The ESPN-Top Rank deal has been extended an additional seven years; the Tiger Woods–Phil Mickelson duel is reportedly set for Thanksgiving weekend; the NBA has reached a historic deal with MGM; ESPN will air a LeBron James-focused SportsCenter special.
ESPN-Top Rank Deal Extended Seven Years
ESPN and Top Rank Boxing have agreed to a seven-year media rights extension through 2025, it was announced this week. Under the expanded agreement, the flagship ESPN network will carry 18 events per year, with 36 more streaming on the ESPN Plus over-the-top service. ESPN is in its second year carrying Top Rank cards. [ESPN PR 8.2]
Woods-Mickelson Match Set For Thanksgiving Weekend
The rumored $10 million match between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will take place over Thanksgiving weekend, Mickelson said following his round at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Thursday. Per Mickelson, additional details will be available “shortly.” [ESPN.com 8.2]
NBA Reaches Groundbreaking Deal With MGM
The NBA has reached a first-of-its-kind agreement with MGM to become the league’s official gaming partner. Under the deal, which per Sports Business Daily is worth $25 million per year over three years, MGM will be able to use official NBA and WNBA data, highlights and logos in its various products. The deal is the first partnership between a major pro sports league and a sportsbook. [SBD 8.1]
ESPN to Air Primetime LeBron Special
ESPN will televise a SportsCenter special on Friday featuring Rachel Nichols‘ recent interview with new Lakers F LeBron James. Nichols’ interview has aired in bits and pieces on ESPN programming all week, but Friday’s special will feature the discussion in its entirety.
ESPN last aired a primetime special devoted to James in 2010. [ESPN PR 7.31]
