An NFL Network host is nearing a deal to move to ESPN; ESPN adding betting analyst for UFL games; the UFL’s sophomore season is at risk due to labor tension; and the NBA is revisiting the All-Star Game format again.
Peter Schrager nearing ESPN deal
NFL Network insider Peter Schrager is in “serious talks” to join ESPN, according to multiple reports. Front Office Sports was first to report. Schrager would leave his roles with Good Morning Football and Fox NFL Kickoff to join ESPN’s daily studio lineup, including Get Up, First Take, and NFL Live. According to the report, a deal is not finalized, but it could be completed in time for Schrager to appear on ESPN’s coverage of the NFL Draft next month.
The move would leave a host vacancy on NFL Network’s morning show, which will enter its second season based in Los Angeles this fall.
ESPN debuting betting analyst during UFL games
ESPN sports betting analyst Erin Dolan will debut as an “in-game betting analyst” in a new role with ESPN’s UFL coverage on ESPN and ABC this season, according to Front Office Sports. Dolan will appear from a Bristol studio throughout pregame, in-game, and halftime segments and will provide live updates to betting-related insights.
Actively discussing betting a game in progress during the main event telecast would seem to cross a boundary generally untouched by major sports properties, although Dolan told FOS she is excited about the impact this could have on other leagues’ game broadcasts.
Dolan currently hosts the “ESPN BET Live” daily show on ESPN2 and contributes to other sports-betting related coverage for the network. The ESPN BET brand also produces alternate mid-day coverage of select PGA Tour events for ESPN+.
Labor strife threatens UFL opener
The United Football League players union is without a ratified collective bargaining agreement as of Thursday afternoon, according to Front Office Sports. The tension between the players and league could result in a strike ahead of Friday night’s season-opening game on Fox. The players are seeking a pay increase from the $55,000 base salary they earned last season, and comprehensive year-round health insurance. UFL president Russ Brandon told FOS that talks are ongoing and they have offered concessions to the players and hope to reach a new agreement.
In the event of a strike, Fox is prepared to air replacement entertainment programming on Friday, but could elevate other live sports if the opportunity arises during a prolonged strike.
NBA “back to the drawing board” for All-Star Game
The NBA is already reworking the All-Star Game, after commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged in a press conference Thursday that the mini-tournament format that debuted this year was “a miss”. The format was criticized by many for drawing out the event with breaks to fill the three-hour telecast.
Silver also hinted that some form of international competition is among the formats being explored, akin to the NHL’s breakout hit “Four Nations Face-Off”. A “USA vs. World” event would fit thematically with the 2026 game’s placement on NBC during the Winter Olympics. Silver also confirmed the 2026 game will move to an early-evening timeslot, with Olympic coverage leading into and out of the All-Star Game.
It should be noted that the four-team mini-tournament format was also inspired by the NHL, which conducted its All-Star Game similarly from 2016-2024.
