All articles tagged with #sports media
Originally Published 25 days ago — by The New York Times
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.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Sports Illustrated
Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers won the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award and publicly revealed her relationship with former teammate Azzi Fudd, sparking reactions from sports media, notably ESPN analyst Elle Duncan's comment about Bueckers' girlfriend.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Variety
Molly Qerim, a prominent ESPN personality and host of 'First Take,' has announced her departure from the show and ESPN, expressing gratitude for her time and hinting at future opportunities. Her departure marks the end of a decade-long tenure, during which she was a respected and integral part of the program.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by USA Today
Molly Qerim, the host of ESPN's First Take for the past decade, announced her departure from the show and ESPN at the end of the year, expressing gratitude for her time on the program but not revealing her next career move.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Sports Media Watch
WWE's premium live events will air on ESPN earlier than planned under a new five-year deal, John Wall joins Prime Video as an NBA analyst, LIV Golf revokes a media credential after a podcast interview, and there are notable updates in sports media including Versant, ESPN Chicago, Yahoo Sports, and TOGETHXR.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Variety
ESPN will host a special WWE event called 'Wrestlepalooza' on September 20, originating from Indianapolis, featuring major WWE stars, as part of a new partnership, ahead of their previously planned five-year deal starting in 2026. The event marks a significant collaboration between WWE and ESPN, with additional WWE programming scheduled for later dates, and aligns with ESPN's broader strategy to promote its new streaming service and strengthen ties with sports entertainment.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Deadline
ESPN has launched its long-anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming app, integrating ESPN+ and its linear networks, with a focus on engagement and personalized experiences, priced at $30/month, and aiming to work seamlessly with traditional pay-TV providers and distributors.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by CNBC
Paramount has made a significant investment in sports media by acquiring UFC rights for $1.1 billion annually starting in 2026, surpassing previous spending by ESPN and signaling a bold move before the U.S. sports media market faces challenges.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Variety
ESPN has partnered with John Cena to promote its new direct-to-consumer streaming service launching on August 21, featuring a campaign where Cena acts as a sports coach to educate users about new features, amidst a competitive streaming market and strategic moves to attract a broad audience including traditional ESPN viewers and cord-cutters.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by The Ringer
ESPN is acquiring NFL Network and distribution rights to NFL RedZone, gaining a stake in the NFL, which aims to focus more on selling games rather than operating its own network. The deal enhances ESPN's NFL coverage, including more live games and RedZone expansion, while raising questions about its impact on journalism, game scheduling, and sports gambling. The agreement still requires league owner and regulatory approval.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by CNBC
ESPN has secured a five-year, $1.625 billion per year deal to stream WWE's major live events, including WrestleMania, starting in 2026, marking a significant shift in WWE's broadcasting strategy and expanding ESPN's sports entertainment offerings.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Variety
ESPN and the NFL have formed a partnership where the NFL will take a minority stake in Disney's sports media assets, including NFL Network and RedZone, to enhance ESPN's upcoming streaming service and strengthen their market position amid shifting media consumption. This deal also provides the NFL with a 10% stake in ESPN, valued at up to $2.5 billion, and aims to create a more integrated and lucrative sports media ecosystem, potentially setting a blueprint for future league-media collaborations.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by ESPN
ESPN is acquiring the NFL Network and RedZone channel from the NFL, gaining a 10% equity stake, and will integrate these assets into its platform, including a new direct-to-consumer streaming service, while also licensing additional NFL games and content to expand its football offerings.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by The Washington Post
Shannon Sharpe will not return to ESPN after settling a sexual assault lawsuit filed by a woman he was romantically involved with, which he called false and disruptive. He had taken leave from ESPN in April but is now confirmed to be leaving the network.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Deadline
Shannon Sharpe will not return to ESPN or its show First Take following the settlement of a $50 million lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault, which was dismissed after both parties acknowledged a long-term consensual relationship.