- Idle Note: The Rockets have finally made it onto national TV. The April 7 Jazz/Rockets game has been added to ESPN, bumping a previously scheduled Wizards/Magic game. The addition is one of three changes to ESPN’s NBA schedule; the February 3 Blazers/Jazz game has been replaced with Suns/Nuggets, and the February 26 Clippers/Suns game has been replaced with Magic/Hornets. (Biz of Basketball)
- The Ratings Game: The January 14 Bulls/Celtics game on TNT drew a 1.2 U.S. rating and 1.7 million viewers, up 9% in ratings but down 2% in viewership from Cavaliers/Bulls last year (1.1, 1.7 mil). The Cavaliers/Jazz nightcap drew a 1.1 U.S. rating and 1.6 million. (Sports Business Daily)
- Big Name: ESPN’s Mike Breen will interview former U.S. President Bill Clinton during halftime of Friday’s Lakers/Knicks game. The interview will focus on fundraising efforts to benefit the people of earthquake-ravaged Haiti. (SportsFeatures.com)
Netflix officially announces expanded NFL deal
The NFL has officially reached a new deal with Netflix that will see the streamer bookend the season.
