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Major League Soccer and adidas have extended strategic partnership agreement aiming at elevating soccer in the United States and developing opportunities for young players.

This agreement extends adidas’ position as the official athletic sponsor and product supplier for the MLS through 2018. Core to the new agreement is a dedicated focus on youth development and programming to help shape the future of the sport in North America.

adidas has been a partner of MLS since the league’s inception in 1996. In 2004, adidas and MLS announced an exclusive partnership agreement that named adidas the official athletic sponsor and product supplier, outfitting all league teams and supplying the league’s official match ball.

Patrik Nilsson, president, adidas America said “The United States is a breeding ground for athletic talent and we need to ensure our homegrown athletes have viable opportunities to play soccer at the highest level. We need to accelerate the model for soccer development in North America to attract and keep elite talent engaged and excited about professional opportunities in the sport. We share a long-term vision with MLS to develop the game and are excited to foster the next generation of American soccer stars.”

Don Garber, MLS Commissioner said “One of the major reasons Major League Soccer has become one of the top soccer leagues in the world is due to the support and commitment of adidas. They have a clear vision for the sport in North America, and they see MLS as a cornerstone of that vision. Our extension with adidas is a major statement by an internationally respected brand that MLS is increasing in value and that our commitments to stadium construction, strategic expansion, player development and improvement in the overall quality of play are playing dividends.”

Cox Communications has announced that it will offer NFL RedZone and more than 500 football games in high-definition. Cox has added NFL Redzone channel as it has renewed its carriage agreement with NFL Network.

NFL RedZone, produced by NFL Network, whips around every NFL game on Sunday afternoons delivering touchdowns and the most exciting moments as they happen.  When a team goes inside the 20-yard line, fans see the crucial plays live.

NFL RedZone keeps fans up-to-date in real time switching from game to game with live look-ins, highlights, fantasy statistics and a chance to see every important play. Cox Advanced TV customers who subscribe to the Sports and Information Pak will have to the option of adding NFL RedZone to their lineup.

Cox will offer more football games in 2010 season on channels like CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC and cable networks like ESPN, ESPN 2 and NFL Network. NFL Network offers every preseason game and eight Thursday Night Football games. Cox also carries exciting local high school football action on Channel 3 in Orange County and Palos Verdes or Channel 8 in Santa Barbara.

Duffy Leone, senior vice president and general manager for Cox in California said “Cox offers a great value for football fans this season with the option of adding NFL RedZone to their existing Advanced TV Pak. Plus; customers can see more than 500 games in crystal clear high-definition without paying additional HD programming fees.”

Cox offers additional benefits like local channels in every package at no additional cost and FREE standard cable service including popular sports networks on additional TVs with no need for equipment. Plus Advanced TV customers who subscribe to the Sports and Info Pak have access to NFL Network On Demand – including NFL Replay – with extended highlights from every single NFL game played that week.

Leone also added “With HD programming at no additional charge, free additional outlets and tons of free On DEMAND programming – including NFL Network On Demand, Cox continues to be a great value for entertainment and communications in the Orange County, Palos Verdes and Santa Barbara communities.”

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The inaugural Division I Men’s college basketball doubleheader ‘Battle at Atlantis’ will be held at the famed Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas on Saturday, December 18, 2010.

Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Richmond are the four to play ‘Battle at Atlantis.’ Mississippi State will play Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech will play Richmond in a new 4,500-seat arena to be unveiled in the 60,000 square-foot conference center.

The half-million dollar temporary stadium will boast state-of-the-art regulation facilities at the epicenter of the world’s largest open-air marine habitat complete with lavish guest accommodations, restaurants, bars, spa, lounges, waterslides and the largest casino in the Bahamas. In addition to enjoying appearances by former NCAA All-American, NBA Star and current ESPN/CBS Sports Analyst Len Elmore, fans will enjoy over-the-top prizes including a collection of high stake half-court shots with payouts in the six figures.

George Markantonis, President/Managing Director, Kerzner International Bahamas said “When we decided to get into college basketball, we said let’s make it the biggest, most fantastic event ever. We know these teams will create an energy and excitement here that is unparalleled. It will be a sports experience unlike any other in a beautiful resort destination, something we are confident our guests and college basketball fans around the nation will love.”

Minister Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas said “We have been doing events like this for years, but on a much smaller scale. With the encouragement and partnership with Atlantis, the upcoming Battle at Atlantis in December will attract visitors here who would not ordinarily visit the Bahamas and further expand tourism in the Bahamas for years to come within a new market segment.”

MSG Varsity has partnered with Cozzi Pictures to present a two-hour documentary providing a unique look into the exciting and intense world of New York City high school football ‘City Gridiron’ on Sunday, August 22nd at 7:00 PM on MSG Varsity, Cablevision’s iO TV Channel 14.

City Gridiron chronicles the 2009 season of Brooklyn’s Canarsie Chiefs Varsity football team and their quest to win the New York City Championship. Narrated by Canarsie junior varsity football coach and renowned rapper Masta Ace, viewers get to be a part of the team as they compete on and off the field.

“City Gridiron” spotlights 27-year veteran “Coach Cam,” Mike Camardese as well as several players including then senior Steven Rene, one of the city’s top players and Jarrell Turner, the undersized quarterback who goes on to lead the city in passing. The documentary also focuses on school pride as students, alumni and the community rally around the team to keep the players on the field.

“I made ‘City Gridiron’ to bring more exposure to the high level of high school football being played in the inner city of Brooklyn, NY. The dedication of the kids and coaches in Canarsie, and the entire PSAL, is a story that needs to be told, said Adam Salazar, Producer & Director, Cozzi Pictures. “Cozzi Pictures is ecstatic to be working with MSG Varsity because they genuinely understand the drama and passion that is the essence of high school sports.”

Michael Lardner, Senior Vice President & Executive Producer, MSG Varsity said “We are thrilled to work with Cozzi Pictures to produce MSG Varsity’s first documentary. MSG Varsity is the perfect platform to showcase ‘City Gridiron’ and share the story and traditions of Canarsie football with the community.”

DISH Network has launched ‘SPORT TV AMÉRICAS’ on Channel 609 on Luso Package. SPORT TV AMÉRICAS is a sports channel from Portugal offering variety of Portuguese sports programming including top quality live soccer content such as games from the Portuguese soccer championship, Liga ZON Sagres.

SPORT TV AMÉRICAS launched on DISH Network offers complete coverage of Liga ZON Sagres soccer championship which began on August 13.

Apart from Liga ZON Sagres soccer championship, SPORT TV AMÉRICAS also delivers a variety of other Portuguese sporting events that includes basketball, auto racing and extreme sports, all supported by a top-rated team of sports journalists who provide complete coverage of the sports events, including live commentary, interviews with athletes, and analyses featured on a variety of sports news shows. ?

The Magazine’s College Football Kickoff issue hits the stands on Friday, August 13. College Football Kickoff issue will reveal “reimagined” front of the book will be housed in two new sections called “Go” and “Play”; the back of the book will be devoted to one sport or theme.

ESPN The Magazine’s College Football Kickoff features cover story “This Is How It Starts,” by writer Justin Heckert. Heckert introduces fans to eight of the key players that will lead the Panthers’ built-from-scratch football team in their first season—The Dreamer, The Long Shot, The Project, The Gamer, The Scholar, The Brothers and The Transfer—assembled by head coach Bill Curry.

ALSO…in the College Football Kickoff issue, ESPN The Magazine writer Seth Wickersham looks at the tough balancing act NCAA compliance officers have with enforcing rules and staying on top of their athletic department while trying to build trust and keep the “bad guy” image at bay.

AND… ESPN The Magazine’s latest “College Football Confidential” survey is out:

- Who will win the BCS title? 51.5% of players like Alabama.
- Which team has the best uniforms? Oregon is the winner, with 53.7% of votes.
- If you could be a superstar in a different sport, what would it be? At 33.3%, basketball is the most popular answer, with baseball coming in at a close second with 31.9% of the votes.

College Football Deep-Dive:

“Can We Do That Again?”
Minutes before kickoff, the real drama begins deep beneath the stands—in the tunnel. By Ryan McGee

Tough To Bring Down
Heisman-winning running back Mark Ingram is back for Bama. He’s ready to do it again. By Alyssa Roenigk – Video

Give ‘Em A Hand
In Texas, players and fans let their fingers do the taunting. By LaRue Cook

$3,330 For Chick-Fil-A …
Hit the paper trail of college football’s expenditures. By Shaun Assael

180 Days, 180 Speeches (Give or Take a few), One Big Job
How will new coach Brian Kelly win over football-crazed South Bend? One speech at a time. By Bruce Feldman
Plus…Seven programs ripe for relocation

Ford Motor Company has launched a new corporate advertising campaign targeting the African American community that centers on the company’s strengths as it relates to quality, technology, the environment and the community.

The fully integrated marketing ALL IN campaign provides an opportunity for Ford to tell its turnaround story through the eyes of individuals who play a key role in shaping Ford Motor Company. Its goal is to reach those consumers who may be familiar with the Ford brand and its recent success stories, but might not be aware of some behind-the-scenes moments and collective efforts that took place as part of the company’s turnaround plan.

“Our strategy with the ALL IN campaign was simple – we wanted to share Ford’s turnaround story in a way where we could highlight the ALL IN approach that had to come into play as it relates to individuals from all areas of the business coming together to reach common goals,” said Shawn Lollie, Ford multicultural marketing manager. “Through this campaign, we get the chance to tell some of those stories while also shining a spotlight on key African American executives inside Ford who helped to create the Ford of today.”

In addition to print ads, radio spots and event integrations, the campaign includes a digital component that features CBS Sports personality James Brown. Brown, who has partnered with Ford in the past as part of its 2010 Ford Taurus launch campaign narrates the Ford story through a series of web videos that speak to quality, technology, the community and the environment.

The videos include one-on-one conversations, with Brown as moderator and the Ford executives discussing their personal success stories and talking about the past, present and future of the company. The web videos will live on www.fordurban.com and will also be shown at major African American-sponsored events throughout the year.

Ford’s Group Vice President of Global Quality, Bennie Fowler; John Viera, director of sustainable business strategies; Pamela Alexander, director of community development, Ford Motor Company Fund; and Jason Johnson, a product development engineer at Ford are all featured as part of the digital execution.

AT&T has launched its AT&T U-verse Mobile App giving U-verse subscribers the ability to download and watch popular TV content on their iPhone so they can take their U-verse TV experience with them, wherever they go.

AT&T is the first TV provider to offer an integrated mobile app that allows you to both manage your DVR and download and watch select shows. The app is another example of how AT&T delivers more value to U-verse TV customers with continued service enhancements and innovative apps.

U-verse Mobile replaces the popular Mobile Remote Access for iPhone app and incorporates the ability to browse the U-verse TV program guide, view program descriptions, schedule and manage your DVR recordings, while adding the ability to download available episodes over any Wi-Fi connection, and watch them in full-screen mode on your iPhone from anywhere. U-verse TV customers already enjoy the flexibility of remote DVR management. More than 100,000 U-verse TV customers use the Web and Mobile Remote Access apps every month.

“We’re making it possible for you to watch TV shows on your iPhone at no extra charge. It’s just one more valuable and innovative feature available on U-verse TV,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Our U-verse multi-screen promise is now a reality for millions of U-verse TV customers, with content available on U-verse TV, U-verse Online, and today, U-verse Mobile. No cable provider comes close to matching the cross-platform experience we’re delivering today, and we’ll continue to add unique features that further integrate these screens.”

All U-verse TV customers can download the app to manage their DVR, and the ability to download and watch content is available for customers that subscribe to the U300 package or higher. U-verse customers can upgrade their TV packages at any time at www.att.com/u-verse.

Verizon FiOS and Sportskool partners on a campaign to help parents and coaches deal with the challenges of today’s youth athletics. As families prepare for the start of the school year, FiOS TV subscribers now have access to Sportskool’s “Coaches & Parents: It’s More Than A Game” video-on-demand programming, including a Watch to Win sweepstakes with multiple prizes.

The “Coaches & Parents: It’s More Than A Game” video-on-demand programming hosted by actor, parent and volunteer coach Sean Astin, who starred in the hit movies “Rudy” and “Lord of the Rings.”

The series, which features 13 original programs that target America’s 44 million youth sports participants and their families, is particularly valuable at a time when poor sportsmanship and childhood obesity dominate the headlines. Every program in the series delivers advice and tips from pro athletes like Tony Gonzalez and Willie McGinest of the NFL; legendary coaches including NBA Hall of Famer Dave Cowens and women’s ice hockey coach Lauren McCauliffe; and national experts Tina Syer from the Positive Coaching Alliance, Sport in Society’s Dan Lebowitz and John Engh from the National Alliance for Youth Sports.

FiOS TV customers can watch the free programming any time, and can easily enter the sweepstakes by going to the “SportskoolWatch2Win” category found in the “What’s Hot” VOD folder. The sweepstakes is available only on Verizon FiOS TV, and subscribers are eligible for unlimited entries to win $2,000 for their favorite local youth sports organization or school athletic program. The contest runs through Sept. 27, and eight grand-prize winners will be announced in the fall.

Astin said “”I’m proud to be associated with the broadcasts. The experience has made me a better coach and a better parent for my three young athletes, my daughters.”

Sportskool President Andrew Walworth said “With 70 percent of children dropping out of youth sports by age 13, coaches and parents will find this programming, our extensive website tools and social media especially valuable. Parents face so many challenges both on and off the field, from monitoring sideline behavior to teaching sportsmanship to dealing with officials. With topics including essentials for a successful parent-coach relationship, respecting refs and officials, positive practice strategies, game day motivation and coping with mistakes, this series presents the best current thinking on how to handle these and other issues.”

Shawn Strickland, vice president of consumer strategy for Verizon, said, “Sportskool presents our FiOS TV customers with some of the most intriguing video-on-demand sports programming available for families. Joining forces with Sportskool presents a great opportunity for Verizon to help support our subscribers’ local youth sports organizations and school athletic programs and hopefully engage more families in the rewarding and fun world of sports and fitness.”

ESPN 3D broadcast eight hours of X Games 16 action from the Los Angeles Coliseum on Thursday, July 29, from 8-11 p.m. ET, and on Saturday, July 31, from 7 p.m.-midnight.

Events to be featured include men’s and women’s Super X racing, Moto X Freestyle, Big Air skateboard competition, Rally Car, Super Rally Car and BMX Big Air.

ESPN 3D X Games 16 production details:

• ESPN 3D will utilize 14 native 3D cameras to capture action at the Los Angeles Coliseum;
• The 3D Mega Mo camera, an ultra slo-mo camera that debuted at the Home Run Derby, will be utilized;
• Coverage will include the first live use of wireless (RF) 3D cameras, one of which will be an in-car camera used during Rally Car competition;
• One pole camera will be placed near the skate/BMX mega ramp;
• ESPN 3D will be hosted by Keir Dillon, a veteran X Games announcer and two-time Winter X Games snowboard superpipe medalist.

Jack Wienert, ESPN executive director, X Games Event Management said “It has been seven years since we first had X Games events at the Los Angeles Coliseum, and ESPN couldn’t be more thrilled to be returning this year with several of our sports. As the X Games franchise continues to grow, we are proud and excited about our continued great relationship with AEG as we expand our presence this year downtown at STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE.”

Pat Lynch, general manager for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum & Sports Arena said “We couldn’t be more excited to have the X Games back at the Coliseum. As the original home to the precursor of the X Games, the original motocross, we truly appreciate and love showcasing this world-class action sports event.”

ESPN’s X Games various sport disciplines and locations are:

STAPLES Center

• Moto X Speed & Style
• Moto X Step Up
• Moto X Best Whip
• Moto X Best Trick

L.A. LIVE Event Deck

• BMX Park
• BMX Street
• SKB Park
• SKB Park Legends
• SKB Street (M & W)

Nokia Theatre

• BMX Vert
• SKB Vert (M, W, & Amateurs)
• SKB Vert Best Trick

LA Coliseum

• Moto X Freestyle
• Super X (M, W, & Adaptive)
• Rally Car Racing
• BMX Big Air
• SKB Big Air
• SKB Big Air Rail Jam