Members of the NCAA members ratified a new streamlined version of the association’s constitution on Thursday, with balloting showing an 80.4% approval for the move as part of a two-step process designed to decrease responsibility of the association’s national office and allow changes to rules at all levels of college sports. Each of the NCAA’s three divisions will now start working on revising/creating rules to align with the initiative. Among the changes will be a decrease in the size of the board of governors from 20 members down to nine as well as efforts for current and former athletes to provide a stronger voice in the future of the association.

“Are we spending our resources in a way that emphasizes our core values and helping as many students as we can?” Emmert asked during an address on Thursday, ,per ESPN. “That’s what’s driving frustration and anger both inside and outside college sports, and that’s what puts the whole enterprise at serious risk.”

PROGRAMMING

Super Wild Card Weekend delivered over 102 million total viewers over the course of Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with the six games averaging 30.5 million viewers. That is up 21% vs. 2020 and is the second-highest Wild Card Weekend average since 2015-16. Breaking it down:
· CBS Sports and Nickelodeon’s presentation of the 49ers’ victory over the Cowboys on Sunday ranked as the most-watched NFL Wild Card game on any network in seven years, averaging 41.496 million viewers across both networks and up 35% versus last year’s comparable game. Meanwhile, the Bills’ 30-point victory over the Patriots in primetime on Saturday averaged 26.373 million viewers, for a 23% uptick.
· Monday night’s ESPN’s MegaCast presentation of the Rams win over the Cardinals became the most-watched Monday night NFL game during ESPN’s Monday Night Football era (2006 – present). The blowout game registered 23,150,000 viewers, with ESPN and ABC combining to win the night among all key demos, including Males 18-49 (ESPN), Persons 18-34 (ESPN) and households (ABC).
· NBC Sports’ presentation of two NFL Super Wild Card Weekend games delivered increases over the games in last year’s corresponding time slots, and set NBC Sports Digital NFL streaming records. Across both games, NBC Sports’ Total Audience Delivery average of 29.7 million viewers is up 23% from its Super Wild Card Weekend coverage last year. Sunday night’s Steelers-Chiefs game averaged a Total Audience Delivery of 30.5 million viewers across NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, NBC Sports Digital and NFL Digital platforms – up 17%.
· On FOX, the matchup between the Eagles and Bucs saw 30.373 million viewers tune in, up 24% over last year’s NFC Wild Card Game on the network.

ESPN is going to Disneyland for Super Bowl LVI, announcing that multi-platform productions will originate from Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, starting Feb. 9 and running through Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 13, with the resort hosting Postseason NFL Countdown, NFL Live, SportsCenter segments, NFL Matchup, an ESPN Deportes presence, and more. Names on location will include Randy Moss, Tedy Bruschi, Ryan Clark, Booger McFarland, Rex Ryan, Brian Griese, Robert Griffin III, Matt Hasselbeck and Alex Smith, among others. Inside Disneyland Resort, ESPN’s main location will be at the Paradise Bay viewing area at Disney California Adventure park, with broadcasts taking place throughout the week.

The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games will not see any NBC Sports announce teams in China, according to a USA TODAY report with teams calling events from our Stamford facility due to COVID concerns. The report notes that the network’s Olympic host, Mike Tirico, will still be in China for the Feb. 4 opening ceremony and the first few days of the Games, as was scheduled. NBC delivered a similar strategy for its coverage of the Tokyo Summer Olympics last summer for most sports.

Speaking of talent, Lindsey Vonn will join NBC Olympics for its coverage of the 2022 Winter Games. “As one of the greatest Olympic skiers of all time and a superstar who has transcended her sport, we’re thrilled to have Lindsey join our team,” said Molly Solomon, Executive Producer & President, NBC Olympics Production. “Lindsey will provide a perspective unique to an athlete known for excellence, intensity and determination on the world’s biggest and most competitive stage.”

Similarly, due to concerns about COVID-19 and other COVID-related restrictions, ESPN will not be sending any news personnel to the Winter Olympics in China and will instead focus on covering the Games remotely. “The safety of our employees is of utmost importance to us,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN Executive Vice President, Event and Studio Production & Executive Editor. “With the pandemic continuing to be a global threat, and with the COVID-related on-site restrictions in place for the Olympics that would make coverage very challenging, we felt that keeping our people home was the best decision for us.”

NBC Sports rolled out coverage plans for all 34 LPGA Tour events in 2022, headlined by live coverage of all five major championships, beginning this week with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions on GOLF Channel and NBC. Overall, NBC Sports will offer up nearly 650 hours of LPGA Tour coverage in 2022 across NBC, GOLF Channel, USA Network, CNBC and Peacock. Coverage includes: The Chevron Championship, begin staged at Rancho Mirage for the final time (March 31-April 3); U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club (June 2-5); the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club (June 23-26); The Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club (July 21-24); and the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield (Aug. 4-7). USA Network carries live major championship coverage of the U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles and the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield, in addition to live coverage on GOLF Channel and NBC.

Clock’s ticking, get ‘em in! Nominations for the Cynopsis Sports Media Awards are now being taken for their year’s ceremony, taking place on April 19, live (hopefully) in NYC. New categories are seeking champions! Have a gander by clicking here.

Turner Sports is teaming up with Candace Parker and Scout Productions in association with Baby Hair Productions, and has green-lit an untitled documentary project that will premiere during 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Final Four weekend programming on TBS. The program will chronicle and celebrate the societal and cultural impact of Title IX, anchored through the perspective of Parker from her childhood in Chicago to her decorated championship college career at the University of Tennessee to her professional career in the WNBA.

Results of the 2022 National Baseball Hall of Fame election will be announced exclusively on MLB Network on Tuesday, at 6p, part of a four-hour announcement show. Beginning at 4p, the program will feature National Baseball Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch revealing the results live from the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery in Cooperstown, as voted by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. MLB Network’s Hall of Fame program on Tuesday will be simulcast on MLB.com and in the MLB app on connected devices.

iHeartRadio and Sports Illustrated Media announced an original podcast series focused on “iconic names” in the sports industry. The series, Sports Illustrated Weekly, is hosted by John Gonzalez, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated and previous podcast host and writer at The Ringer.

MASTERS OF THE METAVERSE: AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

Hear from Nascar, Rumble League Studios, Super League Gaming and other industry leaders paving the way in this untapped universe.

LISTEN IN NOW

SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION

The NHL delivers an experiential barrage in Las Vegas for the 2022 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend, lining up festivities for the 2022 Truly Hard Seltzer NHL Fan Fair, a four-day, 300,000 square-foot family-friendly fan festival from February 3-6. The 2022 Truly Hard Seltzer NHL Fan Fair will offer fans of all teams interactive hockey games; special appearances by NHL alumni; the seventh annual NHL Mascot Showdown presented by Upper Deck, NHL memorabilia and trophy displays. Brand activations include:
· Truly: As title partner and part of NHL Fan Fair, Truly Hard Seltzer is giving fans the opportunity to meet and take a photo with an NHL alumni alongside the Truly Zamboni, sample new product and try their luck with “Truly Hard Trivia.”
· Discover: The Discover activation will include a 20-foot Discover / NHL All-Star Drop Trailer that will open to distribute premium items as well as act as a location for Talent photos while on-site.
· Dunkin’: Dunkin’s Fan Zone will be a pop-up that will offer Air and Bubble Hockey games, a DJ, and a fun photo opportunity with a custom donut wall.
· Honda: Fans can show off their hockey skills at the Precision Passing Challenge or try their luck at the Honda Puck Drop for a chance to win prizes
· Ultimate NHL Bedroom presented by The Northwest Group: Participants can visit the “Ultimate NHL Bedroom”, presented by The Northwest Group, featuring an NHL fan bedroom display.

The PGA TOUR announced that American Express will continue its role as title sponsor of The American Express in La Quinta, California, through 2028. The annual tournament takes place through January 23 at PGA WEST Stadium, PGA WEST Nicklaus and La Quinta Country Club. “Giving back to the community while celebrating the passions of our customers is at the center of what we do at American Express,” said Stephen J. Squeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Express. “We’ve seen the positive impact this tournament has on golf fans and the local community in the Coachella Valley. We’re honored to continue this legacy by extending our role as title sponsor and growing the total charitable funds raised to support so many outstanding local organizations focused on helping small businesses, the health and wellness of the community, youth sports, education and more.”

The Houston Dynamo Football Club announced a long-term partnership with Fubo Gaming. This marks the first with a Major League Soccer (MLS) club for Fubo Gaming and represents the first sports gaming partnership for Houston Dynamo FC of MLS and the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The partnership designates Fubo Gaming the Official Sports Betting Partner of the Club, while fuboTV will be featured prominently on the front of both Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash training tops for the 2022 season.

Thrill One Sports & Entertainment and A SHOC locked in “the largest partnership in action sports history.” The eight-figure, multi-year agreement encompasses Thrill One’s family of brands, including Nitro Circus, Street League Skateboarding and Nitro Rallycross. As Official Energy Drink Partner, A SHOC will be featured across Thrill One’s asset portfolio, including premier competitions and live events worldwide as well as its robust slate of linear, digital and social content.

Annika Sorenstam and LOHLA SPORT struck a deal that will see the golf star exclusively wear the brand’s premium ladies’ golf-lifestyle apparel at golf tournaments and events. She will also help create a bespoke signature collection for release in fall 2022. Part proceeds will benefit the ANNIKA Foundation.

Sloan is aligning with ASM Global for a strategic partnership featuring “advanced technology and high-efficiency solutions for sustainably designed restrooms.” As ASM Global’s Preferred Commercial Plumbing Systems Partner in North America, Sloan will leverage the newest technological advances in plumbing products and fixtures for restrooms at ASM Global stadiums, arenas, convention centers, theaters, and specialty venues across the country.

Cubs Charities announced that $920K will be awarded to 13 organizations through the 2021 Diamond Project capital grants. These 13 organizations located throughout Chicago will use the grants for various projects including field upgrades and maintenance, the installation of a new indoor training facility in West Garfield Park and other projects that help grow youth baseball and softball initiatives in their communities.

DIGITAL, DATA & TECH

UFC and Dapper Labs, makers of NBA Top Shot and NFL ALL DAY, announced the official launch of their NFT collectible product, UFC Strike. The all-new collectible experience will be available to fans on Sunday, launching as an open drop of 200,000 total packs, UFC Strike will start with a first round of 100,000 “Fully Loaded” packs, consisting of three NFT Moments capturing finishes and displays of striking and grappling from UFC fighters

FuboTV expanded its Multiview mode on Apple TV to support elements of its FanView feature, as the company continues to integrate interactivity into its live TV streaming experience. Subscribers can create their own custom sports viewing dashboard on Apple TV combining multiple streams (Multiview) with live stats and scores (FanView).

ESPORTS

Ahead of the ALGS Split 1 Playoffs, Electronic Arts unleashed ‘Multiview,’ which will give fans more control over how they watch their favorite Apex squads and players. The feature now enables viewers to personalize their viewing experience through the Twitch Command Center feature with two-to-four customizable split-screen windows; stream any combination of the game perspectives, including the main broadcast, twenty player POVs, and map view, and listen in on any ALGS team’s in-game communication live during matches.

FaZe Clan announced FaZe1, Powered by MoonPay, a recruitment challenge for creators culminating in a 15-day, 24/7 livestream “FaZe1 Top 20 Show” where one participant will have the opportunity to become a member of FaZe Clan, with a signing bonus of $1 million in cryptocurrency from MoonPay, as well as a $250,000 brand deal from G FUEL and a Nissan GT-R. Road to FaZe1 will be FaZe Clan’s new weekly livestream series hosted by FaZe Clan founders FaZe Apex and FaZe CBass.

The National Association of Collegiate Esports revealed a partnership with EDGE Consulting, a group of collegiate educators looking to grow the esports industry. EDGE Consulting will assist NACE member institutions via “a variety of academic development and support services, including academic esports consultation, course mapping, assessment tools, and support services; and licensed or customized esports curriculum.”

BLAST Premier and skin trading platform CS.MONEY unlocked an extension of their partnership – taking the deal into a fourth year. The partnership will revolve around engaging esports and Counter-Strike fans on the wide spectrum of skins available to trade and purchase online and will see BLAST and CS.MONEY collaborate on a series of premium, player-led content pieces throughout the year.

INDUSTRY & ROSTER MOVES

For Soccer Ventures announced that former United States Men’s National Team Player and three-time Major League Soccer All-Star Heath Pearce has been named as President of the company. In his new expanded role, Pearce will oversee all aspects of the organization including strategic direction, content, marketing, experiences, business and revenue development. Pearce has served as FSV’s Chief Creative Officer since the company’s founding in 2019.

NFT platform Fanaply announced the hiring of sports, music & entertainment executive Danielle Maged as its new Chief Commercial Officer.

LIV Golf Investments sees David Hill join the company as a consultant to the production team. “David is considered by many in to be the father of modern live sports television coverage, so to be able to leverage his expertise for LIV Golf Investments is monumental for us,” said Greg Norman, Chief Executive Officer of LIV Golf Investments. “He is well known for his innovative thinking and ability to push boundaries that have led to the transformation of the sports viewing experience for fans across the world. We are ecstatic to have the opportunity to be that agent for change in golf and look forward to sharing that vision in due course.”

Sportradar appointed Andrew Bimson as Chief Operating Officer, North America. In this newly created role, Bimson will oversee and be responsible for the growth of Sportradar’s three core business areas – Betting & Gaming, Sports Entertainment (media solutions) and ads (marketing services) – and report to North America CEO Arne Rees.

SPORTS BROADCAST JOURNAL w/David J. Halberstam

There are always opinions. The duos and in ESPN’s case the trio in the booth, are atop the NFL charts for the four NFL networks covering the league. We break it down. CBS’ Nantz and Romo, NBC’s Michaels and Collinsworth and Fox’ Buck and Aikman teamed on Sunday. Each of the crews had lines that were apt. You’ll enjoy.
Hard to argue that the best NFL TV trios worked Sunday; Tirico too hyped late in Saturday’s Cincy win

Nothing like that the Mannings did this season was ever done before. And there’s something there, something to keep. The two remind me of the deadpan humor of the old Smothers Brothers. You’ll see more of it next season and perhaps in different versions elsewhere, on other platforms.
The Mannings and their quips; are turning into sports TV pioneers; Last night’s chuckles

The Sports Broadcast Association has regional winners galore covering state-by-state and new Hall of Fame inductees for 2022. Welcome Hubie Brown who turns 89 this year. He’s infallible on-air, an amazing man! Hubie never gropes for the right name or fumbles for the right word.
NSMA announces its 2022 winners, nationally and state-by-state

Fifty-three years in one job is amazing – in any industry. Dave Van Horne was essentially dumped after twenty-one seasons with the Miami Marlins on radio. We didn’t hear much of DVH in the U.S. He was hired by the Montreal Expos when they were born in 1969. You can easily argue that he still has the strongest timbre of any MLB voice.
Hall of Famer Dave Van Horne pushed out by Marlins; Original Expos’ voice gone after 53 years

Happy Birthdays!
Mike Krukow 1-21, SF Giants
Len Kasper 1-21, Chicago White Sox
Bram Weinstein 1-22, Washington Football Team
Steve Mears 1-22, Pitt Penguins TV
Kevin Quinn 1-23, Edmonton Oilers Radio
Matt Park 1-23, Syracuse U
Ruthie Polinsky 1-23, WTVJ TV sports anchor

SPORTS MEDIA AWARDS: OPEN FOR ENTRY

Want your chance to be recognized as a brand paving the way in the sports media world? Entries close February 22nd!

ENTER NOW

ON THIS DAY in
1979: Steelers beat Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII.

IN THE KNOW
Which Super Bowl MVP was drafted out of Delaware? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).

Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
What two colors are the gates in slalom racing? Answer: Red and blue. Kudos: John Ferlazzo/London; Michael Ritz-Lenox Advisors/NY; Matt Sautter-WideOrbit/Harrisburg; Synda Kollman-Charter Marketing Group/Boca Raton; Russ Camlet-Classic Reruns TV/NJ; Creed Heilskov-ImOn Communications/Cedar Rapids; Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Station; Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo; David Westberg-SAG•AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA

Cynopsis Team