The NWSL has reached new media rights deals with four different partners. Plus: Jason Benetti has left the White Sox for an AL Central rival; the NBPA has a familiar executive director.
NWSL reaches media rights deals with CBS, ESPN, Prime, Scripps
The NWSL on Thursday announced that it has reached four-year media rights agreements with ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, Scripps and incumbent CBS Sports. According to The Wall Street Journal, the deals will be worth $60 million per year for a total of $240 million.
CBS and CBS Sports Network, which have aired games since 2020, will air a 21-game package of consisting of 18 regular season windows, a quarterfinal, semifinal and the championship match. The ESPN networks, which are returning to the NWSL after a four-year absence, will carry 17 regular season matches, two quarterfinals and a semifinal across its linear networks (ABC, ESPN and ESPN2) and ESPN+.
Prime Video has a 27-game package that includes the season-opening match, 25 Friday games and a quarterfinal. Scripps-owned ION rounds out the lineup with 50 Friday night games and the NWSL Draft.
All matches not on national television will be distributed through a new direct-to-subscriber service. (NWSL)
White Sox voice Benetti leaving for Tigers
Chicago White Sox play-by-play voice Jason Benetti is leaving to join the Detroit Tigers in the same position, it was announced Thursday. Benetti had been the voice of White Sox games on NBC Sports Chicago since 2016. He replaces Matt Shepard on Tigers games.
Benetti, who works national baseball games for FOX, will call a minimum 127-game schedule with the Tigers. (Detroit News 11.9)
NBPA exec. director steps down, replaced by Iguodala on acting basis
National Basketball Players Association executive director Tamika Tremaglio has resigned after just two years, with former Golden State Warriors F Andre Iguodala replacing her on an acting basis. Iguodala, who is slated to join ESPN as an NBA analyst this season, is expected to become a candidate for the permanent position.
Prior to Tremaglio, Michele Roberts served as executive director from 2014-22. She was preceded by Billy Hunter, who held the role from 1996-14. (ESPN.com 11.9)
