02/07/19: ESPN+ continues to add

Good morning. It’s Thursday February 7, 2019 and this is your first early morning Sports briefing.

ESPN+ has topped the two million subscriber threshold in under a year, according to Disney, doubling its customer-base in the past five months. The platform scored a new viewership record in January when nearly 600,000 fans signed up with the addition to UFC to the OTT service with the addition of UFC Fight Night on ESPN+ on Jan. 19. “We expect the expansion of combat sports content on the streaming service to drive continued growth in the months ahead,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger on the earning call.

PROGRAMMING

Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Chris Simms is going all in with NBC Sports Group, where he will contribute exclusively starting next month to its NFL and college football coverage across NBC Sports’ broadcast, cable, and digital platforms. March 2019 will also see Simms produce daily NFL and college football content exclusively for NBC Sports’ numerous digital and social platforms. “Chris joined NBC Sports two years ago and immediately contributed with insightful analysis and fearless opinions across many of our NFL and college football television programs,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer and President, Production, NBC and NBCSN. “Now he’ll bring his unique perspective, extensive knowledge, and fun interactions with players away from the field to our many digital platforms.”

For the third straight year, CBS Sports and Turner Sports will team up to present the NCAA March Madness Bracket Preview. The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Selection Committee will offer teams and fans an in-season look at the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship bracket on Saturday at 12:30p on the network. Host Greg Gumbel, analysts Clark Kellogg and Seth Davis, along with NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee Chair and Stanford Athletic Director Bernard Muir will be in-studio for the reveal of the nation’s top 16 seeds, identifying the top four teams in each region as they stand on Feb. 9.

ESPN and the NBA unveiled the rosters and coaches for the 2019 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game presented by Ruffles, which will run on ESPN and the ESPN App on Friday at 7p. The home team will feature celebrities with Carolina roots, including ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Williams and 2018 WNBA Rookie of the Year A’ja Wilson, facing off against reigning MVP and rapper Quavo, among others. Dawn Staley, will serve as the home team’s coach, while the 2018 WNBA Champion Seattle Storm’s Sue Bird will coach the away team. Cassidy Hubbarth will return as the host with play-by-play voice Mark Jones providing commentary. Chiney Ogwumike will make her first appearance as an analyst, while popular television and radio personality Peter Rosenberg rounds out the quartet. Ogwumike and Rosenberg will serve as roaming analysts and special guests will join the team during the telecast.

CBS Sports launches the inaugural weekend of the Alliance of American Football with three games across CBS and CBS Sports Network this weekend beginning Saturday on CBS at 8p with a live pregame show from inside the Alamodome. Jamie Erdahl hosts and Kurt Warner serves as pregame analyst. Spero Dedes, Trent Green and Tiki Barber, along with Erdahl, call the action for the San Antonio/San Diego game while Andrew Catalon and Gary Danielson will announce the Atlanta-Orlando match-up.

MMA promotion Bellator announced a partnership with UK broadcaster Channel 5, which will see its European fight series televised live on free-to-air terrestrial TV in 2019. The deal will see the broadcaster hold exclusive rights to a minimum of at least six UK and European-based Bellator events as part of the agreement.

MLB Network looks at the life of Boston manager Alex Cora and the 2018 Boston Red Sox in Alex Cora: The Making of a Champion, the newest installment of the MLB Network Presents documentary series, running Feb. 12 at 9p. Speaking with Tom Verducci, Cora talks about falling in love with baseball during his childhood in Caguas, Puerto Rico, how serving as a coach in the Houston Astros organization impacted his managing philosophy, and the significance of being the first Puerto Rican-born manager to win the World Series.

The FOX broadcast network, FS1 and Nat Geo WILD team up for coverage of Westminster Week starting Sunday with Chris Myers and Gail Miller Bisher joined this year by veteran judge Don Sturtz in the Madison Square Garden broadcast booth. Primetime coverage begins Monday at 7p on FS1 with FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft once again hosting the channel’s primetime progrmming while Karyn Bryant returns to report from the backstage benching area and interviews winners. New to this year’s event, FOX NASCAR’s Jamie Little joins FS1’s primetime coverage both nights as a reporter. The Masters Agility Championship at Westminster airs on the FOX broadcast network for the second consecutive year on Sunday at 2p, led by play-by-play announcer Justin Kutcher, analyst Terry Simons and reporter Jennifer Hale.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

TOP 5 Reasons to Enter:

The Cynopsis Sports Media Awards

Entering is Easy: Summarize your initiatives online with synopsis & supporting materials
Make News: Finalists are covered on ALL of Cynopsis’ platforms (social, website, emails)
Fuel Innovation: Boost team morale & inspire future success by joining this elite group
Showcase Your Work Where It Counts: With over 40 categories to choose from
NETWORK: When winners are announced at the 7th Annual Awards Breakfast in NYC

2018 WINNERS VIEW CATEGORIES ENTER BY FEB 8

SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION

The PGA TOUR announced that three-time GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker signed on to become the organization’s first formal brand ambassador. Rucker will take on a larger role across PGA TOUR-owned channels, with fans able to see Rucker appear more frequently as a commentator on PGA TOUR LIVE, across PGA TOUR digital channels and in-person at PGA TOUR events. In addition, the PGA TOUR will be sharing the stage with Rucker on his newly announced Hootie & The Blowfish Group Therapy Tour via a custom branded vintage t-shirt and hat line launching in conjunction with the partnership.

Firestone locked in a five-year extension to remain the sole tire supplier for the IndyCar Series in a deal that runs through 2025. .In addition, International Speedway Corporation announced a multi-year, multi-unit partnership with MoneyLion. Beginning at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27, MoneyLion will have presence at six ISC motorsports entertainment facilities across seven event weekends throughout the 2019 race season.

2018 CMA Entertainer of the Year and four-time GRAMMY Award winner Keith Urban headlines the entertainment for the 2019 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series outdoor game between the Flyers and Penguins at Lincoln Financial Field. The performance in will be televised as part of the NHL Stadium Series broadcast, which begins at 8p on NBC in the US on Feb. 23.

DIGITAL, DATA & TECH

The Golden State Warriors and Chase Center, the Warriors new 18,064-seat privately financed sports and entertainment arena inked a partnership agreement with Google Cloud that makes the brand the Official Public Cloud Provider of the Golden State Warriors and a Founding Partner of Chase Center. Under the agreement, the Warriors and Chase Center will collaborate with the Google Cloud team on a phased approach to create a “seamless technology integration as well as ongoing exploration of opportunities to leverage technology for Warriors and Chase Center events and programming.” The partnership will also focus on ways to use Google Cloud analytics and machine learning capabilities to enhance decision-making and provide coaches, staff and players with more data-driven touch points.

Overtime launched OvertimeWBB, a new platform dedicated to covering the top players in women’s basketball. OvertimeWBB will share players’ stories through short-form digital and longer-form series that “capture the energy and personalities they bring to the game” with the content also featured across Overtime’s distributed network on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

ESPORTS

In this week’s edition of Cynopsis Esports…

Twitch Rivals scopes out Apex Legends event
Overwatch League locks in season two talent
ELEAGUE’s FUT faces
CEO maps out fighting titles
Echo Fox takes a seat
Marshmello’s historic play

INDUSTRY/ROSTER MOVES

Concacaf named Heidi Pellerano as its new chief commercial officer. Pellerano will oversee Concacaf’s commercial division, developing and managing strategic partnerships to maximize the commercial opportunities for her new employers.

The PGA of America announced the naming of PGA Past President Jim Remy, PGA, as the Career Consultant for the Connecticut and New England PGA Sections. “I am extremely excited to join the talented team of PGA of America Career Consultants serving the New England and Connecticut Sections,” said Remy. “PGA Member employment opportunities have always been a focus for me, and at this point in my career, I am very proud to assist PGA Members with career planning, while collaborating with industry employers in finding the right candidate for their business or facility.”

THE MAIN EVENT

Lakers/Celtics on TNT at 8p.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Spotlighting Short Form’s Finest

The 2^nd Annual Cynopsis Short Form Video Festival

Wednesday, March 6^th, 2019 | The SVA Theatre, NYC

Join your peers as we celebrate our talented finalists, screen the winning videos, feature thought-provoking panels on the state of the industry, and share insights with colleagues over drinks and appetizers. Passionate about short form? This one is for you.

ON THIS DAY in 1994: Michael Jordan signs a contract with the Chicago White Sox.

In the Know: Which competitive sport features a daggerboard? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city.)

Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question: In the movie “Revenge of the Nerds,” Adams College football players belonged to which fictional fraternity? Answer: Alpha Beta. Kudos: Rob Casalaina-ITN/NY, Rob Wescott-Gracenote/Nielsen/NY; Joe Brucia-AMC Networks/NY; Jonny Codalata-CSM Sport & Entertainment/Indianapolis; Matt Laramee-MMSI/Warwick; Will Hildebrandt- NBC Telemundo/DC; Synda Kollman-Charter Marketing Group/Boca Raton; Robert Teinowitz-Live Action Media/Chicago; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; David Westberg-SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union/Burbank; Brian Robin-Pechanga Resort Casino/Temecula; Jacob Ullman-FOX Sports/LA

Later — Chris

Chris Pursell @VegasandVine
Diane K Schwartz Senior Vice President Media Communications Group	Roberta Caploe Publisher @robertacaploe	Cynopsis Ad Sales Mike Farina \| 203-218-6480 VP, Sales	Albert Nassour \| 917-545-3129 Director, Strategic Partnerships	Cynopsis Job Listings Sales Trish Pihonak \| 203-899-8459 Director of Operations

CYNOPSISJOBS – For More jobs, please visit Cynopsis.com

JOB OF THE DAY

MGR, DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY
Viacom
NYC

Lead dvlpmnt/implementation of new products & business models that Viacom &/or its distribution partners can pursue to generate value. 2-3 yrs Corp Strategy/Bus. Dvlpmnt, Investment Banking, or Strategy Consulting. Deep understanding/passion for media mkt trends.

Full info HERE

LEGAL ADMIN ASST/Reavis Page Jump LLP/NYC: Exp’d admin asst to work w/our attorneys (incl head of entertainment group) fast-paced high-quality collaborative setting. Fast-thinking take ownership type of person for this role to support 2 partners & 1 assoc. 3-5 yrs solid legal support exp a must. Full info HERE (2/21)

LEGAL ASSOCIATE/Reavis Page Jump LLP/NYC: Exp’d associate to work w/head of Media&ent group. Resp for structuring /reviewing/drafting/negotiating transactions primarily in film, TV & new media. 4-6 yrs legal exp and excellent academic history. Full info HERE (2/21)

MGR, DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY/Viacom/NYC: Lead dvlpmnt/implementation of new products & business models that Viacom &/or its distribution partners can pursue to generate value. 2-3 yrs Corp Strategy/Bus. Dvlpmnt, Investment Banking, or Strategy Consulting. Deep understanding/passion for media mkt trends. Full info HERE (2/20)

SR DIRECTOR, SEARCH & PROGRAMMATIC AUDIENCE BUYING/NBCU/Universal City CA: Resp for the planning and execution of all search and programmatic planning and buying. Min 10yrs exp in media/search/paid digital agency, advertising agency, direct marketing, cable/broadcasting or similar media envir. Full info/apply HERE (2/20)

MGR, SEARCH & PROGRAMMATIC AUDIENCE BUYING/NBCU/Universal City: Assist the Sr. Director, Search & Programmatic Audience Buying in the planning and execution of all search and programmatic efforts for NBC. Min 3yrs exp executing programmatic campaigns. HERE (2/20)

MANAGER, SOCIAL AUDIENCE BUYING/NBC Entertainment/Universal City CA: Assist the Director, Social Audience Buying with the planning and execution of all social planning and buying. Min 3 yrs of exp in media/social/paid digital agency, advertising agency, direct marketing, cable/broadcasting or similar media environment. Full info HERE (2/19)

SUPERVISOR ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT/REV/XP esports/CHI: Help maintain & grow existing business w/current clients; assist bringing new clients on board. Four-six years of agency experience, servicing client accounts on a day-to-day basis. Full info HERE (2/19)

DIRECTOR, PROGRAMMING RESEARCH/ION/NYC: Manage all audience data, reporting, presentations and highlights with an intuition for providing Executive Management with strategic and actionable insights. 5+ years of exp in TV programming rsrch with previous exp in Media or Advertising. Full info HERE (2/16)

ASSISTANT MANAGER, CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT/NBC SPORTS/Stamford: Responsible for developing and implementing end-to-end CRM segmentation strategies. Minimum 5 years relevant work experience, including internships. Full info HERE (2/16)

MANAGER, GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING/NBC SPORTS/Stamford CT: Responsible for the design, documentation, maintenance, and workflow management of the Graphics & Visual Design facilities connected to systems. Min 4 yrs exp with Chyron: Mosaic, Lyric, LyricX. Full info HERE (2/16)

DIRECTOR, PROGRAM RESEARCH & MEDIA ANALYTICS/NBCU/Universal City CA: Support the VP of Prgrm Rsarch & Media Analytics on all program rsrch & media analytics needs. BA deg & Min 7 yrs of exp focusing on business intelligence & analytics for an entertainment, technology or marketing performance company. Full info HERE (2/16)

MANAGER, PROGRAM RESEARCH & MEDIA ANALYTICS/NBCU/Universal City CA: Supports the Director of Program Research and Media Analytics on all program research and media analytics needs. Min 3 yrs exp focusing on analytics for an entertainment, technology or mktg performance co. Full info HERE (2/16)

DIRECTOR, SOCIAL AUDIENCE BUYING/NBCU/Universal City CA: Responsible for the planning and execution of all social planning and buying. Minimum 8 years of experience in media/social/paid digital agency, advertising agency, direct marketing, cable/broadcasting or similar media environment. Full info HERE (2/16)

DIRECTOR, BRANDED CONTENT CREATIVE/FX NETWORK/LA: oversee creative for all branded content and brand partnership projects from development of concepts through scripting, production and delivery. Multi-platform projects may include live-action shoots, original animation, sponsored streams and more. Full info HERE (2/16)

ANALYST RESEARCH/WEtv/NYC: Talented, highly motivated individual with strong data analysis, data storytelling and project management skills to join the WE tv Research team. BA Degree or equivalent in mktg, communications, economics, statistics or related field.1-2 yrs of related exp pref’d. Full info HERE (2/14)

AD SALES RESEARCH ANALYST/Discovery Inc/NYC: Exciting opp to support ad sales efforts for HGTV, ID, & Animal Planet across all platforms. Produce actionable insights & update monthly/qrtly reports to provide data-driven intelligence. 1+ yrs rel business exp. Full info HERE (2/14)

DIRECTOR, MARKETING SOLUTIONS/GSTV/NYC: Dvlp revenue generating mktg strategies, out-of-the-box advertiser solutions/promotions & sales presentations/materials. 7-10 years of progressively responsible mktg/mngmnt work exp Prior ad sales media mktg Exp req’d. Full info HERE (2/13)

PRODUCTION FINANCE MANAGER, FILM/Crown Media Family Networks/LA: Mng writer payment process, conduct forecasting, budgeting, tracking, accounting & reporting of TV movies & series. Min 3 years mgmt exp. 6 yrs prod accounting exp. Apply HERE (2/12)

MGR, SCHEDULING/IFC/WEtv/NYC: Work closely with the Director of Scheduling to plan monthly schedules of movies, specials, acquired series and original programming. Min 3yrs exp program scheduling or research background at a cable network. Full info HERE (2/12)

DIR, RESEARCH & INSIGHTS/Discovery Inc/NYC: Strong background in ad-sales rsrch/insights to join newly formed Shared Services team. Create cohesive reporting narrative across ad-sales bundles to optimize monetization efforts, uncover consumer insights & marketplace trends & mentor pool of analysts. 8+ yrs media rsrch exp. Full info HERE (2/11)

MANAGER, ACCESSORIES/Nickelodeon/NYC: Manage the day to day business for the Accessories team. Build/maintain relationships with all key licensees by holding ongoing business updates 4-5 yrs exp in licensing and/or marketing. Full info HERE (2/11)

VP MARKETING/Washington Nationals/DC: Seeks a dynamic, strategic & innovative marketing & branding executive to create and implement a targeted and thorough marketing & brand strategy that drives revenue growth. Min 10 yrs relevant mktg exp in a complex, consumer-facing orgnzton, focused on blue-chip brand dvlpmnt. Full info HERE (2/11)

PRODUCER/JUDGE JERRY/STAMFORD CT: Book, Write and Produce segments for daytime court show under tight deadlines. Min 1 -2 years professional TV exp with a talk show, news or court program or other relevant entertainment exp. Full info HERE (2/8)

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/JUDGE JERRY/STAMFORD CT: Books guests to appear on the show on a weekly basis. Asst show producer & delegate to prod assistants as needed. Min 1 yr profession TV exp with a talk show, news or court program or other relevant ent exp, pref’d Full info HERE (2/8)

MANAGER, PR TALENT RELATIONS/CNBC/Englewood Cliffs NJ: Act as a liaison between CNBC and primetime talent and their reps, publicists, etc. Min 5 yrs of professional PR expe in a leadership role with a media and ent company. 3 yrs exp working w/talent. Full info HERE (2/8)