All articles tagged with #sports broadcasting
John Sterling, the Yankees’ longtime radio voice who called more than 5,000 consecutive games and helped shape a generation of fans with his signature calls, has died at 87 after eight decades in broadcasting.
YouTube TV is rolling out a fully customizable multiview for NFL Sunday Ticket, allowing subscribers to mix and match four live NFL games with a multiview builder and filters for different content categories; the feature will be available to users over the next few weeks.
Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after a 19-year run as Steelers coach, is set to join NBC’s Football Night in America as a top studio analyst, joining Maria Taylor and Jason Garrett in a revamped pregame show. NBC aims to refresh the program after dismissing Tony Dungy, with Fox also showing interest, as networks renegotiate NFL rights; Tomlin’s move solidifies his status as a premier NFL TV voice and leaves open the possibility he could return to coaching someday.
Streaming has fractured live sports rights into a patchwork of platforms and prices, as MLB and other leagues divvy games across Apple TV, Amazon, Netflix, Roku and more, with blackouts and channel churn for fans. An all-in Yankees viewing could run about $800 across 10 networks; across the industry, exclusivity deals shift between traditional broadcasters and tech platforms, while MLB aims to centralize local rights by 2028 and the NFL remains the richest prize but increasingly sells boutique bundles. The result is higher costs and more ads, aided by data-driven, AI-targeted advertising and the rise of shoppable streaming, pushing toward cheaper, personalized, ad-supported models even as audiences seek simpler, more digestible viewing.
The Yankees’ 2026 season opener will stream exclusively on Netflix, illustrating a fragmented, costly era for watching sports where fans must juggle multiple subscriptions across platforms to see all games, fueling calls for a simpler, unified viewing experience.
Netflix will exclusively stream MLB’s opening day game (Yankees vs. Giants) to a global audience of nearly a billion, with retired stars as commentators and Thing from Wednesday throwing the first pitch. The $60 million-per-year, three-year deal also covers the Home Run Derby and the Field of Dreams game, marking Netflix’s push into live sports and testing appetite for broader MLB rights while aiming to grow casual fans beyond traditional superfans.
Following Lou Holtz’s death, colleagues recall a fierce, charismatic broadcaster who treated on-air debates like fourth-down battles. His spirited exchanges with Mark May on SportsCenter became iconic, while his competitive drive extended to friendships with peers like Rece Davis. Tributes from figures such as Dick Vitale and Ryan Clark underscore a legacy that transcends Notre Dame’s championships, shaping the culture of sports TV and the relationships he built in the studio.
The Braves haven’t landed a TV partner yet as six other MLB teams (Brewers, Marlins, Rays, Royals, Cardinals, Reds) move to MLB Media for the 2026 season; the Cardinals’ move is notable. Tigers and Angels are also not switching, and long‑term rights deals aren’t expected until 2029, so Atlanta’s 2026 broadcast plan remains undetermined.
Ben Thompson argues Vision Pro’s real strength is presence, not TV-style sports production. He praises Apple’s immersive video format but criticizes its live broadcasts for breaking immersion with producer-driven camera cuts and announcers, calling for one-camera, production-free feeds that let users feel courtside at any venue and suggesting Vision Pro cameras should be ubiquitous at live events.
Amazon’s Prime Vision for Thursday Night Football uses AI-powered analytics, player-tracking visuals, and a recurring “guided viewing” segment to explain decisions, aiming to deepen engagement for hardcore fans while keeping the traditional main broadcast for general audiences.
Elle Duncan, a veteran ESPN host, is leaving the network to become Netflix's lead host for their expanding live sports coverage, starting with the event Skyscraper Live featuring climber Alex Honnold. Netflix is increasing its sports content, including deals with Major League Baseball and NFL, and will also host popular sports podcasts.
The ongoing dispute between Google (YouTube TV) and Disney over channel rights has left many sports fans, including Kentucky fans, searching for alternative ways to watch games. Several options are available, such as ESPN Unlimited, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling Day Pass, each with different costs and access to ESPN channels. Pirated streams are also mentioned as a last resort. The article provides detailed guidance on how to watch Kentucky vs. Valparaiso and other games during the dispute.
YouTube TV and Disney are in a contract dispute over carriage fees, leading to the removal of Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, from YouTube TV. This affects viewers' access to popular content and sports events like Monday Night Football. The dispute is ongoing, with both sides negotiating, and viewers are advised to use alternative methods such as over-the-air antennas or other streaming services to watch their favorite programs.
YouTube TV subscribers will miss the Monday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals due to a carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Disney, highlighting the growing complexity and fragmentation in sports broadcasting and streaming options.
Bob Trumpy, a pioneering Bengals tight end and Hall of Fame broadcaster known for his distinctive voice and contributions to football media, has died at age 80, leaving a legacy as both a player and a beloved voice in sports broadcasting.