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SPORTS BITS: Ali’s G.O.A.T. changes names; NBC punts Arena Football.
*CKX, Inc. has renamed its partnership with Muhammad Ali to Muhammad Ali Enterprises LLC and appointed Ali’s long-time attorney and adviser, Ron DiNicola, as the renamed company's President and CEO. The moves mark the initial rollout of CKX's overall strategy for the company, formerly known as G.O.A.T. ["Greatest of All Time"] LLC. “We are actively pursuing strategic opportunities that represent the ideas and ideals of Muhammad, both nationally and internationally,” DiNicola stated. “And in keeping with the business plan of CKX, we are also seeking to secure content and intellectual property related to Muhammad that could be delivered around the globe in a multitude of platforms." In April, CKX purchased an 80 percent interest in Ali’s name and likeness. The remaining 20 percent was retained by The Muhammad Ali Family Trust.
*There will be no more Arena Football games broadcast on NBC next season. The peacock decided to cancel its contract after four years of carrying match ups that fewer and fewer people actually watched. Ratings for the nine Arena Football League games carried by NBC in 2006 was a 0.9, the lowest average of the four years. Arena executives say the ratings were poor because NBC failed to promote the games. Meanwhile, the AFL is hoping to sign a deal with another national network within the next two weeks.
