DraftKings letting go of longtime ESPN hosts; a memorable NBA show could be making a return; Peacock offers local games in-market; and more.
Le Batard’s future unclear at DraftKings
Former ESPN host and current DraftKings Network personality Dan Le Batard may be nearing media free agency, according to John Ourand of Puck. Le Batard told listeners on his namesake radio program (which airs on the DraftKings content platform as well as Peacock) that he may be leaving the company, although Ourand notes the two sides are discussing a renewal of their current deal. The show is licensed to DraftKings via a deal with Meadowlark Media, Le Batard’s partnership with former ESPN president John Skipper.
DraftKings has also declined to renew the contracts of former ESPN personalities Mike Golic, Mike Golic Jr., and Trey Wingo, the latter of whom had only joined the company last fall. Executive Marie Donoghue, who previously worked at ESPN and Amazon Prime Video, is also set to depart the sports betting company as it transitions out of the content business.
NBC considering reviving “Inside Stuff”
NBC Sports is “considering” bringing back the “NBA Inside Stuff” studio show when it resumes NBA coverage this fall, according to CNBC. The NBA filed two trademark applications on Monday for “NBA Inside Stuff”, which is the name of the long-running Ahmad Rashad-fronted NBA highlight show that aired on NBC and ABC in the 90s and early 2000s.
The CNBC report notes that no decision has been made at this time. An NBC spokesperson declined to comment, but CNBC’s source suggests a “refreshed version” version of the show may return. A version of “Inside Stuff” was briefly revived on NBA TV between 2013-2016.
NBC has not yet announced the hire of any studio personnel, but TNT’s Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller will serve as game analysts next season.
Peacock adding local RSN coverage
NBC Sports announced it will begin offering its local RSN coverage on a direct-to-consumer basis to in-market subscribers as an add-on to a Peacock subscription. Fans in California can subscribe to NBC Sports Bay Area for $17.95/month for live Warriors and Giants games or NBC Sports California for Kings, Athletics, and Sharks games for the same price. NBC Sports Boston (Celtics) is $14.95/month and NBC Sports Philadelphia (Phillies, Flyers, 76ers) is $24.95/month.
The move is in line with other RSNs making their content available to stream, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, who announced they will make SportsNet LA available directly for $29.99/month. The news comes as SNLA has for years faced cable distribution issues in the Southern California market.
It was not immediately clear if the new Peacock offerings required Comcast to restructure their rights deals with the affected teams to include DTC streaming, or if Comcast is exercising previously held rights.
Plus: Chicago Sun-Times, NCAA wrestling, ESPN+
— The Chicago Sun-Times has laid off thirty employees, including local sportswriters Rick Morrissey, Rick Telander, Mark Potash, Daryl Van Schouwen, and Annie Costabile due to financial difficulties. The paper switched to a non-profit structure in 2022.
— Primetime coverage of the NCAA Wrestling Championship semifinals will air on ESPN2 this Friday, instead of in its longtime window on the flagship network. The move allows for the main ESPN network to air six first-round games of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The wrestling finals will air on ESPN on Saturday night.
— ESPN announced Tuesday it has extended its rights deal with the United States Polo Association, which began in 2022. As part of the new deal, ESPN football and tennis voice Chris Fowler will host select events, including US Open Polo Championship on April 26-27. ESPN has also reached a deal to carry the Mecum live automobile auction events on ESPN+. The series previously aired on WBD’s Motor Trend network, and the defunct NBC Sports Network before that.
