MONSTER SIGNS NCAA DEAL

Job site Monster.com has signed a letter of intent to become an NCAA corporate partner. The possible three-year deal is reportedly worth up to $30 million. In turn, Maynard, MA-based Monster will receive advertising time during CBS' coverage of regular and post-season college basketball and the rights to use the National Collegiate Athletic Association and its marks for marketing and promotions.

Although the contract is not yet signed, the company is moving ahead with plans for activation timed around the start of the NCAA basketball tournament next month. An online consumer promotion will route CBS SportsLine Web site visitors to www.monster.com (http://www.monster.com ). Monster is also working with the league on a student-athlete career site. Monster joins Kraft Foods and Coca-Cola Co. as the only corporate sponsors for the NCAA this year. CBS Sports holds the NCAA TV and marketing rights under an 11-year, $6 billion agreement. The network is responsible for lining up all partners.