers. The exit fee from Conference USA for 2013-14 is $500,000 plus Memphis’ share of television rights revenue, which is approximately $6.13 million, according to a league spokeswoman.

Both the club and RFK stadium are close to reaching an agreement on a new lease that will keep the MLS club playing at the 51 year old facility.  RFK Stadium currently has no other tenants.

There had been speculation that the club would seek another viable, more cost-friendly solution as they explored the idea of a new stadium (playing games at the University of Maryland had previously been considered), but with D.C. United’s MLS season beginning on March 10th, any idea of an alternative solution has at least temporarily, been put on hold.  D.C. United President Kevin Payne speaking on the issue,

“We obviously awkwardly have not made a formal announcement yet, but given the timing I think it’s safe to assume we will be playing at RFK.  We do expect an announcement shortly of a new relationship with Events D.C.” (via Washington Post)

As for potentially playing in a new stadium, talks are still continuing, with many hopeful that a new stadium deal is completed due to the District’s improving financial shape.

The ticket increase, which will see ticket prices increase 7.9% on average for the 2012 season, is the team’s first ticket price increase since after the 2007 season. While suite-seats will be unaffected by the price increase, the Lions season tickets will range somewhere in between $35 and $99 for the 2012 season, with an average ticket price of $72.04.

The Lions had the 28th lowest average ticket price last season.

“It’s a decision we don’t take lightly,” president Tom Lewand said. “But after a lot of consideration and hopefully intelligent thought, for us the focus was on the value proposition and the desire we have to provide a top tier product in the NFL for a mid-level or below investment.”

“It’s been since after the 2007 season that we’ve raised prices and we weren’t going to do that until we had a product we felt merited this kind of increased investment,” Lewand said. “But it becomes a cycle. In order to stay competitive, we have to be able to invest back into the product. And that’s exactly where these dollars go, right back into re-signing our players and keeping the team together.

“Thankfully we have an ownership (the Ford family) that allows us to charge below average prices that provide, hopefully, a well above average product. They give us the resources we need to spend up to and over the (salary) cap every year.” (via Detroit News)

While Lions fans will pay more to see their team in 2012, they will still remain one of the better deals in the NFL — twenty two (22) other teams charged more in 2011 than the Lions average ticket price for the 2012 season.

Could we be seeing an NBA team back in Seattle as soon as next year?

Documents received by the Seattle Times under a public-disclosure request, show that the Seattle mayor’s office and hedge-fund manager Christopher Hansen are diligently working to see an NBA team in Seattle as soon as next fall, and with a new arena.

Documents reveal that the two sides have been meeting for the last 8 months, discussing key topics such as financing and city debt capacity. According to the discussions, a new arena in Seattle — one which would be constructed near the Mariners’ Safeco Field — could be built with minimal impact on taxpayers.

“Thanks for spending the time today guys,” Hansen wrote in a June 16 email to Julie McCoy, chief of staff to Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, and Ethan Raup, the mayor’s director of policy and operations.

“I really appreciate it and look forward to making this happen in Seattle,” wrote Hansen, a multimillionaire who built a fortune in the private investment world. “I genuinely mean that and am confident that with a little effort and creativity we can find a solution that meets our needs and the City’s /State’s desire to get a team back to Seattle without a large public outlay.”

Hansen offered to provide information on “recent municipal arena deals that have been put together and some of the direct and indirect contributions that the city can make that don’t require incremental taxes or direct public funding.” (via Seattle Times)

Seattle has been without a team since 2008, when the Seattle Sonics owner, Clay Bennett, moved the team to Oklahoma City after failing to find financing for a new arena.

According to the documents, the Sacramento Kings are a potential choice for a new Seattle-based franchise. The Kings are in the midst of well-documented financial instability, and the NBA has currently set a deadline of March 1st, for the city of Sacramento to present a financing plan that could keep the team in Sacramento.

Newton, a possible rookie of the year selection and a 2012 NFL Pro Bowler, has signed a multi-year partnership deal with the sports drink, Gatorade. Under the partnership, Newton will be featured in upcoming Gatorade brand campaigns in television, print and digital advertising. He will also visit the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, where scientists will work with him to identify ways in which Gatorade, and training can increase his on-field performance.

“Working with Gatorade fulfills a childhood dream of mine,” said Newton. “I have used Gatorade since I started playing football and Gatorade products have been an important part of my training and competition regimen for as long as I can remember. As I look to improve my game, what I put in my body is extremely important. Gatorade provides me the opportunity to work with the world’s leading scientists who can help me gain a competitive edge and play at my best.” (via Press Release)

Gatorade is very selective with the individual NFL players with which they partner. Cam Newton joins the Manning brothers, Peyton (1999) and Eli (2005) as the only other current NFL players on the Gatorade roster.

“Gatorade is focused on elevating the importance of proper athletic fueling, so it’s important for us to partner with athletes who believe sports nutrition improves performance. Gatorade has been an essential piece of Cam’s football equipment since an early age which makes this partnership a natural fit,” said Sarah Robb O’Hagan, president of North America and global CMO, Gatorade. “Cam has proven himself as a naturally gifted athlete with a promising NFL career. We look forward to helping him achieve his football goals by providing him with customized testing and research and a fueling plan to help him elevate his game.”

Gatorade has been an official NFL partner since 1983, while they’ve worked with NFL teams on at least a team basis since 1969. The company recently extended their NFL partnership deal, ensuring that Gatorade is on the sidelines of every NFL game through the year 2022.

“I have always been attracted to Fila’s fashion-forward designs and especially appreciate their commitment to infusing our sport with beauty and fashion,” said Jankovic. “Fila has such a rich tennis history and it is an honor to be wearing the same brand as the stars I admired as a child.” (via Press Release)

Janokovic had previously been under contract with Chinese-based sportswear company ANTA, whom she joined in 2009 after she was not re-signed by Reebok.

As Fila enters its 101st year of existence, they seek to make a splash with Jankovic,

“We are thrilled to add former #1 ranked Jelena Jankovic to the Fila family,” said Gene Yoon, Chairman of Fila. “Her on-court and off-court style is consistent with the tennis champions that have worn the Fila brand since the 1970s. As we enter the 101st year of the Fila brand, our commitment to the sport that has been such an important part of our history will be strengthened by relationships with world-class athletes like Jelena.”

Fila’s signing of Jankovic further expands their already well-established footprint in the world of tennis — the company currently is a sponsor of the Sony Ericsson Open, the BNP Paribas Open, the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championship, and they are a footwear licensee of The Championships at Wimbledon.

NBC Sports Group and Panasonic Corporation of North America — NBC’s exclusive flat-panel HDTV and Blu-ray Disc Player advertiser for the games — have agreed to partner to make the London 2012 Olympic Games available in 3D to all U.S. distributors who carry Olympic coverage on cable, satellite and telco; essentially 100% of the multi-channel industry.

It marks the first time that the Olympic games will be distributed in 3D.

“NBC has a history of utilizing technological innovations to distribute the Olympics in new ways for viewers,” said Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics. “We are proud to continue that tradition by partnering with Panasonic and Olympic Broadcasting Services to distribute the first 3D broadcast of the Games in the U.S. in partnership with our multichannel video programming distributors.” (via Press Release)

The 3D broadcasts, which will be produced by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), will be shown on next-day delay, and will include over 200 hours of coverage, including the opening and closing ceremonies, gymnastics, diving, and swimming.

The list, which is based on sales on NFLShop.com from April 1st to December 31st, has the Packers QB on top, with Broncos QB Tim Tebow and Steelers S Troy Polamalu rounding out the top 3.

Further proving that the NFL is a quarterback league, 7 of the top 10 positions are held by NFL quarterbacks. Carolina Panthers QB, Cam Newton, was the only rookie to make the list — at #25.

RK	PLAYER	RK	PLAYER
1)	Packers QB Aaron Rodgers	14)	Bears LB Brian Urlacher
2)	Broncos QB Tim Tebow	15)	Ravens LB Ray Lewis
3)	Steelers S Troy Polamalu	16)	Jets QB Mark Sanchez
4)	Saints QB Drew Brees	17)	Colts QB Peyton Manning
5)	Patriots QB Tom Brady	18)	Raiders RB Darren McFadden
6)	Packers LB Clay Matthews	19)	Lions DT Ndamukong Suh
7)	Eagles QB Michael Vick	20)	Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
	Giants QB Eli Manning	21)	Eagles WR DeSean Jackson
9)	Cowboys QB Tony Romo	22)	Jets CB Darrelle Revis
10)	Cowboys WR Miles Austin	23)	Patriots WR Wes Welker
11)	49ers LB Patrick Willis	24)	Vikings RB Adrian Peterson
12)	Cowboys WR Dez Bryant	25)	Panthers QB Cam Newton
13)	Cowboys TE Jason Witten

The league’s plans for realignment and a revamped playoff format, which was approved by the NHL Board of Governors for the 2012-2013 NHL season, will not move forward because the NHLPA refused to consent to the changes.

“It is unfortunate that the NHLPA has unreasonably refused to approve a Plan that an overwhelming majority of our Clubs voted to support, and that has received such widespread support from our fans and other members of the hockey community, including Players,” said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. “We have now spent the better part of four weeks attempting to satisfy the NHLPA’s purported concerns with the Plan with no success. Because we have already been forced to delay, and as a result are already late in beginning the process of preparing next season’s schedule, we have no choice but to abandon our intention to implement the Realignment Plan and modified Playoff Format for next season.” (via NHL)

The league is currently looking into their available legal options and will pursue any claim they feel has merit.  Meanwhile, the NHL will maintain both its current alignment and its current playoff format going forward — until changes dictate otherwise.

The game, the highlight of the Lingerie Football League season, is moving from Super Bowl 46 host city Indianapolis to Las Vegas.

The game, which will be broadcast during the halftime of the Super Bowl on February 5th, will be played in the Orleans Arena and broadcast live on the MTV Networks’ MTV channel.

The Orleans Hotel & Casino has been named as the official host hotel of the event.

“We’re thrilled to host Lingerie Bowl IX,” said Tony Taeubel, Vice President and General Manager of The Orleans. “By securing the host rights to the 2012 Lingerie Bowl, we believe we have created a truly unique destination event for the thousands of football fans coming to Las Vegas for the Big Game.” (via Press Release)

Tickets for the game, which went on sale last week, range from $15.00 – $82.00. Similar to the NFL’s Super Bowl festivities, the Orleans Arena will host the “Lingerie Football Tailgate Village” complete with live music, football challenges, video game lounges and more.

The Lingerie Bowl, which began in 2004 as an atypical brand of entertainment during the halftime of the Super Bowl, has seen decent growth since it’s inception, increasing in both brand loyalty and advertisers. The Lingerie Football League, an offshoot of the Lingerie Bowl, began play in 2009.

“We’re extremely pleased to establish a relationship with C Spire Wireless as the official wireless partner of the Memphis Grizzlies,” said Grizzlies Vice President of Corporate Sales and Sponsorship Chad Bolen. “C Spire is a true innovator in the wireless industry and we expect them to use the latest technological advances to enhance our fans’ experience and provide their superior wireless service and coverage for this venue.” (via Press Release)

Under the agreement C Spire Wireless will offer the Grizzlies exclusive category rights for marketing promotion while seeking to develop specialized mobile applications and various other engagement initiative technologies.

Red Bull has a new product endorser.

While New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams was scheduled to arrive at his NBA season kickoff party by helicopter, but inclement weather forced those plans to be canceled. That, of course, did not stop Williams from arriving at the party, or being introduced as Red Bulls’ newest spokesperson.

“Even though the original plan of checking out the skyline from a heli didn’t go as planned, it was an incredible night out,” said Williams. “I had a fun ride into Manhattan, and my friends at Red Bull threw a great party to welcome me to the family.” (via Press Release)

Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, Williams’ party, Red Bulls’ first major activation with Williams can be viewed on his page on the Red Bull website.

Williams joins an increasingly large roster of athletes sponsored by Red Bull, including NBA players Blake Griffin and Rajon Rondo, MLB players Tim Lincecum and Jimmy Rollins, NFL players Reggie Bush, and DeMarcus Ware, and a host of others.

The Kraft Group is teaming up with Princeton-based alternative energy company NRG to triple the amount of renewable solar power generated energy in Gillette Stadium. The NRG agreement — besides covering the home of the New England Revolution, and the New England Patriots — will also cover Patriot Place; The Kraft Group’s shopping and entertainment destination.

“We are excited to help The Kraft Group succeed in its vision to be a leader in making sustainable energy an integral part of its operations,” said David Crane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Princeton, N.J.-based NRG. “The Patriots have a unique bond with their fans, and through the incorporation of renewable energy in and around Gillette Stadium, The Kraft Group is sending a strong and highly visible message to the hundreds of thousands of visitors each year that renewable energy is a smart choice for business and consumers.” (via Press Release)

Both groups are also investigating the idea of adding a full-sized wind turbine that would make Patriot Place one of the largest renewable power installations at a major sports venue in the United States. Under the agreement, NRG will also handle any additional power needs for both Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place.

“Since the construction of Gillette Stadium, we have focused on long-term sustainability and energy efficiency,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of The Kraft Group. “We introduced solar power with the addition of Patriot Place, and NRG will help us take our renewable energy efforts to new heights. In addition to being good corporate citizens and a desire to leave behind a healthy environment for our children and grandchildren, we also believe that this is good business.”

Construction of the new project is expected to be completed in time for the 2012-2013 season.

The NHL has signed a licensing deal with Shep and Ian Murray, the co-founders of Vineyard Vines. Based out of Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Vines is best known for creating non-traditional neckties that break away from traditional corporate America.

Under the agreement with the NHL the company will focus on creating and distributing a line of ties, tote bags, and belts for men and women.

“We’ve had an incredible response from our existing team products and are thrilled about our new licensing arrangement with the NHL,” said Lindsey Worster, Vice President of Brand Communications. “This launch came at the perfect time with hockey in full swing and the holiday gift giving season upon us. Now our customers and NHL fans can bring their team spirit with them wherever they go.” (via Press Release)

Products from all 30 NHL teams plus various vintage teams (including the Hartford Whalers) will be sold on the company’s Vineyard Vines website, the various vineyard vines retail stores, the NHL’s website, and the NHL’s flagship store in New York City.

“The NHL is proud to be associated with a brand that is renowned for its product excellence,” said Jim Haskins, NHL Group VP of Consumer Products. “The NHL vineyard vines tie collection will present expertly crafted workmanship in neckwear with a fun fashion approach that our fans are going to love.”

For those looking for NHL branded vineyard vines-wear, the beginnings of what should be an expanding NHL collection can already be found on the company’s site.

The Miami Heat have signed a partnership deal with the Chinese-based Tsingtao Brewery Company which will marry the Heat brand to Tsingtao’s Chinese dance competition television show.

The deal, which seeks to increase both parties television exposure in part came to fruition once the Heat learned their games were being broadcast in China. Furthermore, the Heat are looking to continue to expand upon their footprint in China — the team already has an existing endorsement deal with a Chinese watchmaker — with the players already having exposure in the country due to their endorsements with global companies such as Nike (via BizJournal)

Adding a wrinkle to the typical partnership agreement is the aforementioned dance competition show sponsored by Tsingtao. The show, which is akin to the American version of “So You Think You Can Dance” may feature Miami’s dance team, The Heat Dancers during its next season. The Heat Dancers, along with Miami’s “big 3″, Heat president Pat Riley, head coach Erik Spoelstra, and owner Micky Arison were all present during the Tsingtao/Heat press event, held yesterday.

If nothing else, the Tsingtao agreement continues to show that American basketball is not only marketable in China, but that it potentially creates another lucrative revenue for the right NBA team or NBA player.

Case in point? New Miami Heat forward Shane Battier, has a shoe endorsement deal with the Chinese-based company Peak. Battier’s newest shoe is due out in Chinese stores in the very near future.

image via South Florida Biz Journal