| The 2020 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm on ESPN finished as the most-watched WNBA Draft in 16 years and the second most-watched in ESPN’s history. This year’s event, which was held virtually in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, averaged 387,000 viewers on ESPN, up 123% over the 2019 Draft, and up 33% from the last time it aired on the network in 2011. The 2020 Draft also made an impact across WNBA and NBA social media handles, generating 6.5 million video views (up 165% vs. last year) and 1.3 million minutes watched (up 237% vs. last year).
PROGRAMMING
Meanwhile, the first two episodes of The Last Dance, the 10-part documentary series about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ quest to win a sixth NBA title in eight years, averaged 6.1 million viewers for episodes 1 and 2 across ESPN & ESPN2. Of those 6.1 million, 3.5 million were in the 18-49 demo. On ESPN alone, the two hours averaged 5.3 million viewers, with episode 1 delivering 5.7 million viewers and episode 2 delivering 5 million. #TheLastDance Virtual Watch Party on Twitter saw the show rank as the #1 trend on the platform throughout the night and at one point, 25 of the 30 trending topics were all related to the show.
Updating the event schedule as a result of COVID-19, the Professional Fighters League officially postponed its 2020 season on Monday because of the global impact of the coronavirus. The PFL is the first major MMA organization to formally announce a plan for the rest of 2020 in the wake of the coronavirus. PFL CEO Peter Murray told ESPN that the PFL will refocus on live events in 2021, while exploring the possibility of one-off special events.
In addition, the National Spelling Bee also pulled the plug, cancelling this year’s event on Tuesday with a note that it will return in 2021. Scripps will not change eligibility requirements for the next bee, which is scheduled for June 1-3, 2021. The bee was last canceled from 1943-45 because of World War II.
The 51st World Series of Poker is now being pushed into the fall. Dates and format will be announced at a later date. WSOP was set to begin May 26 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Bellator MMA officials announced that Bellator 244, originally scheduled to take place on June 6 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., has been postponed. The organization stated that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and intends to reschedule the event as soon as possible.
Speaking of Bellator MMA, the promotion announced that its historic events and matchups will be showcased on CBS Sports Network starting Saturday at 8p in a new series titled Bellator MMA Recharged. Following the premiere, the series will find a home on Wednesdays with episodes starting April 29 at 8p, hosted by “Big John” McCarthy.
Daily news franchises Morning Drive and Golf Central returned to GOLF Channel’s on-air programming schedule with live, daily half-hour episodes. Both will be produced exclusively via remote, utilizing virtual production technology to originate outside of the network’s studio headquarters. Morning Drive debuts new episodes daily at 9a, while new episodes of Golf Central will air at 6p.
FloSports announced an exclusive North American broadcast for an all-new virtual cycling series from the organizers of the Tour de Suisse – The Digital Swiss 5, a series of one-hour cycling races scheduled to run over five consecutive days from April 22 through April 26. FloBikes will broadcast the series exclusively to both the United States and Canada.
On the radio front, fantasy football columnist Michael Fabiano is joining SiriusXM’s team of fantasy sports analysts where he will host a new show, Fantasy Dirt with Michael Fabiano and Lisa Ann, every Tuesday and Friday 8-10p on the SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio channel. Fabiano now serves as the senior fantasy analyst for NFL Network and has worked as a senior fantasy writer with “The NFL Today” on CBS.
SiriusXM also announced NFL Draft plans, providing listeners nationwide with comprehensive coverage of this year’s event and offering live announcements of every selection with in-depth analysis on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel, as well as additional NFL Draft-focused programming on SiriusXM’s college sports and fantasy sports channels. Coverage will air Thursday and Friday starting at 7p and Saturday starting at noon. SiriusXM NFL Radio’s draft broadcast team will feature Gil Brandt; Pat Kirwan; Jim Miller; and lead host Jason Horowitz.
TVS is returning to network radio with the reestablishment of the TVS Radio Network. In association with the Sports Byline Radio Network, TVS serves up TVS Presents SPORT Magazine on Radio, hosted by Fred Wallin, and running on weekends on Sports Byline terrestrial and podcast platforms. It also runs in TVS syndication on radio stations that include WCGO-AM in Chicago and WWDB-AM in Philadelphia, plus the TVS podcast platform on Spreaker.
Three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas debuts No Chill with Gilbert Arenas on May 4 for fubo Sports Network. Through a partnership with Arenas’ No Chill Productions, the weekly No Chill with Gilbert Arenas becomes a vodcast where he is joined by his co-host Mike Botticello.
CBS Sports HQ will stream live, in-depth coverage leading into and throughout the 2020 Draft, including real-time reactions and commentary from a team of pro football insiders, grades for every pick, fantasy football projections, and Vegas perspective. Beginning at 6p on Thursday, Brady Quinn, Danny Kanell, Bryant McFadden, Scott Pioli, Jason LaCanfora, Pete Prisco, Will Brinson, Ryan Wilson, and Kenny White will contribute analysis and updates throughout all seven rounds, with fantasy football experts Jamey Eisenberg and Dave Richard making appearances. Anchors Chris Hassel, Amanda Guerra, Erik Kuselias and Joe Musso will lead the coverage. |
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The Cynopsis Top Women in Media Awards
Nominations Due: April 30th | Awards Gala: September 24th in NYC
We’re gearing up to raise a glass to this year’s Top Women in Media — female trailblazers who are pushing the industry forward, while empowering and inspiring others. Now’s the time to tell us all about someone in your life who is mastering her role in one of these categories (covering the tv & digital arena OR the sports & esports space).
NOMINATE |
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SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION
Shreveport’s Independence Bowl landed a long-term sponsor, locking in Radiance Technologies in a five-year deal. The newly-named Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will feature a matchup between Army and the Pac-12.
The NHL and its players are cranking up the prize patrol for its new charitable fundraiser, the ALL IN Challenge, created by Fanatics with the All In Challenge Foundation. The initiative has already raised more than $10 million for Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, America’s Food Fund, Feeding America, and World Central Kitchen thanks to people entering sweepstakes and bidding in auctions. Among the prizes is the NHL offering “The Ultimate NHL Winter Classic Experience,” dangling a trip for 10 to the 2021 NHL Winter Classic between the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues at Target Field in Minneapolis. The package includes access to team practices, a catered suite for the game, a meet-and-greet with representatives from each team, pregame locker room access, and entry into the NHL’s New Year’s Eve party, among other perks.
Tomorrow will see SAP bring together names in sports and entertainment to host a Virtual Take Your Child to Work Day on SAP’s YouTube channel with a lineup the includes Saquon Barkley (NY Giants), Chris Paul (Oklahoma City Thunder), Jimmy Garoppolo (SF 49ers), Brent Burns (SJ Sharks), Sloane Stephens (WTA) and Dario “TLO” Wünsch (Team Liquid), who will participate in interactive Q&As and share how-to videos spanning a variety of topics such as at-home workouts, becoming a professional esports gamer, learning to juggle with household items and much more.
The Los Angeles Chargers revealed new uniforms this offseason, showcasing a new look that includes a signature powder blue, gold and white color scheme with interchangeable pants and jerseys. The design features a simplified bolt on the jersey and pants, while numbers have been added to helmets.
DIGITAL, DATA & TECH
ESPN launched ESPN Draft Challenge presented by Caesars Rewards, offering pro football fans the chance to compete with friends, family and ESPN personalities to win bragging rights and prizes, including a trip for two to Super Bowl LV in Tampa, , and up to $100,000 for a perfect score. Fans can play ESPN Draft Challenge by answering questions to predict various outcomes and picks before the start of the NFL Draft.
ONE Championship announced the launch of its new official online shop, ONE.SHOP, where fans have access to all-new collections of ONE Championship official merchandise and athleisure wear. Added to the wide selection of ONE Championship branded merchandise are new athlete-centric designs featuring some of the organization’s biggest stars. Loyal fans are now rewarded with the Gold Corner, allowing fans to earn exclusive rewards instantly with their purchases.
ESPORTS
FaZe Clan announced that the gaming organization will join the NFL’s “Draft-A-Thon” during the first-ever virtual draft this week. To commemorate the historic event, FaZe Clan and the NFL teamed up to create a limited-edition merchandise collection, which will be released the first day of the NFL Draft, marking the NFL’s first-ever clothing collaboration with a gaming organization. A fundraising campaign aimed at raising much-needed funds for COVID-19 relief efforts, “Draft-A-Thon” will be live streamed on NFL social and digital platforms and featured in live Draft coverage on ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, and ESPN Deportes during the 2020 NFL Draft. Members of FaZe Clan who are quarantined together in their Hollywood home will also host a watch party and capturing content during Round 1 of the NFL Draft on Thursday.
NBC Sports, in collaboration with Sky Sports, is serving up the ePremier League Invitational Tournament with representatives participating from all Premier League clubs in a 20-team single-elimination tournament this week starting at 7a. The semifinals and final will air on Sunday at 10a on NBCSN. Sky’s Saturday Social, Adam Smith and Joe Thomlinson will present the matches, joined by Harry Pinero. Telemundo Deportes will also carry the event live on the Telemundo Deportes social platforms Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
ELEAGUE partnered with Wizards of the Coast to bring back Magic: The Gathering Arena for the second iteration of their ELEAGUE Showdown: Magic The Gathering Arena weekly esports competition series. The Showdown will launch with its first competition today at 6p on ELEAGUE’S Twitch channel with a new competition each Wednesday through May 27. Game experts Alias V, Riley and Marshall will provide play-by-play commentary on the live matches, while analysts Cedric Phillips and Corey Baumeister will break down the players’ strategies.
Gaming seat specialist Secretlab announced a new partnership with Team Liquid in a deal that will include the newly-released Secretlab Team Liquid Edition gaming chair paying homage to Team Liquid’s 20-year run. To kick off the partnership, Secretlab and Team Liquid will launch their first “CHAIR-ity” stream in May. During the period of the stream, Secretlab will donate part of the proceeds from every Secretlab Team Liquid Edition chair sold to charity.
Complexity-Limit announced a partnership with Army National Guard. The two organizations will team up to create “engagement opportunities, unique experiences, and content as part of Complexity-Limit’s participation in World of Warcraft’s Mythic Dungeon International.” Through the end of July, Army National Guard will be integrated throughout Complexity-Limit’s streams and social channels during the ‘Road to MDI,’ a first-of-its-kind stream series in conjunction with the MDI. Guard Soldiers and Complexity-Limit guild members will also compete alongside each other during live streams. The partnership aims to bring WoW fans even closer to the action.
INDUSTRY & ROSTER MOVES
Minor League Baseball will agree to Major League Baseball’s proposal to cut guaranteed affiliations from 160 to 120 next year, according to the AP. MLB would take over all of many of the duties of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, with licensing agreements instead of franchise affiliations. MLB would then sell sponsorship, licensing and media rights.
Former XFL commissioner Oliver Luck is suing league owner Vince McMahon in federal court, citing wrongful termination after McMahon’s decision to shut down the league, according to ESPN. According to the complaint, filed last week in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, Luck received a termination letter on April 9 — a day before McMahon laid off most of the XFL staff and three days before the league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
More than 400 youth sports leaders are teaming up to launch PLAY Sports, which stands for Promoting Local and Youth Sports. According to the announcement, the fragmented and grassroots nature of youth sports “necessitated an industry Coalition to work cooperatively, and with the federal, state and local governments and agencies, to advocate for a collective survival and impactful return.” Letters backed by each of the more than 400 Coalition members, which included the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS), Laureus Sport for Good USA, YMCA of the USA and multiple U.S. sports federations, were delivered on Monday to congressional leaders seeking, among other things, an $8.5 billion economic stabilization fund for youth sports providers and the formation of a youth sports COVID-19 Task Force. |
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Building A Super-Bond with Audiences During The Pandemic
CYNOPSIS WEBINAR: THURSDAY (APR 30) @ 1:30 PM ET
As live sports/esports events and TV productions are being cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s critical for marketers and rights holders to be on top of their game in strengthening their connections with audiences in our “new normal.” Listen in as experts from the TV, sports media and esports communities share both their best practices as well as new methods of engendering audience loyalty through new form content.
REGISTER |
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On this Day
2001: The Falcons select Michael Vick with the first pick in the NFL Draft.
In the Know
In 1984, the NFL held a supplemental draft of players from the defunct USFL. Who was the first pick of that draft? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).
Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
Which NFL team has the distinction of being the only one to have ever made four first-round picks in the same Draft? Answer: The NY Jets. Kudos: Joel Maxwell/NY; Rick Ramage-UTA/NY; Art Salisch-Nielsen/NJ; Roger Furman-Sports Marketing Communications/Greentown; James J. Pepe-Villain Barbecue/Bethlehem; Matt Sautter-WideOrbit/Harrisburg; Greg Moloznik-GLM Media/Scottsdale; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; David Westberg-SAG-AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank; Tom Hurwitz-Palisades Media/LA; Bruce Trotter-Cox/LA |
ASSOCIATE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Comcast Spectacor
NYC
An innovative-thinking sales executive, who can work and thrive in an entrepreneurial environment& partner w/acct execs to facilitate overall commercial success. 3-5 yrs of exp in ad sales, sponsorship, business development, or related fields. Full info HERE (5/5)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE >>
Comcast Spectacor/NYC: An innovative-thinking sales executive, who can work and thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. existing relationships with key decision makers (client direct, agency representatives, etc.) existing relationships with key decision makers (client direct, agency representatives, etc.) Full info HERE (5/5)
SALES DIRECTOR >>
WideOrbit/Denver: seeking an exp’d sales professional, with a strong work ethic and deep contacts, who can represent our full suite of Linear and Digital products & services. 5+ yrs of exp in a business dvlpmnt or sales role working on an international market(s) is req’d. Full info HERE (5/5)
PHOTO PRODUCER FILMS >>
Netflix/LA: lead strategic & impactful photo campaigns for original content unit photo, social, editorial & gallery shoots, & event photography. Strong PjM bkgd – ability to strategically plan & execute across multiple projects simultaneously. Info/Apply HERE (5/5)
MULTIPLATFORM PREDITOR >>
Bravo & E!/Universal City CA: Candidate bursting w/great ideas to develop stand-out work for our Social/Digital and Linear platforms. Proven creative experience within a Social agency, advertising agency or Entertainment environment. Full info HERE (5/5)
SR MULTIPLATFORM PREDITOR >>
Bravo & E!/Universal City CA: Exceptional creative thinker w/imagination, writing, producing and editing skills to create eye-catching idea lead promos and Social content. Exp with After Effects and/or other GFX applications. Full info HERE (5/5)
PROJECT MANAGER >>
Spectrum/NYC: Responsible for managing, planning, monitoring and reporting on key creative projects from conception through implementation. 2-5 years of Project management exp. Creative agency exp a +. Full info HERE (5/2)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, WEATHER >>
Spectrum News App/St Petersburgh FL: Guide the creation of written, video, photo, graphic, audio, and live stream content amongst the weather app team. 5+ yrs producing news & Familiarity with the AP print writing style. Website/CMS platform management exp. Full info HERE (5/2)
SR ANALYST, PROGRAM RESEARCH >>
A + E/NYC: Compile and analyze viewing data for VICE TV and their competition to fulfill daily demands of the Prgrmng, Scheduling and Ad Sales teams. BA Deg &2+ yrs in TV research at a cable network, rep firm, syndicator, broadcast network or ad agency or research firm. Full info HERE (4/28)
SR DATA ANALYST >>
Disney + Product Analytics Customer Growth/NYC: Deep-Dive Analysis: Analyze user behavioral data to identify patterns, uncover opportunities & create common understanding of how people are interacting with the platform and content. 4+ yrs of analytical exp. Full info HERE (4/28)
VP MARKETING STRATEGY, NEWS >>
ViacomCBS/NYC: Candidate w/extensive exp developing strategic, highly creative & effective cross-channel mktg campaigns to promote news programs, specials, and overall news brands and products. 10+ yrs exp in news, media, and/or TV mktg. Full info HERE (4/28)
DIRECTOR, PARTNERSHIPS Kidfluencers >>
batteryPOP LLC/NYC/LA: Joining a small team to help batteryPOP forge a new direction in the influencer space, including developing a suite of tools and resources to help youth focused creators & brands activate their audiences. 3+ yrs exp in influencer mktg & branded content dvlpmnt. Full info HERE (4/25)
DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE >>
Guru Studios/Toronto CA: Content enthusiast w/strong knwldg of children’s and family animated content across all media platforms to search, source & nurture new content opps & creative pitches, shepherding them from infancy to mkt. Min 5 yrs exp in a kids and family content dvlpmnt. Full info HERE (4/24)
PRODUCER/INVESTOR >>
Music Mix/Naples FL: Seeks Production Co. or Producer/Investor for a new reality concept that follows a small energetic crew around country interviewing popular bands; up and coming artists in the music industry – back-stage, live performances, record label interaction. Full info HERE (4/24)
VP PRODUCTION/HEAD OF PRODUCTION >>
Back Roads Entertainment/Austin TX: self-motivated Supervisor for BRE’s production and business efforts. Creating and negotiating all production budgets and schedules. Proficient in Movie Magic software. Full info HERE (4/24)
DIRECTOR, DIGITAL STRATEGY >>
Refuel Agency/NJ: Well versed in custom designing. Dvlp/plan campaign strategies across all social, search, content, display, native, email and mobile tactics that achieve client success and revenue growth. BA Deg +5 yrs progressive media agency exp. Full info HERE (4/23)
MEDIA PLANNER/BUYER TV INVESTMENTS >>
BPMS/Summit NJ: Reporting to the Group Director you’re resp for the strategic planning, negotiation, and management of linear and non-traditional linear TV. 3-5 years of progressive agency TV buying/planning exp. Working knwldg of data analytics & media mix modeling. Full info HERE (4/23)
LEAD RESEARCHER – QUALITATIVE MODERATOR & QUANTITATIVE ANALYST >>
Miner & Co Studio/NYC: Candidate w/strong moderating & analytical skills. Heavily involved throughout the project lifecycle from proposal writing to final reports & presentations. Min 5yrs leading role for qualitative rsrch as a lead moderator. Full info HERE (4/23)
SITUATION WANTED ADS below are individuals looking to be hired
SITUATION WANTED >>
Producer/Writer and Creative Dir w/over 15 yrs of experience in directing, writing and producing tv; radio; video; web media and strategic marketing w/expertise in brand strategy and client relationship mgmt. Excellent knwl of consumer behavior and mktg techniques used to activate response. Contact: [email protected] (4/30)
SITUATION WANTED >>
Unscripted development executive; 20+ years experience; LA/open to relocation; extensive contacts with buyers/producers, strong deal-making skills, 360 understanding of the unscripted business. Contact: [email protected] (4/29)
SITUATION WANTED >>
Experienced Script Consultant seeks reader positions at a film/TV studio, agency, or management company. Available for remote hire. Contact: [email protected] (4/29)
SITUATION WANTED >>
Looking for production or post-production work. I have 4k production services for video & sound, as well as editing workstation for final delivery. I have 15 years of network, agency, and corporate exp. LA area. You can see samples of my work at www.cruzcontent.com Contact: [email protected] (4/29)
SITUATION WANTED >>
10-15 yrs in creative production, operations. Extensive exp producing animated & live-action content. Expert budget mngmnt. Cross-functional & international team leader. Provide collaborative environment where creatives can do their best work. ATL/reloc LA www.linkedin.com/in/aaronweiler
Contact: [email protected] (4/29)
SITUATION WANTED >>
Coordinating Producer & Broadcast Exec in NYC/Philly/NJ area w/ 6 Emmys & 25 yrs exp in studio, live event, feature & multimedia content at MLB/NHL Network, ESPN & NBC Sports Philadelphia. Skills: TV prod, writing, interviewing, video editing, management, mentoring. Taught TV prod/writing classes for 6 yrs at Rider U. [email protected] (4/29)
SITUATION WANTED AD >>
Director of Accounts Management position. 12 years of experience NYC-Area. Google Ads, Bing Ads, Google Analytics, Verizon Media Certified- also experience with Dv360, Facebook, Verizon, Amazon, and The Trade Desk [email protected] (4/28)
SITUATION WANTED AD >>
Producer/Coordinating Producer with 25+ years exp including ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports and Discovery. Areas of expertise include live production, studio and remote production, writing and post production. Seeking full-time or freelance opportunities. Based in the MA/CT area. Contact: [email protected] (4/28)
SITUATION WANTED >>
Casting Director, Talent Consultant, Story Producer – with over two decades of experience in union & non union talent, experts, talking heads and celebrity booking. located in NYC but able to interview, record (skype & zoom), and work remotely. Contact: [email protected] (4/25)
SITUATION WANTED >>
EVENTS MANAGEMENT/PRODUCTION PRO: Produce high-profile world-class events/productions for leading organizations (corporate/non-profit); 20+ years’ experience, national TV credits, talent booking/coordination, superb contacts. FT or freelance. NYC area. [email protected] (4/25)
SITUATION WANTED >>
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/MARKETING ROLE: Creative thinker, problem solver, dynamic and personable with excellent communications skills. I have the drive to succeed and exceed company goals. I bring high-level strategic thinking to problem-solving to meet customer demands. Contact: [email protected] (4/25)
SITUATION WANTED >>
I’m a host and producer looking to help create good content! I’ve hosted for 10+ years, most recently at Billboard News, The Hollywood Reporter, MSG Networks, and the New York Mets. I’m based in New York and can operate Final Cut Pro, A/V recording, teleprompter, voiceover, ideation and execution. Contact: [email protected] (4/25)
SITUATION WANTED >>
Content Development, Partnerships, Artist Relations. 10+years of experience. In NYC but open to other locations. Contact: [email protected] (4/25)
SITUATION WANTED >>
Full-cycle Talent Acquisitions pro with 15+ yrs experience at top-tier NYC companies available for contract, consulting or staff position. Results-oriented, articulate, strategic collaborator. Excels in fast-paced, creative, competitive arenas including Media, Digital, Advertising, PR/Comms. Contact: [email protected] (4/25) |
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