TNT has parted ways with its top NBA analyst, Chris Webber. Plus: ESPN’s LaLiga deal is now official; the NHL’s losses this season are massive; and more.
Chris Webber done at Turner
TNT has parted ways with NBA analyst Chris Webber, the New York Post reported Thursday, ending his 13-year tenure. Webber’s usual partner Marv Albert worked Thursday’s Sixers-Heat game alongside Reggie Miller. Webber had previously backed out of his role on Turner’s secondary NCAA Tournament broadcast team on what was perceived as short notice, a move that reportedly did not endear him to his bosses. Per the Post, there were no contract negotiations between the sides. [NYP 5.13]
ESPN announces LaLiga acquisition
ESPN announced Thursday that it has acquired English and Spanish-language rights to the Spanish LaLiga through the 2028-29 season. The news was first reported by World Soccer Talk earlier this week. ESPN+ will carry all 380 matches per season live and on-demand, with some matches also airing on the ESPN linear networks. LaLiga rights are currently held by beIN Sports. [ESPN PR 5.13]
The Athletic: NHL to lose nearly $4 billion in gate revenue
The Athletic is estimating that the NHL will end up losing $3.6 billion in revenue due to COVID-19 related attendance restrictions, a figure that the publication says is backed up by league and team executives. The NHL has welcomed just over one million fans during the 2020-21 season, down from 18.8 million last season and 22.0 million in the last full season two years ago. [The Athletic 5.13]
Plus: Mayne, WNBA-Amazon, French Open, Callahan
Outgoing ESPN SportsCenter anchor Kenny Mayne told The Athletic this week the network offered him a paycut of 61 percent without a corresponding reduction in workload. Mayne: “They made an offer and I wasn’t exactly flattered and decided to reject it.” … The WNBA has reached a deal with Amazon, which will carry 16 games per season on Amazon Prime as well as the new Commissioner’s Cup midseason tournament. The WNBA will have games on Amazon, Facebook and Twitter this season. … The NBC streaming service Peacock has acquired rights to air the night sessions on the middle weekend of the French Open, it was announced Thursday. The French Open night sessions — which will begin around 3 PM ET — are a new addition to the schedule. … ESPN will hire NBC NHL studio analyst Ryan Callahan for its coming NHL coverage, the New York Post reported this week. Callahan’s role is likely to be a mix of studio and game assignments. [The Athletic 5.12, WNBA, NBC Sports PR 5.13, NYP 5.13]
