NBC has announced the schedule for the first three months of its inaugural EPL coverage. In other news, the Heat will reportedly open the NBA season against the Bulls, and ESPN plans to air a special on the “This is SportsCenter” ads this Thursday.
NBC Announces Early EPL Schedule
- The NBC broadcast network will televise ten English Premier League matches during the first three months of the season, NBC Sports Group announced Monday. The first match on NBC will be Swansea/Manchester United on August 17 (12:30 PM ET). Overall, the NBC family of networks will televise 69 matches from August 17-December 1, with the bulk airing on the NBC Sports Network. NBC Sports is entering its first year televising EPL matches. (NBC Sports Group Press Box)
Heat to Host Bulls on Opening Night, Visit Lakers on Christmas
- An “all-but-finalized draft” of the 2013-14 NBA schedule has the Miami Heat hosting the Chicago Bulls on Opening Night, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported last week. A separate report in the Los Angeles Daily News has the Lakers facing the Clippers on Opening Night as well. According to both reports, the Heat will visit the Lakers on Christmas Day. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Los Angeles Daily News)
ESPN to Air “This is SportsCenter” Special
- In an indication of just how slim the pickings are during the summer, ESPN will count down the 50 best “This is SportsCenter” commercials during a one-hour special on Thursday. Hosted by comedian Jason Sudekis, the show will include “never-before-seen footage” and a fan vote to determine the top ad. (ESPN Media Zone)
