Tom Brady officially retires from football and preps to join the broadcasting universe. Plus: YouTube TV drops the MLB Network; the NBA moves Lakers-Pelicans to national television; and more sports media news.
Tom Brady retires “for good,” prepares to enter broadcasting realm
Tom Brady has officially retired, “for good,” as he put it in a video posted to his social media. Per a TMZ report, Fox Sports executives were not aware of his immediate plan to leave football. Despite the short notice, it seems likely that Brady will play some role in FOX’s lead in coverage to the Super Bowl, but will definitely not appear in the booth for the game, according to The Athletic‘s Richard Deitsch. Brady signed a 10-year $375 million deal with Fox Sports to be their number one analyst whenever the day retirement came. He would displace current analyst Greg Olsen, who will call the Super Bowl with play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt. (The Athletic 2.1)
YouTube TV drops MLB Network
After failing to come to a new carriage agreement, YouTube TV has dropped MLB Network from its lineup just two weeks before the start of spring training. According to Front Office Sports, users are also unable to access any archived content. Negotiations remain ongoing to put MLB Network back on the streaming service. YouTube TV subscribers will still be able to access MLB broadcasts and coverage from FOX, ESPN, and TBS. (Front Office Sports 2.1)
NBA moves Lakers-Pelicans to ESPN2
The NBA has moved Saturday’s Lakers-Pelicans to ESPN2 as LeBron James closes in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career record for most points. The move is consistent with Adam Silver’s previous statements on ensuring the moment will be on national television. Currently, James is 89 points away while averaging 30.2 points per game, making it more likely that Tuesday’s Lakers-Thunder matchup will be the moment he moves into first place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. The NBA has not yet announced how that matchup will be nationally televised. (NBA 2.2)
Plus: Howie Rose, Peacock’s MLB Schedule, Fox gets The Bear, NBC finalizes Big Ten booth
Howie Rose, the long time radio announcer for the New York Mets “private illness” was revealed to be a battle with bladder cancer during the 2021 season. Rose plans to broadcast 125 games this season. … Peacock streaming service has officially finalized its MLB schedule, which will feature 19 live games. … Fox Sports officially announced the hiring of Chris “The Bear” Fallica from ESPN to join their Big Noon Kickoff. … NBC officially announced their Big Ten booth of Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, and Kathryn Tappen. (Marchand 2.1, NBC Peacock schedule 1.31, Awful Announcing 2.1, NBC Big Ten 2.2)
