Changes are reportedly on the way at ESPN’s NBA Countdown; a trio of ex-NFLers are headed to TV; more changes for Sports Illustrated.
Changes reportedly coming to NBA Countdown
ESPN NBA analysts Chauncey Billups and Paul Pierce are not expected to return to the network’s NBA Countdown pregame show next season, according to the New York Post, though both will remain with the network. According to the report, Billups would likely move to a permanent game analyst position. Pierce could be shifted to The Jump.
Sports By Brooks first reported that Billups and Pierce — and host Michelle Beadle — were on their way out. Per the Post, no decision has been reached on Beadle’s status. [NYP 6.18]
Ex-NFLers moving to TV
Former NFL QB Josh McCown has joined ESPN as an NFL analyst, it was announced Monday. McCown, who will debut Wednesday, will serve as a studio analyst on NFL Live, SportsCenter, and Get Up!, among others.
Meanwhile, NFL Media has added former Browns WR Andrew Hawkins and former Falcons DB DeAngelo Hall. Both will serve in the traditional analyst role on NFL Network’s studio shows, though Hawkins will also have a hosting role on the NFL’s digital and social platforms. [ESPN PR 6.17, NFL PR 6.13, 6.18]
SI publishing rights move to Maven
The publishing startup Maven has acquired print and digital publishing rights to Sports Illustrated under a ten-year licensing agreement with the magazine’s new owner Authentic Brands Group. The New York Post first reported the news. ABG was previously set to let SI’s previous owner, Meredith Corporation, continue running the print and digital operations under a two-year, $15 million deal. [NYP 6.17; Awful Announcing 6.17]
