Disney is reportedly interested in pursuing a Sunday afternoon NFL package for ABC. Also: the BIG3 is leaving Fox, and IndyCar’s beefed-up broadcast schedule has been announced.
Disney Reportedly Interested in Sunday Afternoon NFL
The New York Post reported this week that Disney is considering a push to acquire one of the NFL’s Sunday afternoon packages for ABC. CBS and FOX currently hold those rights, which do not expire until 2022.
ABC, which aired Monday Night Football from 1970 through 2006, has never owned one of the Sunday afternoon packages. It was mentioned as a contender for Thursday Night Football rights in the last negotiation, but those discussions did not go anywhere. [NYP 1.8]
BIG3, Fox, Parting Ways
The BIG3 basketball league will not return to Fox Sports next season, ending a two-year run. According to the Los Angeles Times, league co-CEO Jeff Kwatinetz suggested Wednesday that the BIG3’s pursuit of 22 Fox-owned regional sports networks was a factor in the decision. The RSNs are being sold to Disney as part of its acquisition of most 21st Century Fox assets, and sold by Disney to satisfy regulators. Fox has widely been regarded as a contender to buy the RSNs back, while the BIG3 and founder Ice Cube have been actively seeking investors for a bid. [LA Times 1.10]
NBC to Air Eight of Final 13 IndyCar Races
NBC Sports announced its 2019 IndyCar schedule on Wednesday, with the NBC broadcast network airing eight of the final 13 races. In addition to four races that aired on ABC last year — the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, Indy 500, and Detroit duels — NBC will also carry Road America on June 23, Mid-Ohio on July 28, Portland on September 1, and the new season finale at Laguna Seca on September 22. Under IndyCar’s new television deal with NBC Sports, eight races per year are set to air on broadcast TV. [NBC Sports 1.9]
