Disney, Spectrum direct customers to other TV services as dispute keeping ESPN off air continues
A business dispute that has pulled ESPN and other Disney-owned companies off the air for nearly 15 million cable TV subscribers continues, with both companies taking the unusual step of directing customers to look elsewhere for their favorite networks.
Jury: NCAA not liable in ex-Grand Valley quarterback's death
An Indiana jury has found the NCAA not liable in the death of former Grand Valley State quarterback Cullen Finnerty, whose widow accused the college sports governing body of failing to warn athletes about the risks of head injuries while playing football.
NBA: Firm will probe Suns after report of racism, misogyny
The NBA has asked a law firm to investigate the Phoenix Suns after a published report detailed allegations that owner Robert Sarver has a history of racist, misogynistic and hostile incidents during his 17-year tenure in charge of the franchise.
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Biden says Rangers making mistake by allowing full capacity
President Joe Biden told ESPN on Wednesday it was a mistake for the Texas Rangers to allow full capacity at their ballpark for their first game. Fans are set to return to major league stadiums Thursday after they were kept out during the regular season last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. I think it’s a mistake,” Biden told ESPN. But Major League Baseball isn't requiring the vaccine for players or staff. Asked how he would advise players who might feel hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine, Biden said: “I would say I’m president of the United States and I got vaccinated.
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Amazon gets Thursday night games, NFL nearly doubles TV deal
The new contracts also mean the NFL will nearly double its media revenue to more than $10 billion a season. Amazon has partnered with the league to stream 11 Thursday night games since 2017, but it will take over the entire package from Fox, which has had it since 2018. That was the largest audience to stream an NFL game. NBC also retains the opening Thursday night NFL Kickoff game as well as a Thanksgiving night game and flex scheduling beginning in Week 5. Amazon experimented with on-demand highlights and increased use of Next Gen stats during Thursday night games last season.
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ESPN, NHL announce comprehensive 7-year agreement
Players stand on the ice during the playing of the national anthem before an NHL hockey game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in Detroit. The NHL and ESPN are together again after announcing a seven-year agreement that also includes extensive streaming rights. “This is a win, win, win. ESPN will produce 75 national games per season that will stream exclusively on both ESPN+ and Hulu. Disney owns two-thirds of Hulu and has been offering packages that include Hulu, ESPN+ and Disney+.
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AP sources: NHL reaches 7-year agreement with ESPN
FILE - National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to members of the media , Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Sunrise, Fla. The National Hockey League will be returning to ESPN beginning next season. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, file)The National Hockey League will return to ESPN beginning next season. ESPN started airing NHL games when it went on the air in 1979 by making deals with individual teams. It had the national NHL rights from 1985-88 and 1992-2004.