ESPN has reportedly acquired rights to the World Cup of Hockey. In other news, CBS and NFL Network may be on the verge of a larger partnership, and the U.S. Open will get more primetime exposure on broadcast television.
ESPN Reportedly Acquires World Cup of Hockey
- According to TSN reporter Rick Westhead, who broke the news via Twitter, ESPN has acquired U.S. television rights to the NHL-backed World Cup of Hockey. The network, which has not carried any NHL-affiliated programming since relinquishing rights to the league a decade ago, reportedly outbid rivals NBC Sports and Fox Sports. Last played in 2004, the World Cup of Hockey returns next September and will take place every four years thereafter. (Twitter)
CBS Could Acquire Stake in NFL Network
- The Big Lead reported Wednesday that CBS Sports and NFL Network are engaged in discussions to have the former acquire a large percentage of the latter. According to the report, CBS could acquire as much of 40 percent of NFL Network, with an announcement possible sometime in the next year. CBS and NFL Network are entering their second season as partners on Thursday Night Football. (The Big Lead)
FOX Ramps Up Primetime U.S. Open Coverage
- The FOX broadcast network is scheduled to air 11.5 hours of primetime U.S. Open coverage this summer, more-than-double the five hours NBC aired in 2012 — the last time the event took place on the West Coast. The schedule includes three hours of primetime coverage on Thursday and Friday (8-11 PM ET), two hours on Saturday (8-10 PM) and 4.5 hours on Sunday (7-10:30 PM). Keep in mind the weekend telecasts will begin in the afternoon and stretch into primetime. (Fox Sports)
