An update on the NBA CBA as the March 31 deadline looms. Plus: The NFL tables Thursday Night Football flexing; YES Network launches their own streaming service; and more sports media news.
NBA CBA agreement close, Silver says no to Disney
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said a press conference earlier this week that while the owners and National Basketball Players Association are close to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, the league will exercise its clause to opt-out of the agreement if no deal is reached by Midnight Friday. One key negotiating point, revoking the age limit that was put into place in the 2005 CBA, was tabled according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Other key issues include instituting a hard salary cap, load management, and a cap smoothing plan to handle the expected new media rights deal. Despite the gap, both the league and the NBPA have expressed optimism that a lockout will be avoided, according to the report.
In other NBA news, Silver also this week dismissed the rumor that he is in the mix to potentially become CEO of Disney, saying he has “no intention of going anywhere.” (ESPN 3.29)
NFL tables TNF flexing, agrees to commercial Sunday Ticket package
NFL owners opted this week not to vote on a proposal that would have allowed the league to flex games onto Thursday Night Football games. Instead, the league is expanding the number of short-week games each team can play from one to two.
The NFL also this week announced an agreement with RedBird Capital Partners to create EverPass Media, a platform that will distribute NFL Sunday Ticket to commercial venues such as bars, restaurants, and hotels, in a joint venture. While the multi-year agreement will initially just give the new company NFL Sunday Ticket, EverPass Media is planning on expanding its offering to encompass a broader range of sports and entertainment offerings for commercial properties. (ESPN 3.28, NFL 3.28)
YES Network launches streaming service
The YES Network has launched a direct-to-consumer subscription service that will give fans in the New York City area the ability to stream all Yankees, Nets and Liberty games that appear on the network without cable. For those who still have a TV provider with the YES Network, all games will still be available to stream through the YES app at no additional cost. A monthly subscription will cost $24.99, while the annual subscription is priced at $239.99. (YES 3.29)
Plus: Holly Rowe, Rachel Bonnetta, Willie McGinest, Bally Sports
Longtime ESPN reporter Holly Rowe is set stay at the company after agreeing to a long-term extension. … NFL Network is parting ways with personality Rachel Bonnetta, who was previously under consideration for the position on the network’s “Good Morning Football” program. … NFL Network has also parted ways with analyst Willie McGinest following news in December of him attacking a restaurant patron in Los Angeles. McGinest is currently facing two felony charges and up to eight years in prison. … The San Diego Padres opening day game was broadcast as scheduled by Bally Sports San Diego after Diamond Sports Group completed its rights fee payment ahead of the Wednesday deadline. (The Athletic 3.29, Marchand 3.28, Front Office Sports 3.30, The San Diego Union-Tribune 3.29)
