Turner Sports has reached a contract extension with Candace Parker. Also: the voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers has passed away; Michelle Wie will be a guest analyst on Golf Channel this weekend; Tim Layden is leaving SI for NBC.
Turner announces extension with Candace Parker
Turner Sports announced this week that it has reached a contract extension with basketball analyst Candace Parker, who will continue in her current roles on TNT and NBA TV NBA studio coverage and CBS/Turner NCAA Tournament broadcasts. Parker, an active WNBA player, will primarily serve as an analyst on TNT’s Tuesday night NBA studio team.
The Big Lead reported over the summer that Turner was interested in re-signing Parker, writing at the time that it would have to fend off ESPN to do so. [Turner Sports]
Cavaliers voice McLeod passes away
Cleveland Cavaliers play-by-play voice Fred McLeod passed away Monday at age 67. McLeod had been with the Cavaliers since the 2006-07 season, joining the team following a 22-year run calling Detroit Pistons games. He spent 36 total seasons calling NBA games, including an initial run with the Cavs in the 1979-80 season. [cleveland.com 9.10]
Wie to serve as Solheim Cup guest analyst
NBC Sports announced Wednesday that golfer Michelle Wie will join Golf Channel as a guest analyst for the Solheim Cup. Wie will appear on Golf Central following each round of the tournament, which begins Friday. [NBC Sports PR 9.11]
SI’s Layden leaving for NBC Sports
Sports Illustrated writer Tim Layden has joined NBC Sports as a feature writer and television contributor, it was announced Thursday. Layden, who had been with SI since 1994, is no stranger to NBC, having spent the past two years writing video essays for the network’s marquee events. [NBC Sports PR 9.12]
