CBS is looking to extend its SEC deal before the year is out. Also: “Papi” Le Batard’s absence from Highly Questionable is not health-related, NBC Sports has named its new Olympics president; ESPN has revealed its early MLB schedule.
CBS looking to extend SEC deal before year’s end
CBS is looking to extend its SEC media rights deal by the end of this year and is prepared to pay significantly more than its current $55 million/year rights fee, Alabama Media Group reported this week.
The network has an exclusive negotiating window, as is typical in media rights deals, but also believes it has rights of first refusal on any deal the conference might reach with a competitor. According to an internal SEC memo cited in the report, the SEC does not agree.
All of the major linear television platforms are expected to show at least some interest in the SEC package, with ESPN/ABC mounting the most serious challenge. [AL.com 11.21]
“Papi” Le Batard’s absence not health-related
ESPN Highly Questionable co-host Gonzalo “Papi” Le Batard has been absent from the show in recent weeks of his own accord, and not due to health issues, his son Dan Le Batard said on his radio show Thursday. The elder Le Batard simply “doesn’t want to necessarily be working every day.” [Miami Herald 11.21]
Golf Channel’s Solomon takes over as NBC Olympics president
NBC Sports this week named Golf Channel SVP/EP Molly Solomon president and EP of NBC Olympics, replacing Jim Bell. Solomon, who joined NBC in 1990, has served various roles on ten previous Olympics for NBC, including as coordinating producer from 2006-12. Solomon, who was in charge of NBC’s coverage of Olympic golf two years ago, will remain in her Golf Channel role. [NBC Sports PR 11.19]
ESPN announces early MLB slate; ABC adds gymnastics
ESPN will open the 2020 Major League Baseball season with Nationals-Mets, Giants-Dodgers and Angels-Astros on Opening Day March 26, part of a 10-game schedule in the first week of the season. The network will open its Sunday Night Baseball slate with Cubs-Brewers on March 29 and carry the Nationals’ ring ceremony on April 2.
In other scheduling news, ABC will air the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics National Championship on April 18, marking the first time the event has aired on broadcast television since CBS carried taped coverage in 2011. The final aired on ESPNU last year. ESPN2 will air the semifinal meets on April 17.
With the gymnastics scheduled for 3:30 PM ET, it is likely that ABC will air its NBA playoff coverage that day in primetime. [ESPN PR 11.18, 11.20]
