NBC has their new lead golf analyst; and Netflix is seeking Mina Kimes for its NFL studio coverage; DAZN secures rights to the next Club World Cup. Plus: NBC extends contract with the Bayou Classic; ESPN+ begins migrating to Disney+; MLS extends its commissioner’s contract.
Kisner named NBC’s lead analyst
NBC Sports announced Wednesday they have selected Kevin Kisner as the network’s lead golf analyst for its coverage of the PGA Tour, US Open, Open Championship, and Ryder Cup. Kisner debuted on NBC last season in a rotation of analysts that filled the seat vacated by Paul Azinger, who was let go after the 2023 season.
Kisner is not expected to work week-to-week coverage on Golf Channel, instead working most of the 13 events on the NBC broadcast network’s schedule in 2025. The 40-year old will also maintain a limited playing schedule in PGA Tour events.
Also, after a year-long hiatus, Azinger will return to Golf Channel to call PGA Tour Champions events this season.
Netflix targeting Mina Kimes for Christmas DH
Netflix is reportedly seeking the services of ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes for its upcoming NFL debut on Christmas Day, according to the New York Post. Kimes would work in a studio role for the streamer’s coverage, which is being produced by CBS. The Post previously reported Netflix is targeting former NFL Network host Kay Adams to host studio coverage.
As has been previously reported, Ian Eagle will join CBS studio analysts Nate Burleson and J.J. Watt to call Chiefs-Steelers at 1 PM, followed by NBC’s Noah Eagle and FOX’s Greg Olsen for Ravens-Texans at 4:30.
DAZN secures rights to Club World Cup
British streaming platform DAZN announced Wednesday it has secured global broadcasting rights to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States. The streamer intends to provide coverage of every match for free across the globe in a first-of-its-kind arrangement. According to the BBC, the possibility exists for DAZN to sublicense matches to local broadcasters. The deal is said to be around 1 billion Euros ($1.05B USD).
DAZN, which was led by former ESPN president John Skipper from 2018-2021, maintains a diverse portfolio of sports rights in various territories, including a robust worldwide NFL package outside of the US and China, although has not broken into the mainstream for domestic sports in the US.
The Club World Cup, which in the past has been carried in the US on Fox’s cable networks, is not as popular as other international club competitions like the UEFA Champions League, but the expanded US-based tournament, which will feature Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami FC, is the most ambitious attempt. Talks with Apple for a global deal broke down earlier this summer, and reporting indicated FIFA was struggling to find a broadcaster for the event.
The North America-based 2026 FIFA World Cup featuring national teams will be televised by Fox in the US. FIFA is currently seeking bids for rights to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Plus: Bayou Classic, Disney+, Don Garber
–NBC Sports announced an extension to continue carrying the Bayou Classic between Grambling State and Southern through 2027. NBC has televised the premier HBCU rivalry and its iconic “Battle of the Bands” halftime show continuously since 1991.
–The next step in ESPN’s march towards a full direct-to-consumer product has launched Wednesday with the debut of “ESPN on Disney+”. Subscribers to ESPN+ will now be able to access all ESPN+ content, including live events and original shows, from within the Disney+ app. Disney+ subscribers without an ESPN+ subscription will be able to access select ESPN content, including all five Christmas Day NBA games, the animated simulcasts of next Monday’s Bengals-Cowboys game and the Christmas Day Spurs-Knicks game, select NHL games, Day 1 coverage of the Australian Open, plus select studio shows, including College GameDay and Pardon the Interruption.
–MLS Commissioner Don Garber has reportedly signed a contract extension to keep him in the role through 2027. Garber first assumed the job in 1999 and oversaw the move of all MLS TV coverage to the Apple TV+ streaming platform.
