After a one-year absence, Ernie Johnson is returning to MLB Postseason play-by-play. Also: ESPN has acquired German Bundesliga rights; PGA Tour media rights negotiations are heating up; Fox Sports is reportedly re-signing Tom Verducci.
EJ to return to MLB Postseason play-by-play
Ernie Johnson Jr. will call Tuesday’s National League Wild Card game and the Division Series between the winner and the Dodgers, marking his return to MLB Postseason play-by-play after a health-related one-year absence. Johnson will work alongside Atlanta Braves TV analyst Jeff Francoeur, with Ron Darling joining them on the Wild Card game.
Brian Anderson will call the Braves-Cardinals NLDS and the NLCS, working with Darling. This will be the third straight year that Anderson has worked the NLCS. [Turner Sports]
ESPN announces Bundesliga deal
ESPN announced Monday that it has acquired rights to the German Bundesliga soccer league beginning next August, replacing incumbent broadcaster Fox Sports. Under the deal, matches will air primarily on the ESPN+ streaming service, though some will be set aside for ESPN’s linear channels. The New York Post first reported in July that ESPN was set to acquire rights. [ESPN PR 9.30]
PGA Tour receiving presentations from potential media rights bidders
The PGA Tour is receiving formal presentations from potential bidders on its media rights package, Sports Business Journal reported last week. Executives with WarnerMedia and CBS Sports presented last week and NBC Sports is expected to do so at the end of this week, with no set date reported for presentations by Fox Sports and ESPN. The PGA Tour plans to reach a new deal by the end of this year. [SBJ 9.23]
Fox Sports reportedly re-signs Verducci
Fox Sports has reached a multi-year contract extension with MLB reporter Tom Verducci that includes a role on its college football programming, according to The Athletic. Verducci, has been with Fox since 2014, will appear on the pregame show Big Noon Kickoff. [The Athletic 9.30]
