Businessweek came out with its first ever "100 Most Powerful People in Sports Business" rankings this week. Interesting list. The top 10 are pretty solid, but then the rest of the list is definitely open to debate. The esteemed Mr. Paul Swangard from the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center was part of the panel of experts who created this list.

What are your thoughts on the list? Do you see anyone missing (Where in the world is Jack Nicklaus??!! How about Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt)? The other thing is that this list is made up of mostly people with big titles. I can think of several power brokers who mainly work behind the scenes but are as influential as most anyone on this list - William "Worldwide Wes" Wesley and Mark Steinberg (agent for Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam - arguably the greatest male and female golfers of all-time) for instance.

Post a comment or drop me a note at info@sportsbusinessradio.com with your thoughts on the list.

ESPN Sports Poll also conducted a recent survey asking respondents age 12 and older, which pro athlete they would select to endorse a product if given the choice. The poll was taken from January - July 2007. The results:

1.Tiger Woods
2. Michael Jordan
3. Peyton Manning
4. LeBron James
5. Shaquille O'Neal
6. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
7. Derek Jeter
8. Brett Favre
9. Dwyane Wade
10. Jeff Gordon

Interestingly enough, Falcons QB Michael Vick was ranked 13th on the list, ahead of the likes of Kobe Bryant (14th), David Beckham (15th) and Steve Nash (16th). Obviously Vick won't be endorsing any products any time soon and is on his way to prison shortly.