Countering a recent report, Rich Eisen said Wednesday that he has already reached an agreement on a new deal with NFL Network. Plus: Fox Sports is reportedly going with a proven commodity on its NFL “B” team; NHL voice Brendan Burke is said to be the leading candidate to eventually replace John Sterling on Yankees games; and more.
Countering report, Eisen says he reached NFL Network deal last month
NFL Network host Rich Eisen said on his radio show Wednesday that he agreed to a contract extension with the outlet more than a month ago, countering a recent Front Office Sports report that he was approaching free agency and that his return was an “open question.” Eisen, who has been with NFL Network since its first year of operation in 2003, said he “loves” working at NFL Network and wants to continue in his current position for a “long time.” (“The Rich Eisen Show” 7.27)
A room with a Moose
Front Office Sports reported Tuesday that Fox Sports plans to name Daryl “Moose” Johnston the analyst on its secondary NFL broadcast team, returning him to a position he held from 2002-13. Johnston would likely work alongside Joe Davis. With the departure of Troy Aikman to ESPN, last year’s “B” team analyst Greg Olsen has been promoted to the “A” team — at least until the arrival of lead-analyst-in-waiting Tom Brady. (Front Office Sports 7.26)
NHL voice Burke said to be contender for Yankees radio gig
NHL broadcaster Brendan Burke is the leading candidate to eventually replace John Sterling as the radio voice of the New York Yankees, the New York Post reported Wednesday. Burke, the voice of the Islanders and the #2 NHL voice for Turner Sports, has not yet had any contract talks with Yankees radio broadcaster WFAN. Sterling has no immediate plans to step down, even though he has reduced his schedule as of late. (NYP 7.27)
Plus: NFL+, Horowitz, Gameday
The NFL on Tuesday officially launched its new “NFL+” streaming service, which will cost $5 per month ($40 per year) and host live streams of local and primetime regular season games on mobile and tablet devices. Those games had previously been available to stream for free through NFL Game Pass and Verizon. In addition to the $5/month base plan, NFL+ also has a “Premium” subscription for $10/month that includes full game and condensed replays. … The Raiders on Wednesday named Westwood One’s Jason Horowitz their new radio voice, replacing Brent Musburger. … ESPN’s College Gameday will begin its season with a Thursday night edition September 1 from the site of Pittsburgh-West Virginia, before starting its usual Saturday morning slate from the site of Notre Dame-Ohio State on September 3. (NFL PR 7.25)
