ESPN tennis analyst Chris Evert is facing a recurrence of cancer and will miss next month’s Australian Open. Plus: comedian Kevin Hart will front a new alternate presentation of NBA games for ESPN; the next Women’s World Cup could take place partially in the United States; MLB’s rights deal with Peacock has expired.
Evert, facing recurrence of cancer, to miss Australian Open
ESPN lead tennis analyst Chris Evert said Friday that she is dealing with a recurrence of cancer and again undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Evert, who was initially diagnosed two years ago and completed chemotherapy over the summer, will miss next month’s Australian Open coverage on ESPN as a result. She worked the event while undergoing treatment two years ago, when ESPN’s coverage was remote. Her statement Friday indicates the network will be on-site this time. (ESPN PR 12.8)
ESPN to debut Kevin Hart-fronted NBA altcast
ESPN on Saturday will debut an alternate presentation of its NBA coverage fronted by comedian Kevin Hart. Titled, “NBA Unplugged,” the telecast will feature Hart and his friends watching and commenting on each game, with guest appearances by other celebrities. In addition to Saturday’s debut for the Pacers-Lakers In-Season Tournament final, additional editions will air January 5 (Knicks-Sixers) and April 10 (Mavericks-Heat), with each on ESPN2. There will be four other editions that have yet to be announced.
ESPN has previously aired Stephen A. Smith-fronted alternate presentations of NBA coverage. There was no indication as to whether the Hart presentations are replacing, or merely complementing, the Smith versions. (ESPN PR)
U.S., Mexico, seek to host ’27 Women’s World Cup
The United States and Mexico have submitted a joint bid to host the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, it was announced Friday. If successful, the nations would host both the men’s and women’s tournaments in back-to-back years. It would also mark the first time since 2003 that the U.S. has hosted a Women’s World Cup (filling in for China at the last minute due to a SARS outbreak). The U.S.-Mexico bid will face competition from a joint bid by Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany and a solo bid by Brazil. (ESPN.com 12.8)
MLB’s deal with Peacock expires
Major League Baseball’s rights deal with the NBC streaming service Peacock expired at the end of last season and the league is now weighing options for the package of Sunday morning and afternoon games, per Joe Flint of The Wall Street Journal. A new deal with Peacock is among the possibilities. Peacock began airing MLB two years ago, joining Apple TV in acquiring rights that had been relinquished by ESPN. (Flint 12.8)
