Yormark, Pavlova in Moscow; Want Big Russian Presence at Barclays

Remember, all that Chinese language signage at courtside when Yi Jianlian was a Net?  It was a way for Chinese advertisers to advertise their products on the 50+ games broadcast back home. Look for Russian signage this season and in Brooklyn as the Nets try to take advantage of a large number of games broadcast in Russia this season.

NTV-Plus, a big Russian network, started airing Nets games last season after Mikhail Prokhorov bought the team and vowed to make them Russia's team as a first step in his globalization push. Now, Brett Yormark and Irina Pavlova are in Moscow this week to get more advertising for the Nets and sponsors for the team and Barclays Center.

"We’ve had a very productive visit to Moscow and are delighted with how the Nets brand is truly resonating in Russia," said Yormark in an email interview with NetsDaily. Yormark said he expects to close some deals in 45 days, notably with Russian companies who want to launch products in the US.  Already, Aeroflot, the Russian airline, is a big sponsor on NetsRussia, the team's Russian language site, and for Nets video.

The Nets are also talking to Russian entertainment companies about bringing Russian acts, like the Moscow Circus, to Brooklyn, where the Nets hope to compete with Madison Square Garden not just as a sports venue.

• Will Barclays Center be a game changer on the arena scene? - Max J. Dickstein - AM New York