The NBA is exploring game access options; Mark Shapiro discussed Netflix’s potential role in UFC rights talks; and Paramount is reportedly establishing a sports entertainment division. Additionally, updates on Dave Portnoy, Pat McAfee, John Kelly, and Mark Sanchez are included.
Silver: NBA Examines Game Accessibility
Following a meeting of the NBA Board of Governors, Commissioner Adam Silver stated that the league is “continuing to examine” factors affecting local and national game availability. His goal is to avoid partnerships with companies that might price fans out of attendance.
Silver emphasized, “We recognize where we have broad appeal. Globally, we reach billions of people. We want to make sure we don’t alienate people by collaborating with partners that set prices too high for access.”
During the BOG meeting, discussions were held with ESPN’s chairman Jimmy Pitaro, NBC Sports’ president Rick Cordella, and Amazon Prime Video’s global sports head Jay Marine regarding the upcoming season, streaming challenges, and local broadcasting. The focus also included how to improve the discoverability of NBA games amidst a complex media environment.
Shapiro: Netflix Negotiations for UFC Global Rights
On Wednesday, TKO Group Holdings COO Mark Shapiro revealed that negotiations were held with Netflix regarding a global UFC rights deal. However, TKO chose to enter a seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement with Paramount that excluded global rights due to their existing partnership with IMG.
Shapiro explained, “It was in our interest to keep [IMG] involved in marketing UFC’s media rights internationally. We believed they could manage it better than Netflix. Our aim was to retain the international rights, which IMG will sell.”
In addition to their ongoing media rights deal with WWE for “Raw,” Netflix also holds international rights for WWE events. Instead of expanding to include UFC, TKO decided to continue working with IMG, which will help with future rights opportunities.
Paramount Reportedly Launching Sports Entertainment Division
According to a report from Alex Weprin of The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount is set to create a new sports entertainment division headed by former Skydance Media president and COO Jesse Sisgold.
The new unit, Paramount Sports Entertainment, aims to develop both scripted and unscripted content for its channels and partner networks. It will also encompass Skydance Sports, a collaborative venture with the NFL, which holds a stake in Paramount. CBS Sports president David Berson previously noted that the NFL’s stake is “significantly less” than a proposed 10% ownership of ESPN.
Updates: Dave Portnoy, Pat McAfee, John Kelly, Mark Sanchez
- Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy described the early ratings of “Wake Up Barstool” on FS1 as “poor” during a appearance on “The Unnamed Show” Thursday. He acknowledged the lack of promotion for the show’s debut while striving to improve his Monday appearances.
- Pat McAfee is launching a new weekly podcast titled “The Pat McAfee Show Presents: Anudder College Football Convo with Stanford Steve.” The inaugural episode features Coughlin alongside McAfee’s team discussing upcoming games and storylines.
- The Los Angeles Kings have appointed John Kelly as their new television play-by-play announcer, where he will lead local broadcasts throughout the regular season on FanDuel Sports Network. He takes over from Nick Nickson, who retired last season after 44 years.
- FOX Sports has introduced a digital series featuring NFL analyst Mark Sanchez, where he interviews players and coaches from his car. The series, named “Rearview,” premiered this week with Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
