Copenhagen braces for arrival of world leaders, royalty for 2016 Olympic decision

COPENHAGEN — For a city that has never held an Olympics, Copenhagen will become an Olympic capital of sorts next week when it hosts an international meeting to decide the site for the 2016 Summer Games.

Iron Dog snowmobile race loses primary sponsor, Tesoro, for 2010 race

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The world’s longest snowmobile race has lost its primary sponsor.

Canadian civil rights watchdog criticizes 2010 Winter Olympic Games controlled protest zones

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A Canadian civil rights watchdog group says protest zones at the Vancouver Games will increase the chances of Olympic demonstrators clashing with police.

GM releases details on corporate expenses, as recipient of billions in taxpayer aid

DETROIT — General Motors Co. said it would continue to restrict the amount of money it spends on events, sponsorships and corporate travel Tuesday, as the automaker made its expense policy public, a requirement for companies receiving government aid.

AP Interview: IOC president ‘optimistic’ Vancouver will avoid budget shortfall

LONDON — International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge is confident the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver will break even despite a budget shortfall.

Pro sports leagues, NCAA seek injunction against Delaware betting plan

WASHINGTON — The four major pro sports leagues and the NCAA asked a federal judge Tuesday for a preliminary injunction to prevent Delaware from implementing its sports betting plan.

Delaware legislator calls betting lawsuit by NFL, other leagues hypocritical

WASHINGTON — Delaware’s House majority leader said Tuesday that the NFL and other leagues were engaging in “blatant hypocrisy” by suing to block sports betting in the state.

Fizzling budgets, lack of sponsors dim July Fourth fireworks displays in some US communities

Lack of bucks means less bang this July Fourth for many cash-strapped cities.

Fizzling budgets, lack of sponsors force some US communities to ax July Fourth fireworks

Lack of bucks means less bang this July Fourth for many cash-strapped cities.

Swimsuit flap headed to trial after federal judge dismisses attempt to throw out the case

A federal judge in California turned back an attempt to dismiss TYR Sport’s antitrust lawsuit against swimsuit rival Speedo and USA Swimming, allowing the case to go to trial next year.

Film lovers mourn HBO’s plans to end Screen on the Green movie series in DC

WASHINGTON — HBO is canceling plans to sponsor the popular Screen on the Green summer movie series on the National Mall, sparking a rush from fans to save the Washington tradition.

Despite leadership change, Pac-10 conference appears likely to remain pro-BCS

PHOENIX — The coming change of commissioners in the Pac-10 provided a glimmer of hope for advocates of a college football playoff.

Armstrong has ‘high interest’ from sponsors if he takes over control of crisis-hit Astana

VENICE, Italy — Lance Armstrong says he has “high interest” from sponsors if he takes over control of the Astana cycling team.

Tour of the Gila salvaged by Lance Armstrong and sponsor Sram, but will star return?

SILVER CITY, N.M. — Long before Lance Armstrong showed up, the Tour of the Gila was widely respected within the tight-knit cycling community. With a fresh 3-year sponsorship commitment, the race looks stronger than ever.

Louisiana, Saints announce a partnership that commits the club to the Superdome through 2025

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints and the state of Louisiana have announced a new partnership that will continue the club’s commitment to the state through 2025 and also create a new Sports Development District.

Cink says players should support PGA Tour’s corporate sponsors in tough economy

CROMWELL, Conn. — Stewart Cink says pro golfers need to more in tough economic times to support corporations that have made a commitment to the PGA Tour.

NZRU chairman Hobbs says time running out for agreement on Super 14

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The Super 14 and Tri-Nations rugby competitions will fold unless differences involving South Africa, New Zealand and Australia are quickly resolved, New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs said Thursday.

PGA Tour picks up another key sponsorship renewal

NEW ORLEANS — The PGA Tour picked up another key sponsor extension Tuesday when Zurich Financial said it would continue its title sponsorship of the New Orleans tournament through 2014.