The NBA is reportedly seeking a massive annual rights fee for its next television deal. In other news, Major League Soccer has announced a new deal with ESPN and FOX, and NBC will air the New Zealand All-Blacks’ first U.S. appearance in 34 years.
Report: NBA Seeking $2B/Year Rights Fee
- According to Buzzfeed, the NBA is seeking $2.0 billion per year in its new television contract. The league currently earns $930 million per year in its eight-year contract with ESPN and Turner Sports. A $2B/year rights fee would put the NBA well ahead of the NHL ($633M/year from NBC and Rogers) and Major League Baseball ($1.5B/year from Fox, Turner and ESPN). (Buzzfeed)
MLS Announces TV Deal With ESPN/FOX
- Major League Soccer has officially announced a new television deal with ESPN and Fox Sports. Under the deal, which goes into effect next season, ESPN2 and Fox Sports 1 will combine for a weekly Sunday evening doubleheader and alternate the MLS Cup and MLS All-Star Game. Combined, ESPN, Fox Sports and Univision will pay $90 million in rights fees — a dramatic increase over the current level of $18 million. (ESPN Media Zone, Fox Sports, Sports Business Daily)
NBC to Air USA/NZ Rugby
- NBC Sports announced Tuesday that the NBC broadcast network will carry the USA Eagles/New Zealand All-Blacks rugby match in November. The match, which marks the All-Blacks’ first U.S. appearance since 1980, will take place from Chicago’s Soldier Field November 1 at 4 PM ET. (NBC Sports Group Press Box, rugbymag.com)
