Sinclair has reportedly posted the highest bid for the RSNs Disney acquired from Fox; Peyton Manning has turned down ESPN again; the WNBA has a new TV partner; Mark Richt has joined ACC Network.
Sinclair reportedly posts highest bid for Fox RSNs
Sinclair Broadcasting placed a $10 billion bid for the 21 regional sports networks that Disney acquired from 21st Century Fox, exceeding rival bids from Liberty Media and the BIG3, according to Sports Business Daily and Fox Business. Sinclair, which owns Stadium, Tennis Channel, and a right-wing local news operation, is said to be the favorite in a two-horse race with Liberty. [SBD newsletter]
Manning turns down ESPN again
Former Broncos and Colts QB Peyton Manning has turned down ESPN’s offer to join Monday Night Football, Sporting News reported Monday. This is the second straight year that Manning has passed on an opportunity to enter the broadcast booth, having turned down both ESPN and FOX last year. [Sporting News 4.22]
WNBA games to air on CBSSN
The WNBA has agreed to a multi-year deal with CBS Sports that will put 40 games per year on CBS Sports Network, it was announced Monday. The deal is in addition to the WNBA’s existing agreement with ESPN/ABC. According to the Associated Press, CBSSN will not produce its own telecasts, instead simulcasting local broadcasts. The CBS deal marks the WNBA’s first agreement with any television network other than ESPN/ABC since games aired on Oxygen in the mid-2000s. [CBS PR 4.22, AP 4.22]
Richt joining ACC Network
Former University of Miami head football coach Mark Richt has joined ESPN’s ACC Network as a college football studio analyst, it was announced Saturday. It was not immediately clear whether Richt’s role would include any appearances on the traditional ESPN networks. [Miami Herald 4.20]
