The highest-profile event of horse racing is staying put on NBC for an additional decade. In other news, ESPN and Fox Sports continue to engage in talks with MLS for a joint TV bid, and the NBA is expected to soon begin talks for a new television deal.
Kentucky Derby to Stay on NBC Through 2025
- NBC Sports has agreed to a ten-year contract extension with Churchill Downs to continue televising horse racing’s Kentucky Derby. The deal, which runs through 2025, also includes continued rights to the Kentucky Oaks. NBC will have aired the Kentucky Derby for a quarter-century when the deal expires. (NBC Sports Group Press Box)
ESPN, FOX, Still Negotiating With MLS
- ESPN and Fox Sports continue to negotiate with Major League Soccer on a joint television bid, Sports Business Daily reported Wednesday. Though it has been nearly two months since reports first surfaced that the networks were front-runners in the negotiations, the “delay does not suggest that talks have gone south.” NBC Sports already announced that it will not retain MLS rights after this season. (Sports Business Daily)
NBA TV Talks Expected to Begin
- Negotiations on a new NBA television deal are expected to begin during the second half of this season, according to Sports Business Journal. ESPN and Turner Sports’ exclusive negotiating window does not start until 2015, but NBA executive Bill Koenig told SBJ that the “incumbents are anxious to start.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has set up two separate committees to advise on the upcoming talks. (Sports Business Journal)
