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ESPN Buys NFL Network, Promising Synergy and a New MNF Schedule
23 days ago•Source: Sports Illustrated
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5.37 min•1 month ago
Brady Shines in the Booth, But Strategy Gap Lingers
Tom Brady has shown marked improvement as Fox’s lead NFL analyst, delivering sharper on-air insights (like the shoulder plane) and showing comfort in his role. However, the piece argues he still lags in strategic discussion, citing two missed opportunities in the Rams–Seahawks game (go-for-two timing and late fourth-down/field-goal decisions) where a deeper strategic analysis—something a former analyst like Greg Olsen would likely provide—could have enhanced the broadcast. The article then rounds up related sports-media notes, including an SNL spoof of Buck and Aikman, various NFL graphics, Evan Washburn’s hatless-on-icy day accuracy, Charles Barkley’s ESPN return, and a SI Media interview with Scott Van Pelt.
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2025 Sports Media Awards Highlighting Top Dealmakers and Person of the Year
The article highlights the major achievements and changes in sports media in 2025, including Ernie Johnson being named Sports Media Person of the Year, significant dealmaking like the UFC and WWE rights, Netflix's rise in sports broadcasting, and ongoing rivalries and battles in sports streaming and broadcasting rights.
Joy Taylor and FS1 face major shakeup with show cancellations and relationship claims
Joy Taylor is leaving FS1 amid network layoffs and a lawsuit, and Gilbert Arenas has expressed interest in recruiting her to join his sports media venture, Gil's Arena, citing her experience and potential to bring a seasoned presence to his show, which could mark a new chapter for her career.
Stephen A. Smith Nears Historic $120M ESPN Deal
ESPN and Stephen A. Smith are negotiating a potential six-year, $120 million contract, which would make Smith the highest-paid on-air personality at ESPN without a licensing deal. While reports suggest a deal is close, Smith has denied this, emphasizing his discretion in contract talks. The contract, if finalized, would include contributions from Disney Entertainment and ESPN's sports gambling arm. Smith currently earns $12 million annually, and the new deal could see him earning nearly $20 million per year.
ESPN Secures Exclusive Rights to 'Inside the NBA' Starting 2025
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has orchestrated a landmark trade with TNT Sports, acquiring the iconic "Inside the NBA" team, including Charles Barkley, in exchange for Big 12 football and basketball games. This move aims to bolster ESPN's NBA coverage, which has struggled against TNT's popular show. The deal, which involves no monetary exchange, will see "Inside the NBA" continue from TNT's Atlanta studios, while ESPN's "NBA Countdown" takes a secondary role. This strategic acquisition is seen as a significant win for ESPN in the competitive sports media landscape.
ESPN Secures 'Inside the NBA' in Major Sports Media Shift
ESPN has struck a deal to bring the popular sports studio show 'Inside the NBA' to its network, marking a strategic move to incorporate successful concepts from rivals. The show, featuring Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal, will air on ESPN and ABC starting with the 2025-26 NBA season, particularly during major events. This move reflects ESPN's strategy of acquiring proven sports personalities and concepts from competitors, as seen in previous deals with NFL announcers and the 'Pat McAfee Show.' The agreement also involves ESPN granting Warner's TNT Sports rights to Big 12 games.
ESPN and ABC Secure 'Inside the NBA' Broadcast Rights After Legal Settlement
Inside the NBA, a popular sports show on TNT, will be licensed to air on ESPN and ABC starting next season as part of a settlement between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA. This agreement also allows Warner Bros. Discovery to create new NBA content and gain international rights in certain regions. Additionally, ESPN will sublicense Big 12 college sports games to Warner Bros. Discovery for airing on TNT and its Max streaming service.
Skip Bayless to Leave 'Undisputed,' ESPN Not Interested
ESPN has no interest in reuniting with Skip Bayless after his departure from FS1, where he co-hosted "Undisputed" for eight years. Bayless, who previously spent 12 years at ESPN, will follow his former co-host Shannon Sharpe in leaving FS1. ESPN has confirmed they are satisfied with their current "First Take" lineup and wish Bayless well in his future endeavors.
Skip Bayless to Exit FS1's 'Undisputed' This Summer
With Skip Bayless set to leave FS1's Undisputed, speculation arises about his next move, including a potential reunion with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's First Take. This could mark a significant shift in the sports talk show landscape, especially given the history and rivalry between Bayless and Smith, as well as the recent addition of Shannon Sharpe to First Take.
Skip Bayless to Exit FS1's 'Undisputed' This Summer
Skip Bayless is leaving his role as co-host of FS1's "Undisputed" after eight years, with his final show airing later this summer. This follows Shannon Sharpe's departure last year, and the show's new format with rotating panelists failed to capture the same audience. "Undisputed" will continue without Bayless, and other FS1 shows are expected to expand to fill the programming gap.
'Good Morning Football' Relaunches July 29 with New Faces and Daily Show
NFL Network's Good Morning Football will relaunch on July 29 with a new cast including original hosts Kyle Brandt and Peter Schrager, along with Jamie Erdahl, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and Sherree Burruss. The show will air from 8-10 a.m. on NFL Network, followed by GMFB: Overtime from 10 a.m. to noon, which will also stream for free on The Roku Channel and air in syndication starting September 2. The relaunch aims to provide comprehensive football coverage from both Los Angeles and New York.