The NWSL will get primetime broadcast network exposure for its championship game. Plus: ESPN and Pac-12 go to the negotiating table, and the Portland Trail Blazers reverse a decision about their radio announcing plan for the NBA season.
NWSL title game to air in primetime on CBS
The National Women’s Soccer League announced Tuesday that its Saturday, October 29 championship match will air on CBS (and Paramount+) in primetime at 8 PM ET, marking the first primetime over-the-air game in league history. The match was moved from its previously scheduled Noon ET start after discussions involving the NWSL, CBS, and Ally Financial, the game’s primary sponsor. Paramount+ will air an hour of pregame coverage preceding the match.
News of the NWSL move comes on the same day that ESPN announced that it will begin carrying the NCAA women’s basketball national championship game on broadcast network ABC. (CBS Sports)
Pac-12 and ESPN in “productive” negotiations
The Pac-12 and ESPN are engaged in what are being characterized as “productive” talks about a future media rights deal, per Portland-based writer John Canzano. A source cited by Canzano characterized the talks as “positive” but still short of the final stages.
Canzano also reported that the Pac-12 has hired the consulting firm Sports Media Advisors, run by industry veteran Doug Perlman — whose past experience includes involvement in the NHL’s various media rights negotiations. (Canzano 8.22)
Blazers quickly abandon remote broadcast plan for upcoming NBA season
The Portland Trail Blazers have reversed course on plans to have their radio broadcast team work road games remotely for the coming 2022-23 NBA season after backlash from fans and local media. Blazers president of business operations Dewayne Hankins said on the Blazers’ flagship radio station that the team “would never want to do anything that is viewed, as this was, as something that was negative to the fan experience.” (Rip City Radio 8.22)
