| FOX Sports gave The Spring League its first taste of broadcast television over the weekend, with the sport hitting season five this year. The league, while saw rival football leagues grab headlines in recent years, only to struggle out of season one, was founded by Brian Woods in 2017. Since that time, the org has seen over 200 players signed by NFL and CFL teams. Cynopsis Sports caught up with Woods to talk about the league’s partnership with FOX, laying a long-term foundation and what lies ahead.
Woods on positioning the league: From our initial launch in 2017, our model has been predicated on centralizing our operations and eliminating travel between multiple cities. In essence, we’ve conducted business since day one with a structure equipped to operate in a pandemic. For our 2021 season, we’ve added two additional teams, bringing our membership to eight, and added a second hub market, playing games in both Indianapolis and Houston. With other leagues having some struggles, there is an abundance of talented football players looking for a place to showcase their ability, and we expect to put a high-quality product on the field each game.
On keys to sustainability: We operate with a disciplined business model that has eliminated several of the significant costs associated with traditional sports leagues. In essence, by centralizing our operations, we’ve eliminated the need for multiple venues and travel between those markets. We also assess a “development fee” to players who have not been with an NFL team in some capacity within the last three years. These are just a few of the measures we’ve taken to mitigate potential losses. All of these things have helped The Spring League continue operating and allowing players to participate in our league and potentially get seen where they may not have otherwise.
On FOX Sports: The partnership with FOX has been nothing short of unbelievable for us. The entire team at FOX has been incredibly supportive. We are innovators, and Eric Shanks and I are aligned in our vision for TSL. Our fans will see the use of unique camera angles, more audio from the huddle, and even an on-field cameraman to put our fans right next to the action. We’re keen to push the envelope and create a unique viewing experience for our audience.
On a source of pride: I believe our most significant success is the number of players we’ve created opportunities for. To date, over 100 TSL players have been signed by NFL clubs. It’s also noteworthy that we’re the only outdoor professional football league that has lasted more than three seasons since the USFL.
On sponsors: There’s definitely been interest from major brands, and in categories you’d expect for a pro sports league. We need to prove the skeptics, who’ve seen two other attempts at spring pro football fail within the last 18 months, that we’re not going away. Ultimately, the activation we’re receiving from FOX should be a catalyst to procure worthwhile partnerships for TSL down the road.
PROGRAMMING
The National Women’s Soccer League revealed its full broadcast schedule for the 2021 season, with play kicking off on Saturday. CBS will carry three regular season matches, as well as the 2021 NWSL Championship. CBS Sports Network will then offer 11 regular season games as well as three playoff contests, including one quarterfinal and both semifinals. Paramount+ will exclusively stream 82 additional regular season matches in the U.S. as well as the postseason. All matches will be streamed live internationally on Twitch, and Twitch will exclusively stream 24 matches globally, including in the U.S. “We are excited to build on the momentum of another successful NWSL Challenge Cup and bring fans all of the action from the 2021 season,” said Dan Weinberg, Executive Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports. “Our multiplatform coverage will highlight some of the world’s top soccer talent across the CBS Television Network, CBS Sports Network and Paramount+. We look forward to a thrilling stretch of high-quality soccer, capped off by the 2021 NWSL Championship match on CBS.”
Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a post-race drug test, jeopardizing the horse’s win in the famed race as well as the horse’s run for the Triple Crown, according to reports. Trainer Bob Baffert was suspended by Churchill Downs as a result, and denied knowledge of any wrongdoing. “To be clear, if the findings are upheld, Medina Spirit’s results in the Kentucky Derby will be invalidated and Mandaloun will be declared the winner,” Churchill Downs officials said in a statement. This would mark the fifth Baffert horse to have failed a drug test in over a year, according to the NY Post.
Chael Sonnen, a former UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight title contender and longtime MMA studio and on-site analyst, inked a new multi-year extension with ESPN. Per his new agreement, Sonnen will continue to cover UFC fight weekends and, along with MMA Insider Ariel Helwani, continue to co-host the ESPN+ exclusive series Ariel & the Bad Guy.
Univision TUDN’s telecast of this year’s UEFA Champions League Semi-Final round set new highs for the property stateside as TUDN delivered the top-rated performance ever for the round. Featuring Real Madrid vs. Chelsea and Man. City vs. Paris Saint-Germain, the Semi-Finals averaged 1.01 million Total Viewers P2+ and 518,000 Adults 18-49 on Univision and TUDN, becoming the first time the round delivered more than 1 million viewers on average, according to Nielsen.
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| SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION
With five states set to allow student-athletes to make endorsement deals beginning this summer and more on the way, NCAA President Mark Emmert stated that he would recommend college sports’ governing bodies approve new rules extending similar rights to players across the country “before, or as close to, July 1,” according to The New York Times. The new state-level laws empowering student-athletes to sign endorsement deals are slated to go into effect in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and New Mexico on July 1.
Formula E and the FIA announced a six-year extension surrounding their collaboration of the FIA Girls on Track program, with ABB, Formula E’s title partner, joining the initiative as its first global partner. This new collaboration seeks to boost outreach in key markets and grow the program across new territories, benefitting countless young women and providing them access to new learning materials and opportunities. FIA Girls on Track will feature at four events during each ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season and stage ancillary events to promote the role of women in motorsport by educating and inspiring the next generation.
DIGITAL, DATA & TECH
Genius Sports entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Second Spectrum, a leading provider of data tracking and visualization solutions. With the pickup, Genius Sports will look to offer new levels of rich data-driven insights to its partners around the world, benefiting leagues, federations, teams, fans, coaches, sportsbooks, broadcasters and sponsors. Second Spectrum will also bring a highly complementary client base, building on Genius Sports’ official data partnerships with over 400 sports organizations, including the NFL, MLB, EPL and NCAA.
ESPORTS
After 15 months of remote matches, including a vast majority of its inaugural season, the Call of Duty League has made the call to have each of its 12 in the same location playing LAN matches for its Major IV tournament weekend from June 17-20. The matches will run at Esports Stadium Arlington. Only the teams and limited league staff will be in attendance for the weekend’s tournament, which will be streamed as normal on YouTube and will have rapid-response COVID testing for the participants.
e.l.f. Cosmetics became the first major beauty brand to launch a branded channel on Twitch, according to the company, launching the platform on Sunday. Programming will feature new streams every week, focused on the concept of “Game-Up” – the intersection of gaming and makeup. “Launching a Twitch channel is another demonstration that anything is e.l.f.ing possible,” says Kory Marchisotto, Chief Marketing Officer at e.l.f. Beauty. “We are always looking to blaze new trails when it comes to connecting with our current and new fans and believe Twitch is our next frontier—it’s interactive, engaging, authentic and live.”
INDUSTRY & ROSTER MOVES
ESPN promoted two executives to the title of Senior Vice President. Brian Lockhart was upped to Senior Vice President, ESPN+ Original Content and ESPN Films, overseeing strategy, development, production and integration of all original programming initiatives under the ESPN Films & 30 for 30 umbrella, as well as original series and studio shows on ESPN+. Additionally, ESPN promoted Mike Shiffman to Senior Vice President, Production and he will continue to oversee all production aspects of ESPN’s basketball categories, including event and studio for the NBA, WNBA and men’s and women’s college basketball.
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On this Day
1967: Hank Aaron hits an inside-the-park HR.
IN THE KNOW
Who was the last MLB player to hit an inside-the-park HR? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).
Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
In what country were the first Winter Olympics held? Answer: France. Kudos: John Ferlazzo/London; Aymon DeMauro-ADM Media & Marketing/NY; Michael Ritz-Lenox Advisors/NY; Denis Barry-CBS/NY; Synda Kollman-Charter Marketing Group/Boca Raton; John Kukla-WSFW-KDFI/ Dallas-Fort Worth; Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Station; Kyle Krebs-Limestone Minerals/Dallas, Stacy Adams-Apple TV+/Culver City; Willie Price-American Forces Network/Riverside; Greg Dudsic/Palmdale; Lorrie Shilling/EL Segundo
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PRODUCTION ATTORNEY (TEMPORARY)
A+E NETWORKS
NYC
Provide legal counsel to internal production groups on day-to-day production related matters. Pre-Broadcast and Production Counseling, Agreement Negotiation and Clearance Review, general Legal advice and Clearance review. 4-6+ years of legal practice required with preferred 2 years min of production firm legal experience. Full info HERE (5/24)
BOOKKEEPER/PRODUCTION ACCOUNTANT >>
MY ENTERTAINMENT/NYC-REMOTE: NYC-based production company looking for a full-time Bookkeeper/Production Accountant to work both remotely and in office. Seeking candidate with 3-7 years’ experience and skilled in QuickBooks and Excel required. Full info HERE (5/19)
ACCOUNT MANAGER DIGITAL SALES
THE WEATHER GROUP
NYC, NY
Positively impact revenue, especially renewals, by building and delivering effective advertising service. Create media proposals, compile campaign and coordinate between departments. 3+ years proven work experience in digital video media required, experience in the OTT/FEP environment preferred. Full info HERE (5/19)
SALES PLANNER
E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
CHICAGO
Build, revise and maintain sales proposals, compile proposal requests and reweights and liaise with Sales, Pricing & Planning and Commercial Operations. 2+ years of industry related advertising experience required; college degree preferred. Full info HERE (5/19)
SALES PLANNER
E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
NYC
Build, revise and maintain sales proposals, compile proposal requests and reweights and liaise with Sales, Pricing & Planning and Commercial Operations. 2+ years of industry related advertising experience required; college degree preferred. Full info HERE (5/19)
AVP SENIOR COUNSEL – CONTENT >>
AT&T/EL SEGUNDO, CA: Partner with content distribution business clients to develop strategy, deal structure, desired rights and protections. Critically evaluate complex agreements. Clearly identify issues and opportunities to optimize DIRECTV’s position. Strong academic credentials from a highly recognized law school required. Full info HERE (5/18)
ASSOCIATE MANAGER, INTEGRATED MARKETING >>
INTERACTIVE ONE/NYC, NY: Concept and formulate both large- and small-scale ideas into innovative, marketable programs. Champion and help implement the vision and go-to-market strategy and digital sales positioning. Minimum 2-years of digital advertising sales marketing experience required. Full info HERE (5/18)
ASSOCIATE MANAGER, INTEGRATED MARKETING >>
INTERACTIVE ONE/NYC, NY: Lead and implement the strategic and creative development as well as management of revenue-generating marketing. Oversee the day-to-day management of all digital pre-sales and post-sales responsibilities. Minimum 2-years of digital advertising sales marketing experience required. Full info HERE (5/18)
MANAGER, INTEGRATED MARKETING >>
INTERACTIVE ONE/NYC, NY: help craft sales strategies and creative solutions in response to RFPs as well as help build a roster of off-the-shelf and custom program offerings to support and drive the sales process. Minimum 4-years of digital advertising sales marketing experience required. Full info HERE (5/18)
LEGAL OR BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
BROADWAY VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT/NYC, NY: Negotiating, reviewing and drafting production and distribution agreements. Traffic outside counsel workflow including maintaining overall counsel budget and shepherding invoices. Law degree or paralegal or business affairs experience with demonstrated interest in Entertainment industry. Full info HERE (5/17)
ASSOCIATE PROGRAM PRODUCER >>
HEARST TELEVISION/WASHINGTON DC: Ideation, researching, booking, writing, field producing, script editing, studio producing, control room supervision, rights clearance, digital development and travel planning. Exceptional story-telling, conceptualization and visualization skills required. 7+ years of experience as a show or line producer. Full info HERE (5/17)
MANAGER, PRODUCT MARKETING & MARKETING SOLUTIONS >>
CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR/NYC, NY: Translate technical product details into customer benefits in collaboration with the CCO RADAR and Programmatic teams. Achieve on-going fluency in the details and nuances of CCO Radar and Programmatic products and develop product marketing strategies. Deep understanding of Programmatic Buying & Planning, Product Marketing required Full info HERE (5/17)
SENIOR MANAGER, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS, ACCOUNTING
A+E NETWORKS
NYC
Develop and maintain a detailed compensation budget file and fringe expense budget. Responsible for determining and recording all comp & benefit accruals/entries for the monthly close cycle. 6 or more years in accounting and or compensation/benefits with strong knowledge of the balance sheet and the income statement required. Full info HERE (5/16)
SR. SALES PLANNER >>
REELZ/NYC, New York: Create/revise upfront/scatter media plans, account stewardship & serve as agency liaison. Experienced candidate will have opportunity to carry an agency list. Should be comfortable presenting and cultivating agency relationships. A min. 5 years ad sales exp. Strong written and verbal communication skills, strong media math skills. Proficient in Wide Orbit, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint. Apply HERE. (5/16)
JR. SALES PLANNER >>
REELZ/NY, NY: Create/revise upfront/scatter media plans, account stewardship & serve as agency liaison. Deal maintenance of small list of accounts: order entry, flighting, allocations, revisions. A min. 2 years ad sales exp. Strong written and verbal communication skills, strong media math skills. Proficient in Wide Orbit, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint. Apply HERE. (5/16)
SR PRODUCER/DIRECTOR >>
GRACE CHAPEL/LEXINGTON, MA: Creatively plan, execute, and produce content that meets the strategic goals of our Digital Ministry. Supervise and provide hands-on execution of videography, photography, and post-production processes. Strong proficiency with digital video cameras, audio recorder and computer editing on Premiere Pro required. Full info HERE (5/15)
BROADCAST VIDEO EDITOR/PRODUCER
ROCKBOT
DETROIT/REMOTE
Cutting trailers, TV campaigns, digital spots and campaigns, special content and in-house reels. Make producer decisions with creativity and decisiveness while paying special attention to sensitive content. Min 3 years of professional video editing experience; detailed working knowledge of Adobe Premier and Adobe After Effects required. Full info HERE (5/15)
DIRECTOR OF AD OPERATIONS
ROCKBOT
REMOTE
Structure the optimal workflow between different platforms and systems in the ad serving ecosystem. Ownership of all supply related set up, configuration, trafficking and troubleshooting. 7+ years’ experience in digital advertising including video, CTV, OTT and Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required. Full info HERE (5/15)
COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
TV ONE
NYC, NY
Manages the On-air Program Log construction process; the playlist delivery to Master Control and the reconciliation of such logs. Serve as the main point of contact for the promotions department and programming department. 2+ years of experience in Broadcast Cable Log Operations required. Full info HERE (5/14)
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC RELATIONS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Strategizes and implements publicity plans that generate positive trade press and consumer coverage of the network and its assets. Generate publicity for network programming and branding in consumer, business, and trade press specifically. Minimum of 8 years related experience required. Full info HERE (5/14)
SALES PLANNER
TV ONE
CHICAGO
Create Upfront/Scatter media plans and prepare Pre & Post Analysis. Monitor performance of media schedule and assign ADU, update/Maintain/Validate internal reporting and develop professional client presentations. Strong written and verbal communication skills and Media Math skills required. Full info HERE (5/14)
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
TV ONE
NYC, NY
Produce various tracking, trending, and competitive performance reports. Support strategies in the form of analyses and presentation materials from various syndicated and custom research resources. Maintain program databases including Nielsen systems. Experience working with audience measurement tools a plus. Full info HERE (5/14)
AD SALES COORDINATOR, DIRECT RESPONSE
TV ONE
NYC, NY
Utilizing internal computer system to fulfill sales orders through the execution of client schedules. Serve as the primary point of contact for ad agencies and TV One to resolve discrepancies, schedule changes and distribute post and pre-logs. Bachelor’s degree preferred or 2 years of experience in advertising sales. Full info HERE (5/14)
DIRECT RESPONSE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
TV ONE
NYC, NY
Carry out the entire sales process from initial contact to deal close. Build and maintain exceptional relationships with advertisers and agencies by communicating TV One and CLEO TV Network’s values and brand strength. Strong knowledge of the cable industry and in particular as it relates to African-American demographics required. Full info HERE (5/14)
VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC RELATIONS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Conceives, plans, and directs the full scope of communications and public relations strategies and works with senior management to develop positive messaging priorities about the company and its activity. Provides strategic direction, guidance, and input. Minimum 12 years of experience including senior-level PR required. Full info HERE (5/14)
SENIOR MANAGER, NEWS & CONTENT
SPECTRUM
NYC, NY
Provide leadership for the daily editorial process working closely with Senior Executive Producers and planning managers in developing coverage plans. Assist and approve coverage plans and help decide which stories are newsworthy. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Master’s Degree preferred, 3 + years Management experience required. Full info HERE (5/13)
PUBLICITY, FREELANCE >>
LITTON ENTERTAINMENT/BURBANK CA: Develop, plan and execute strategic integrated media campaigns including pitching story ideas to trade and consumer media outlets. Draft and distribute internal and external announcements and coordinate photo, print and broadcast media requests. 7+ years of progressive entertainment industry experience within communications required. Full info HERE (5/13)
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