Yahoo brings bn.com into its line-up

Since the 1970s, sports fans have grown to expect, rather than be shocked by, superstars signing blockbuster free agency deals. But blockbuster deals are not confined to the sporting field. Amazon.com opted out of renewing its pact with Yahoo, and instead joined with America Online. To fill the gap in its rotation, Yahoo signed Barnes & Noble to a marketing deal. The Yahoo-Barnes & Noble deal will put bn.com links on every search results page in Yahoo. Yahoo, Barnes & Noble and Spinway Inc. also are teaming up to provide free Internet service. Free registration CDs will be distributed through the book sellers' 551 stores. The service is planned for a late October launch.