Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Sports sponsorships may be getting cheaper because of the global recession, alerting at least one bank to bargains. Barclays Plc, which backs English Premier League soccer and golf in the U.S., Europe and Asia, might consider new deals as prices decline, said Tim Peat , head of marketing and sponsorships.

The State Board of Education gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a measure that would allow high school athletes to get four credits toward their graduation requirement for playing sports for four years.

Hawks end four-game losing streak ... Report: Mike Mussina to retire ... Agent says Edgerrin James wants trade ... Adam Jones reinstated again ... Sports news from United Press International.

Competition to host top-level youth sports tournaments will accelerate in the Des Moines area if five cities follow through with plans to build nearly $40 million in recreation complexes over the next decade.

Under a proposal approved by the State Board of Education on Wednesday, students who play football, baseball, volleyball and other sports could get twice as many credits toward graduation.

NCAA awards Final Four for 2012-16 … Wakamatsu to manage Seattle Mariners … Gymnast says trainer Karolyi beat her … LPGA to have 31 events in 2009 … Bay Area stadium projects hinge on economy ... Sports news from United Press International.

Seattle Times gear reviewer looks at snow-sports gear for this winter.

The battle lines are drawn for the quarterfinal of the JB Sports volleyball festival to be held in Otse this weekend.