With a Super Bowl rematch apparently scrapped, the NFL has reportedly settled on an alternative opponent for the Patriots on opening night. In other news, Spike TV is out of the PBC business and HBO and Showtime will both air the upcoming heavyweight title fight.
Patriots Expected to Host Chiefs in Kickoff Game
- The Patriots are expected to host the Chiefs in the NFL Kickoff Game, according to the Boston Globe. The team was originally expected to host the Falcons in what would have been a second-straight season-opening Super Bowl rematch, but those plans fell by the wayside. The NFL schedule will reportedly be released this week. (Sports Business Daily 4.17)
Spike Ends PBC Deal
- Spike TV has elected not to extend its contract with Premier Boxing Champions, ESPN.com reported late last week, with the network’s final telecast having aired in January. Spike, which was the second network to sign with the PBC back in January 2015, had a two-year deal and was supposed to have an option for a third, “but that never made it into the final paperwork.” It aired 17 of the 33 cards that were announced under the deal. (ESPN.com 4.12)
Showtime and HBO Will Both Air Heavyweight Title Fight
- Both Showtime and HBO will broadcast the April 29 Anthony Joshua–Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight title fight under a “rare and unusual agreement” that will see live coverage air on the former and a taped primetime replay on the latter. Both outlets will provide their own crews for the bout. The outlets previously worked together on the Floyd Mayweather–Manny Pacquiao fight two years ago. (Yahoo! via Sports Business Daily 4.17)
