Fox doesn't have the same type of streaming service as NBC. Tubi is free and FoxOne is basically simulcasts of Fox, FS1 and Fox News, which makes the ingesting issues different for them. The key is to see what happens next with ESPN.
The NFL and its broadcast partners are weighing early renegotiations of their billion-dollar media deals, with a possible 18th game and new streaming packages on the table.
The Varsity * Paramount close to a deal for TKO’s new Zuffa Boxing league. * Will there be a market correction in team valuations? * Connor Schell on when access works for sports docs. * Why are people still investing in spring football? * The Hulk Hogan doc is back on.
Sports media erupted last month when word leaked that Netflix wanted to stream the Notre Dame–USC game—despite the fact that Notre Dame is under contract with NBC, and USC’s rights are with the Big Ten. The saga spotlighted Netflix’s aggressive plan to “eventize” sports.
The Varsity * Tennis execs agree that the sport needs to make changes to grow the business. * Goodnight "SNB" on ESPN. Hello, "SNB" on NBC. * Is The Athletic worth $550 million? * Amazon embraces AI in its sports productions. * Will Wisconsin fire Luke Fickell?
New pod: CBS Sports' NFL analyst Matt Ryan on some of the biggest off-field issues facing the league: the inevitability of an 18-game schedule and the push to add more international games.
Even in ESPN’s anti-sentimental, needle-mover era, the company is doubling down on curmudgeons who starred in its golden age. Mike Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser are being rewarded with new three-year deals that might truly mark the beginning of the end of an amazing journey.
The Varsity * What part of the YouTube numbers interests the NFL? * Does anyone really think there won't be more ads on NFL RedZone? * A backstory to how ESPN reacted to the USTA's Trump memo. * Kids don't want to do play-by-play. * Dan Quinn on the new Brady rules.
YouTube is streaming its first NFL game today from Brazil. The NFL seems to be conceding to the long-inevitable march toward streaming—embracing YouTubers like Dude Perfect. But don’t let that fool you. The NFL is still about the TV business, and business is still good puck.news/does-youtube...
