The NFL is looking to expand its schedule again; ESPN re-signs several NBA commentators; Lisa Salters is out again this week; and the Rays may be without a stadium to start next season.
NFL exploring full package of international games
The NFL is reportedly eyeing a full set of 16 international games, with a multi-billion dollar media rights price tag, according to Front Office Sports. Amazon, Netflix, Apple, Disney, Comcast, Fox, and Paramount were all mentioned in the FOS report as parties that would be interested a package. Although a fourth, early-Sunday-morning package of European games would be attractive, the NFL is also interested in playing in Western markets like Brazil, Mexico, and Canada. Commissioner Roger Goodell also acknowledged the possibility of staging a future Super Bowl in London.
Per CNBC, the NFL is likely to exercise the opt-out in its deals with Paramount, Fox, Comcast, and Amazon following the 2028-29 season, and renegotiate deals to include the international games. ESPN reported earlier this year other potential changes to the schedule, including expansion to an 18-game schedule, adding a second bye week, and reducing the number of preseason games from three to two, although these points would need to be negotiated with the players’ union, which is operating under a CBA that runs through 2030.
ESPN re-signs NBA commentators
ESPN has reached multi-year contract extensions with pro basketball commentators Chiney Ogwumike, Kendrick Perkins, Tim Legler, and Monica McNutt ahead of the upcoming NBA season. Ogwumike will continue as a studio analyst for NBA, WNBA, and NCAA Women’s Tournament coverage, as well as hosting select editions of NBA Today. Perkins will continue on NBA Countdown and will also now join the ABC editions of the show. Legler will begin serving as a game analyst. McNutt will continue as an NBA and WNBA studio analyst, WNBA game analyst, and NBA sideline reporter. All four will appear across ESPN’s daytime shows as well.
The network also announced it has re-signed NFL analyst Andrew Hawkins to continue to appear across ESPN’s daytime and digital programming.
Salters to miss MNF again
ESPN Monday Night Football sideline reporter Lisa Salters, who was not on the sideline for this past week’s Bills-Jets game, will miss the upcoming Ravens-Buccaneers game while she attends to a “personal matter”, per ESPN. She will be replaced by Laura Rutledge alongside Joe Buck and Troy Aikman.
Rutledge, who was set to call Monday’s ESPN+ exclusive game between the Chargers and Cardinals, will be replaced by CFB reporter Molly McGrath, who will join Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, and Louis Riddick on the call.
Rays unlikely to begin 2025 season in Tampa
Tropicana Field, which suffered intense damage during Hurricane Milton, is unlikely to be repaired in time to host the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The roof, which incurred extensive damage, will need to be completely replaced as the playing surface does not have sufficient drainage capacity to permit outdoor play. While the team has not announced specific plans, the Times reports the repairs cannot be completed before Opening Day on March 27. The Rays recently secured $1.3 billion agreement from local jurisdictions to construct a new ballpark, but that is still a long ways off. Front Office Sports identified several locations in Florida that could serve as temporary homes for the Rays including sharing a park with the Marlins in Miami, or utilizing one of the many spring training facilities in the area.
The Rays are also currently without a local media rights partner for the upcoming season, as Diamond Sports intends to drop its contract with the Rays and ten other teams.
