News: Phoenix media deal, NFL schedule, Flyers

The Phoenix Suns and Mercury’s new rights deal with Gray Television has been voided by a bankruptcy judge. Also, NFL scheduling nuggets and a looming vacancy on TNT’s NHL roster.

Judge voids Suns, Mercury, deal with Gray Television

A bankruptcy court judge on Wednesday voided the Phoenix Suns and Mercury’s new media rights deal with Gray Television and Kiswe, siding with the teams’ incumbent rightsholder Diamond Sports — operator of the Bally Sports RSNs — that the new deal violated both its right of first refusal and the automatic stay in bankruptcy law that protectors debtors’ assets from being modified or seized without their consent.

According to The Athletic, Diamond’s existing contract with the Suns allows it to match any deal that is worth less than its current contract, as would be the case in the proposed agreement. The Suns argued that while the new deals would pay less in rights fees, they would generate more sponsorship revenue due to an expected increase in viewership (estimated by the team to be as much as triple the current level).

It should be noted that the Wednesday ruling did not determine whether Diamond would be able to match the new agreement, only that the Suns did not give Diamond adequate time to exercise its contractual right to match. The ultimate fate of the new deal will be determined by a ruling as to whether Diamond would be able to match. (The Athletic 5.10, ESPN.com 5.10)

Jets-Dolphins on Black Friday among NFL schedule reveals

The NFL season is scheduled to open with the defending champion Chiefs hosting the Detroit Lions in the annual Kickoff Game on NBC, it was announced Thursday. The Lions, who have not made the playoffs since the 2016 season, would make their first appearance in the season opener.

Also in Week 1, Aaron Rodgers is set to make his debut with the New York Jets on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills. That game would be simulcast across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+. The Jets are also set to play in the first ever Black Friday NFL game against the Dolphins on Amazon Prime.

Other holiday game selections include Raiders-Chiefs and Eagles-Giants on Christmas Day, which will air at 1 PM ET on CBS and 4:25 on FOX respectively.

Additional game selections include conference championship game rematches (49ers-Eagles on FOX in Week 13 and Chiefs-Bengals on CBS in Week 17) and a five-game International Series slate. The full NFL schedule is set to be announced later Thursday. (Network PR)

TNT’s Jones reportedly gets Flyers job

The NHL Flyers are expected to hire Turner Sports NHL analyst Keith Jones as president of hockey operations, according to multiple reports Wednesday. Jones has served as a national TV analyst dating back to the 2005-06 season and was a mainstay of NBC’s NHL coverage. He currently serves as an “Inside the Glass” analyst on TNT’s lead NHL team alongside Kenny Albert and Eddie Olczyk. (NBC Sports Philadelphia 5.10)

Tags: NHL on TNT

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Jon Lewis

Jon Lewis has been covering the sports media industry on a daily basis since 2006 as the founder and main writer of Sports Media Watch. You can contact him here or on the social media websites X (Twitter) or Bluesky.

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Comments 8

Nate Johnson says:

3 years ago

My Takes from the schedule release

Opening Night- The Lions? (Chris Berman’s surprising yet sarcastic voice). I have no problem with it. I didn’t expect it though and was surprised considering how many teams will visit Arrowhead in the 2023 season. In a way I’m happy because it shows that the NFL is willing to go unorthodox with this decision and by not allowing a match-up that would possibly garner a Sunday afternoon majority market telecast at first glance.

As far as no Eagles vs. Chiefs opening night. I do remember when then HC of the Carolina Panthers (current Washington Commanders’ HC) Ron Rivera expressed publicly how he felt disrespected that Super Bowl 50 rematch was the 2016’s Opening Night matchup. Personally, I do believe the NFL took that into consideration following that. However, I do wonder if they are still influenced by Coach Rivera’s remark on that to not allow a Super Bowl rematch from the season’s prior on Opening Night. Not sure if all coaches and players agree with Coach Rivera on that, but there could still be some influence on the NFL’s end to just say no on that.

TNF- I saw that the Bears, Jets, Saints, and Steelers are the teams that will play twice on TNF package following a clause that allows a team to appear on their twice (although the first of two of that Jets’ is a Black Friday game). Interesting enough is that all 4 teams combine on appearing in the playoffs just once in the last couple of seasons with the Steelers being a 7-seed in the 2021 playoffs. I see this as one of those strong franchise yet not quite premium franchises to get a hold on appearing on TNF twice.

Do I believe this will pay dividends on Amazon Prime end? I guess it all depends on what Amazon thinks and believes. For one, they won’t have who they perceive as bottom of the barriers in their package next season. However, there are some matchups that I could point out that might not live up to the bill and give reasons for media personnel and fans to voice their displeasure on Twitter and elsewhere. Bottomline, I believe what Amazon got what they wanted (Black Friday game and no bottom of barrier teams from their perspective) and is now focused on receiving flex rights and well see if the owners will grant them that around a week and a half from now.

MNF- When I initally thought of the “Double-headers” this package was receiving I thought one of the three would be held on Week 18 on the Saturday night. I see how I was way off. Overall, I do believe ESPN/ABC has a strong schedule. It helps that they’ll have the SB rematch, Rodgers’ Jets debut (with Hamlin’s possible return as another storyline), and both the Chiefs and Cowboys appearing on their network(s) twice before Week 18.

As far flexing goes, I don’t see no games being flexed. However, seeing how on Week 14 there are two games that will kickoff at the exact same time makes me wonder if a flex option still applies to that week. Beyond all of what’s been said, is it possible that there could be a some matchups that garners moan and groans from viewers? Absolutely. The good news for ESPN/ABC though is that after Week 8, their schedule looks far more promising than in 2022. Perhaps that could eliminate perception of their schedule being labeled a dud.

Christmas- FOX has their prime spot on Christmas back and of course would choose a NFC East match-up. Their hope is that the Giants will be relevant at that part of the year. CBS match-up is a high floor choice. Having Mahomes and Chiefs for anything is a win no matter what.

The primetime match-up deserves it’s own block from this commenter. Possible SB preview between Ravens/49ers. Possible significant matchup for playoffs seeding. Will need Lamar Jackson to be available and healthy. The fact that the game will be exclusively on ABC is very interesting. Last time Christmas was on a Monday, ABC simulcast the NFL game with ESPN. Making ABC be exclusive makes me wonder if ESPN will place a NBA night Doubleheader on there. I have a hard time thinking ESPN will be left blanked on Christmas night in regards to live sporting event.

Final point, last season I remember thinking the NFL went all out to the Primetime games and the late Sunday window. After disappointing years from the Rams, Packers, Bucs, Cards, Ravens, Browns, Broncos, Colts, Raiders, Titans, and Pats it seems like the league is doing whatever it takes to balance out the weekly schedule with top matchups while also balancing it out with partners so it won’t seem like one is above another. I applaud the league on reducing a possibility of a MNF game to be flexed. I applaud the NFL on giving Amazon more than they deserve, yet letting them know they’re not NBC or ESPN/ABC. Oddly, I applaud the NFL on a Lions/Chiefs Opening Night game. Here’s to a year where there’s less complaints on TNF and MNF while also the product overall will be enjoyable.
Samuel says:

3 years ago

I don’t think even the great Aaron Rodgers can make the Jets a ratings magnet. Big mistake by the NFL to feature them this heavily. We don’t even know how good they’ll actually be. They will always have the “Same Old Jets” image until they prove something, especially nationally.
- esl says:
  
  3 years ago
  
  Completely agree with this. Terrible scheduling, especially for the NY teams. There are 2 weeks where there are no Sunday afternoon games for either of the NY teams (both playing in primetime). I expect a lot of flex scheduling this year.
- Craig Hill says:
  
  3 years ago
  
  Neither a Jets fan nor a Rodgers fan, the insignificant backlash against the Jets having so many showcased appearances is WRONG, FOR ONE REASON: The Jets were the 4th best in defensive scoring last year, so are primed, and have the credentials, as a very viable possibility to return to the playoffs under Aaron Rodgers. NYC and environs RARELY gets the opportunity to see one of their teams in the playoffs, let alone two. With their population, the NFL would be stupid to avoid the high ratings those games will receive, from both NY fans and, do not underestimate, anti-NY fans across the country. Don’t like it? Don’t watch.
Ryan Strnad says:

3 years ago

I thought that if the NFL would go ahead with this black Friday game, than it would always be hosted by either a NY or an LA team. Hence the multi team markets. Everything else with the exception of Detroit & Dallas hosting games on Thanksgiving is potpourri. Keep something consistent.
esl says:

3 years ago

The NFL continues to just monopolize everything. Nothing will stand in the way. First it was baseball and the World Series games. Up until the early 2000s, the NFL would not show a SNF game on the first Sunday of the WS. Now, they usually put the most compelling matchups on against the World Series. Next it was Christmas and the NBA. Up until last year, the NFL would only televise 1 game on Christmas Day (and only if Christmas fell on a Saturday or Sunday or would have the MNF game if it was Monday). Christmas was always the NBAs day since the 1980s. But the NFL will continue with 3 games on Christmas, which is a Monday this year. And now, it’s the day after Thanksgiving, which was always the day for College Football. The NFL is pushing its way into Black Friday with 1 game. This is only the beginning. I can see a tripleheader coming soon. The NFL says, “MOVE OUT OF THE WAY, WE OWN THE WORLD”. Next up is New Years Day. It will happen soon.
- Nate Johnson says:
  
  3 years ago
  
  In response to you saying the NFL usually put the most compelling matchups on against the World Series… In all likelihood, the Fall Classic will take place during the NFL’s Week 8.
  
  TNF- Bucs/Bills. No more Tom Brady. Could be a one-sider or a underwhelming matchup. No worries from the MLB if they go up against TNF that week.
  
  SNF- Bears/Chargers. Two of the top 3 markets, sure. An offseason flex-out matchup projection candidate. Plenty of matchups could get flexed in from that week. I do believe that Rams/Cowboys, Giants/Jets, Eagles/Commanders, Chiefs/Broncos, and Bengals/49ers will be protected by FOX/CBS. Vikes/Packers, Patriots/Dolphins, Jaguars/Steelers, or Browns/Seahawks could be flexed. MLB should be disappoined that yet again there’s no lead-in to the World Series on FOX. MLB should also understand that the SNF going across from them could be worse.
  
  MNF- Raiders/Lions. Not sure if that matchup will be something plenty of NFL fans would look forward to around the middle of the season. MLB shouldn’t be concerned if they have to play a game that night.
  
  I understand there’s been a select number of cases where the NFL chose a strong matchup vs. the World Series. It’s just a year to year evaluation.
ThePAMan says:

3 years ago

Have not followed this closely, but it seems odd that the Suns, et al. did not seek to modify the automatic stay before signing any TV deal with a new vendor. Although, the deal does at least set a “hard floor” for the Suns’ dealing with Diamond.