The National Hockey League announced a deal today to put highlights of its games on Google’s YouTube website. According to the Los Angeles Times, YouTube is in conversations with other sports leagues. I mentioned yesterday the idea of Turner getting the rights to NBA digital media and possibly packaging it under the Sports Illustrated brand. However, after this NHL deal, I think it would be a much better idea for the NBA (and the NFL and Major League Baseball) to think about going to YouTube instead. YouTube has a massive, mainstream audience. The NBA already has NBA Broadband on its own site to cater to hardcore fans (the same way Major League Baseball has MLB.TV). YouTube would offer all the leagues more opportunities to attract new fans
ESPN acquires expanded Players Era tournament
What is quickly becoming one of the highest-profile early season college basketball events is now moving to ESPN.
