The NCAA Tournament TV deal could be headed for an early extension. In other news, ESPN has scheduled a Sunday Night Baseball doubleheader this season, and NBC is set to air a Premier League doubleheader this weekend.
NCAA, Partners, Talking NCAA Tournament Extension
- CBS, Turner Sports and the NCAA have been “quietly” discussing an extension of their NCAA Tournament television contract, Sports Business Journal reported last week. The talks, one of two “look-ins” the parties negotiated into their 2010 contract, have centered on extending the deal by as many as eight years. The deal is currently set to run through 2024. (Sports Business Journal)
ESPN to Air Sunday Night Baseball Doubleheader in June
- ESPN will air a rare, if not unprecedented, Sunday Night Baseball doubleheader on June 12, the network announced Monday. The Cardinals visit the Pirates in the 5 PM ET early window, followed by Dodgers/Giants at 8:30. The games will presumably face light competition, as there is no NBA Finals game scheduled for the night. (ESPN Media Zone)
NBC to Air Premier League Doubleheader This Saturday
- The NBC broadcast network will televise a Premier League doubleheader this Saturday when it airs Newcastle/Everton at 12:30 PM ET and Southampton/Arsenal at 2:45. It will be the first EPL doubleheader to air on a U.S. broadcast network, though that is no surprise given matches have only aired on broadcast for five seasons. (NBC Sports Group Press Box)
