Like the NFL, the NBA is considering pushing back its annual draft. In other news, Fox Sports is reportedly eying additional NASCAR TV rights, and the Big East could open conference play with a New Year’s Eve marathon on Fox Sports 1.
NBA Considering Moving Draft Back
- As part of early discussions on a new television deal with ESPN and Turner Sports, the NBA has broached the idea of pushing back the NBA Draft by at least a week, USA Today reported Thursday. Currently, the NBA Draft takes place one week after the scheduled seventh game of the NBA Finals. According to the report, the NBA would like to “generate more interest” by increasing the gap between the end of the NBA Finals and the draft. (USA Today)
FOX Reportedly Interested in Nationwide Series, TNT Races
- Less than a year after reaching an eight-year extension, Fox Sports is reportedly looking to acquire additional NASCAR television rights. The Charlotte Observer reported Friday that Fox is involved in negotiations for half of the Nationwide Series schedule, and is also seeking to obtain portions of the six-race TNT package. Currently, Fox Sports owns the rights to 13 Sprint Cup races, the All-Star Race, and the Truck Series. (Charlotte Observer)
FS1 to Air Big East Marathon on New Year’s Eve — Maybe
- As part of a press release announcing the hiring of Bill Raftery, Fox Sports initially mentioned that the Big East conference schedule would begin on December 31 with five games on Fox Sports 1 — St. John’s/Xavier, Seton Hall/Providence, DePaul/Georgetown, Villanova/Butler and Marquette/Creighton. However, the release was later amended to remove mention of the five games, and Creighton’s men’s basketball coach told the Omaha World-Herald that the schedule had not yet been finalized. (Omaha.com)
