- Idle Note: The Rockets have finally made it onto national TV. The April 7 Jazz/Rockets game has been added to ESPN, bumping a previously scheduled Wizards/Magic game. The addition is one of three changes to ESPN’s NBA schedule; the February 3 Blazers/Jazz game has been replaced with Suns/Nuggets, and the February 26 Clippers/Suns game has been replaced with Magic/Hornets. (Biz of Basketball)
- The Ratings Game: The January 14 Bulls/Celtics game on TNT drew a 1.2 U.S. rating and 1.7 million viewers, up 9% in ratings but down 2% in viewership from Cavaliers/Bulls last year (1.1, 1.7 mil). The Cavaliers/Jazz nightcap drew a 1.1 U.S. rating and 1.6 million. (Sports Business Daily)
- Big Name: ESPN’s Mike Breen will interview former U.S. President Bill Clinton during halftime of Friday’s Lakers/Knicks game. The interview will focus on fundraising efforts to benefit the people of earthquake-ravaged Haiti. (SportsFeatures.com)
NBA adds more broadcast TV games in second year of rights deal
The NBA continues to grow its broadcast television presence in year two of its new media rights deal.
