The NHL could look to split its media rights among multiple partners in its next deal. Also:
Sports Illustrated has been sold; ESPN will air “The Jump” in primetime during the NBA Finals.
NHL could split media rights in next deal
The NHL is considering splitting its media rights among multiple partners, and ESPN and Fox Sports have shown preliminary interest in acquiring a package, Sports Business Journal reported Monday. Currently, the league’s U.S. TV rights are held exclusively by NBC Sports in a deal that expires two years from now.
According to the report, Turner Sports had also expressed interest in an NHL package, but that was when it was under the stewardship of David Levy, who departed earlier this year. There is no word on whether that has changed now that Jeff Zucker is in charge. [SBJ 5.27]
SI sold; Meredith to continue operating magazine, website
Sports Illustrated has been sold by publisher Meredith Corporation to Authentic Brands Group for $110 million, it was announced Monday. Under the deal, Meredith will continue to operate the Sports Illustrated magazine and SI.com for the next two years, paying a licensing fee to do so. New owner ABG plans to expand the use of the SI brand to include new ventures, with CEO Jamie Salter having discussed stamping it on medical clinics and training classes. [Variety 5.27]
“The Jump” to air in primetime during NBA Finals
ESPN will air primetime versions of its NBA studio show “The Jump” prior to each game of the NBA Finals, it was announced earlier this month. The primetime editions will air at 8 PM ET, leading into “NBA Countdown” on ABC at 8:30. In previous years, ESPN aired an extra half-hour of “Countdown” in that timeslot.
ESPN previously aired a primetime edition of “The Jump” leading into its NBA Draft Lottery coverage. [ESPN PR 5.14]
