Should Nascar Expand Overseas?

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The contract between the NBA and its 57 referees expired on Sept. 1, and the two sides have struggled to come to terms on a new two-year deal. While NBA and NBRA officials claim that they agree on salary structures, at issue are three other key issues: the NBA's attempt to change the referees' retirement bonuses, the conversion of pension benefits, and a proposal to mix WNBA and D-League officials into limited early season assignments for training purposes.

The NBA has repeatedly cited the cuts it has made within its own organization in response to the down economy, and insists that its proposals to the referees "are extraordinarily fair and reasonable." The referees countered that they have agreed to $2.5 million of the $3.2 million in concessions the NBA was seeking. Reportedly the most contentious issue at stake: the gradual elimination of a severance package that provided some referees with a bonus of up to $575,000 upon retirement, in addition to pension benefits exceeding $2 million (according to the NBA).

What does this mean to the players and basketball fans? When they were last employed in 1995-96, replacement refs were considered sub-par by fans and players alike, with players mainly concerned about the potential for increased fines and injuries if replacement officials were used.

The NBA reportedly began contacting replacement referees midweek, and announced on Friday that it would open its annual preseason referee training camp on Sunday with replacement crews. The NBRA has also had "initial discussions" with the Teamsters and other unions about not crossing the picket lines if NBRA members are locked out—but has not asked the players to do the same.

3. Chicago and Obama Mount a Last-Minute Campaign for 2016 Olympic Gold

Like the U.S. contingent that will make its way to Copenhagen on Oct. 2, the race to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games is currently without a clear leader. An interim report released by the International Olympic Committee last Wednesday on the four host city finalists' plans—Chicago, Madrid, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro—failed to hint at an obvious winner, a departure from similar studies in the past. Most Olympic handicappers, however, point to Chicago and Rio as the true contenders; Rio is considered a popular choice among some IOC members because the Games have never been held in South America.

Whatever the truth, this race is close, and in the less than four weeks left before the IOC's Oct. 6 announcement, one thing is clear: It's on.

In the U.S., popular First Lady Michelle Obama will serve as the official ambassador for Chicago 2016 when officials from that city make their final presentation to the IOC. However, the White House has left the door cracked for President Barack Obama to attend as well, if the President can make enough progress toward passage of his health-care reform legislation to stem criticism of the international jaunt. (The situation is basically no-win for Obama, as U.S. Olympic Committee leaders are doubtful that Chicago will prevail without his personal appearance, and universal-health-care foes and the media will have a field day if he goes.) The First Lady will be joined by White House Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett and a contingent of athletes and celebrities possibly including Oprah Winfrey.

Rival heads of state are expected to lobby the IOC hard in Copenhagen. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Spain's King Juan Carlos have both announced they plan to attend the October vote, while Japan's royal family and new Prime Minister are set to go. But IOC President Jacques Rogge has dismissed speculation that Chicago's chances will be harmed if the President doesn't make the trip. "There is no obligation to come" he said. "We are not asking for heads of state to come there. They are most welcome, but this is not something that we consider as being the most important thing."

Back at home, the city of Chicago is taking the final steps toward ensuring 100% financial coverage of the games by pledging $750 million in additional public funds ($500 million city, $250 million state), and arranging for close to $2 billion in private insurance to insulate taxpayers. The Chicago 2016 committee contends that the $4.8 billion estimated cost to host the Games "would be paid for with contributions from wealthy donors, corporate sponsorships, television rights, and ticket sales to ceremonies and sporting events." The latest move, according to Chicago 2016 officials, "eliminates the city's competitive disadvantage over other finalists whose plans are government-guaranteed."

Perhaps the President has summed up Chicago's exhaustive efforts better than anyone else. "Chicago is ready," Obama said on Wednesday. "The American people are ready. We want these Games. We. Want. Them."

4. Sports and Technology, BC (Before Cisco)

While the Miami Dolphins have recently made headlines mostly for acquiring celebrity investors, owner Steve Ross is equally interested in technology. On Monday, the Dolphins and Cisco Systems (CSCO) announced an extensive technology partnership for Land Shark Stadium. The deal includes implementing Cisco's StadiumVision technology in more than 1,500 HDTV monitors at the stadium, providing fans with Flip Video cameras allowing them to contribute to the entertainment, and the first permanent installation in a sports facility of Cisco's TelePresence video conferencing system.

All sorts of other cool tech innovations have helped pave the way for Cisco's cutting-edge sports products. Here's a handful of the most memorable:

1908: Electronic scoreboard invented by George Baird (not used in pros until 1930s)

1935: First Night Baseball Game (Phillies at Reds, Roosevelt flips light switch from White House)

1939: First Sports TV Broadcast (Columbia vs. Princeton College Baseball)

1963: Instant Replay Debuts on Television

1982: CBS "Football Chalkboard" implemented

1996: Fox introduces the "Glowing Hockey Puck"

1998: Football's First Down Line becomes ubiquitous

2009: MLB and NFL games available live on your cell phone

Rick Horrow is a leading expert in the business of sports. As CEO of Horrow Sports Ventures, he has been the architect of 103 deals worth more than $13 billion in sports and other urban infrastructure projects. He is also the sports business analyst for CNN, Fox Sports, and the Fox Business Channel.

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