Stephen A. Smith is returning to NBA pregame coverage. Also: NBA TV is going over-the-top, and the NFL Draft is staying on ABC.
Stephen A. to host SC prior to Wednesday NBA games
ESPN announced Monday that it will launch a new Stephen A. Smith-hosted SportsCenter prior to its Wednesday NBA games. The half-hour show will typically emanate from a game site, though this week’s season debut will air from ESPN’s Los Angeles studios. The news was first reported by The Big Lead months ago.
Smith was previously part of ESPN’s NBA studio coverage from 2003-06 and again from 2007-08. He will be joined by recurring ESPN NBA analysts Magic Johnson and Michael Wilbon on Wednesday’s debut episode.
The Smith-hosted pregame show will continue into the playoffs, though it should be noted that ESPN has not aired a Wednesday playoff game outside of the conference finals since 2012.
In addition to the Smith-hosted pregame show, ESPN’s Wednesday games will also feature Scott Van Pelt hosting the halftime shows. [ESPN PR 10.21]
NBA TV now available without a cable subscription
The NBA is now selling standalone subscriptions to NBA TV for $7 per month or $60 per year. The Streamable reported the news last week. NBA TV is available on most cable, streaming and satellite providers, Hulu among the notable exceptions. While many sports outlets have over-the-top options, such as ESPN+ or NBC Sports Gold, NBA TV is the first sports network to be available completely over-the-top. [The Streamable 10.17]
No changes to NFL Draft TV lineup
The NFL is staying with its lineup of ESPN, ABC and NFL Network for NFL Draft coverage next year, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on his Twitter account over the weekend. Next year will mark the third straight year that ABC has aired Draft coverage, and the second straight that it has simulcast the first two nights.
The decision points to the continued healing of the NFL’s relationship with ESPN. Two years ago, during a period of acrimony between the partners, the league let FOX simulcast the first two nights of the Draft — a clear shot across the bow at ESPN. ESPN has since curried enough favor with the NFL to return to its good graces. [Adam Schefter/Twitter 10.20, via Awful Announcing 10.20]
