One week after the NCAA Tournament concluded on cable for the first time, CBS and Turner Sports are reportedly discussing possible changes.
Sports Business Journal reported Monday that as part of their annual post-tournament review, CBS and Turner Sports will likely discuss amending the NCAA Tournament contract to keep the championship game on CBS each year. Currently, CBS and Turner are set to alternate the Final Four and championship game each year until the end of the contract in 2024.
The amended arrangement would put the title game on CBS and the Final Four on Turner Sports each year, creating a consistent home for both events.
According to the report, no changes are imminent. There are eight seasons left on the current NCAA Tournament television deal, with the national championship on cable in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024, and the parties have already begun discussing an extension.
Last Monday’s NCAA national title game, the first of the contract on Turner Sports, was the lowest rated ever (10.6) and the fourth-least watched (17.8M). While the move to cable was almost certainly a factor, it should be noted that viewership declined throughout the NCAA Tournament — to the point that the averages have yet to be released publicly.
(Mon. news from Sports Business Journal)
