Despite being the most watched All-Star Game in sports four years running, the much-maligned NFL Pro Bowl is being retooled this year. In other news, cable and satellite providers have begun preparing for the launch of Fox Sports 2 next month, and NBC Sports Network plans to debut a new weekday show.
Pro Bowl Gets New Format
- The NFL Pro Bowl, which in recent years has been in danger of being discontinued, will switch to a new format this season. Instead of being selected by conference, players will be drafted to teams by a group that includes the leading vote-getters, two fans, and retired stars Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders. The new “Pro Bowl Draft” will be televised on NFL Network January 22. (NFL Communications)
Cable Providers Preparing For Fox Sports 2 Launch
- Cable and satellite providers have begun preparing for Fuel TV to be rebranded as Fox Sports 2 starting August 17, Sports Business Journal reported Monday. Fox parent company 21st Century Fox has not yet announced the transition of Fuel into FS2, but cable execs have reportedly “said that Fox has told them to prepare for the change” (SBJ, 7/29). (Sports Business Journal)
NBC Sports Network to Launch New Weekday Show
- NBC Sports Network plans to debut a new weekday sports program in partnership with Yahoo! Sports. Titled “SportsDash With Yahoo! Sports,” the hour-long show will air at 12 PM ET with hosts Carolyn Manno and “The Crossover” cast-off Dave Briggs. NBCSN will also debut a new Thursday night fantasy football show, again in partnership with Yahoo! Sports. (NBC Sports Group Press Box)
