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The NFL strengthened its COVID-19 protocols ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday amid a rise in positive cases across the country, mandating that all personnel wear masks inside team facilities between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1, regardless of vaccination status, and that all players, coaches and support staff be tested for the coronavirus on Nov. 29 and Dec. 1. The league also urged clubs to set up drive-thru testing facilities for players and staff, as well as any friends and family members who may visit them for the holiday. (The New York Times) The NCAA women's basketball tournament will expand its field from 64 to 68 teams beginning this season, mirroring a move made on the men's side in 2011 that established the First Four round prior to the start of first-round play. To accommodate the additional games, which will be played March 16-17, the women's selection show will move from its traditional Monday time slot to Sunday, March 13. (ESPN) New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he and the six other owners on MLB's labor policy committee voted unanimously in favor of a proposal that would lower the league's luxury tax threshold from $210 million to $180 million and add a $100 million payroll floor, a plan opposed by the MLB Players Association. The league's collective bargaining agreement with the players expires Dec. 1, and Steinbrenner said discussions with the union are "continuous." (The Associated Press)

MEDIA

NBC Bids to Keep EPL From Disney/CBS as Rights Deals Near Hiatus Anthony Crupi, Sportico For NBC and legions of domestic Premier League fans, the only unknown variable would seem to be the exclusivity angle. Although the EPL would seem to have made the decision to share the wealth back in September when it didn't automatically act on NBC's renewal option, Comcast may be able to retain its grip on the entire package if it agrees to double its current rights payment. Big 12 publicly reprimands Texas Tech football radio announcers, who are removed from calling next game Dave Wilson, ESPN The Big 12 on Wednesday issued a public reprimand of the Texas Tech football radio announcers for their call of Saturday's 41-38 home win over Iowa State. Play-by-play host Brian Jensen and analyst John Harris were critical of the officials during the game, going so far as to list off individual names.

MLB

Indians complete name change to Guardians, announce merchandise sales dates Kevin Smith, Cleveland Business Journal The Cleveland Indians on Wednesday made it official: They are now the Cleveland Guardians. The team also said it would begin selling Guardians merchandise on Friday, when they will start using the new name and logo on all their social media platforms.

COLLEGE SPORTS

Michigan State working on historic 10-year, $95 million contract extension for Mel Tucker Chris Solari and David Jesse, Detroit Free Press MSU is preparing a historic $95 million, 10-year contract extension for Tucker to remain with the Spartans, university sources confirmed Wednesday. The 49-year-old Cleveland native is set to become among the highest-paid coaches in the country. Texas A&M regents to consider adding $205 million in athletics renovations to budget Alex Miller, The Bryan-College Station Eagle The proposal includes allocating $125 million toward redeveloping the Bright Football Complex and constructing a new indoor football practice facility, with $25 million to add 31 suites to the south end zone of Kyle Field. Another $55 million will go toward building a new indoor track facility adjacent to E.B. Cushing Stadium. UCF Knights Unveil New Secondary Logo Andrew Lind, SportsLogos.net The UCF athletic department unveiled a new secondary logo on Wednesday evening that is effectively an update to the mark has been in use since 2007. The logo, which was designed by UCF's in-house creative team, was the culmination of a six-month process sparked by the university's interest in joining the Big XII. New Hampshire Extends Partnership With Nike, BSN Sports CollegeAD The University of New Hampshire extended its long-standing partnership with Nike and BSN Sports, the nation's largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to athletic institutions. The five-year deal ensures that student-athletes from the Wildcats' 20 varsity athletic programs across the America East Conference, CAA, Hockey East, EAGL and EISA will continue to be supported with Nike apparel.

---MorningConsult

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