Good morning! It’s Tuesday, and this is the monthly Cynopsis Sports newsletter. |
CLOSING THE VENU |
As galvanizing as Venu Sports’ entrance into the streaming world was, so was its abrupt conclusion. On the same day that Fox, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery were set to begin oral arguments with Fubo in its lawsuit preventing Venu’s launch, the two sides came to an agreement: Disney would combine its Hulu + Live TV business with Fubo and become the majority owner of that company, which will operate under the Fubo moniker publicly and be led by the existing Fubo management team. Fubo was also given the green light to create a new “Sports & Broadcasting” service, which features premium networks from the Venu trio.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Disney to create a consumer-first streaming company that combines the strengths of the Fubo and Hulu + Live TV brands,” Fubo co-founder/CEO David Gandler said. “This combination enables us to deliver on our promise to provide consumers with greater choice and flexibility. Additionally, this agreement allows us to scale effectively, strengthens Fubo’s balance sheet and positions us for positive cash flow. It’s a win for consumers, our shareholders, and the entire streaming industry.”
All litigation between Fubo and the jv was settled as well, paving the way for Venu to finally lift off—or so it seemed. Just four days after announcing the settlement agreement, Venu’s trio of backers discontinued the service altogether and said they wouldn’t move forward with the contemplated jv.
“In an ever-changing marketplace, we determined that it was best to meet the evolving demands of sports fans by focusing on existing products and distribution channels. We are proud of the work that has been done on Venu to date and grateful to the Venu staff, whom we will support through this transition period,” Fox, Disney and WBD said in a statement.
In those four days between the settlement and discontinuation, there was a belief that Venu could be launched for the Super Bowl, considering Fox—this year’s Super Bowl rightsholder—doesn’t have a dedicated paid streaming service. But the main result of the settlement has been the new sports-oriented “skinny bundle” options that some have since introduced, showing similar characteristics to Fubo’s Sports & Broadcasting option.
DirecTV was among the first to unveil a sports pack of networks. The MVPD’s MySports offering has 40 sports and broadcasting channels, including the likes of ESPN, Fox Sports 1, TNT, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, NBA TV, the four broadcast nets and several more channels. Additional networks, local stations and ESPN+ will be added at no cost in the near future as well. However, MySports is only initially available in 24 metro areas such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and others. The cost? It usually runs at $69.99/month, but customers who sign up before Feb. 28 can get it for $49.99/month for the first three months.
Comcast joined the fun by announcing a new “Sports & News TV” package for customers at $70/month. It includes over 50 broadcast, cable news and sports channels, a Peacock subscription, 300 hours of cloud DVR storage and 100+ free streaming channels. That includes every broadcast channel, Telemundo and Univision, popular news channels including Fox News, CNBC, CNN and MSNBC in addition to sports on Golf Channel, FS1 and more.
So what’s next for the companies formerly behind Venu? Disney and ESPN are getting ready to launch their flagship DTC product in the second half of 2025. WBD still has its Max product that could be bundled with other streamers, and Fox has a free streamer in Tubi. Time will tell who fires the next shot in the streaming wars. |
NOT AN OPTIMAL DISPUTE |
The new year usually comes with carriage disputes, and one that’s continued to plague fans in the New York tri-state area is between MSG Networks and Altice USA’s Optimum. MSGN has been dark on Optimum since the beginning of January, meaning fans in Optimum’s service area haven’t been able to watch the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, Sabres and Devils. There’s since been plenty of back and forth between the companies, but with MSG Networks in debt and possibly on the road toward bankruptcy, it still could be quite some time before a resolution is reached—especially considering Optimum is alleging MSG Entertainment Executive Chairman/CEO James Dolan backed out of a nearly completed deal.
“MSG Networks’ Executive Chairman James Dolan abruptly ended negotiations with Optimum. His exact words to Optimum’s CFO were, ‘I’m here to shut this down.’ This was a shocking turn of events as tremendous progress had been made to reach a deal, and Optimum was preparing for content restoration when he shut down conversations,” Optimum said in its latest release regarding the blackout.
Optimum claims that almost half of its customers who have access to the RSN never turned the channel on in 2024. MSGN is pointing disgruntled customers to other options like the Gotham Sports app, which features the five MSGN teams in addition to YES Network’s telecasts of the Yankees and Nets. Gotham subscriptions run at $41.99/month or $359.99/year (single-game passes can be purchased for $10 each). The network is also offering Optimum subscribers who switch to Verizon’s Fios TV a Verizon gift card worth up to $200. |
LIV TO WIN |
LIV Golf has a new TV home, and it’s the league’s biggest one yet. After launching in 2021 and finding broadcasts on YouTube, CW Network and other platforms, LIV Golf is set to join the Fox Sports family in a multi-year media rights agreement that’ll include live coverage throughout the U.S. All three days of LIV Golf tournament competition will air across Fox’s portfolio of networks, and more than half of the league’s schedule will air on Fox or Fox Sports 1. Select rounds will air on Fox Sports 2, Fox Business Network and the Fox Sports app, which will also stream all LIV Golf coverage alongside those who are subscribed to LIV Golf+. Broadcasts will still be produced by LIV Golf’s in-house team. Arlo White will continue to handle play-by-play duties alongside analysts David Feherty and Jerry Foltz in the booth, with Dom Boulet and Su-Ann Heng contributing from around the course. Pre- and post-round shows will be hosted by Christian Crosby, who’ll be joined by Rachel Drummond, Jerry Foltz, Heng and Boulet.
The Fox deal isn’t the only way LIV Golf is trying to rapidly expand its audience. The league announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Rick Shiels Media, making it LIV Golf’s first official collaboration with a major content creator in Rick Shiels. Shiels, who currently boasts 2.91 million subscribers on YouTube after originally starting his channel in 2012, will attend all 14 LIV Golf League events and mix in his signature series such as “Break 75,” where he’ll play all LIV Golf venues the week of the respective event, and “10 Shot Challenge,” where Shiels faces off against some of the biggest stars in golf while starting with a 10-stroke advantage. Additionally, Shiels will launch TotShots this year, a recreational golf program designed for children aged 3-5 that seeks to introduce young players to the game. LIV Golf said it’ll contribute $50,000 annually to the initiative. |
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CABLE & BROADBAND JOBS
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SADDLE UP, PARTNER |
The Professional Bull Riders are looking to give a lucky fan the ride of a lifetime. PBR is joining forces with country singer Cody Johnson to create “The Cody Johnson VIP Flyaway Sweepstakes.” One grand prize winner will get travel and hotel accommodations to attend four events along with three of their friends: Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo on May 16, the PBR World Finals: Championship from May 17-18, a Cody Johnson concert in San Antonio on June 20 and a meet and greet with Johnson. Two second-place winners will also receive two tickets to the PBR World Finals Championship on May 18.
Johnson recently capped “The Leather Tour,” where he sold out 30 shows. “The Leather Deluxe Tour” kicked off Jan. 17, and PBR is looking to align itself with the growing success that Johnson is enjoying with his popularity. We spoke with PBR CEO/Commissioner Sean Gleason about the partnership and what it signals for PBR as it continues to expand its reach among fans.
What inspired PBR to orchestrate this partnership and sweepstakes, and what went into the planning process to make it happen?
Music has always been a big part of the PBR experience and Cody Johnson has been a fan and supporter of the PBR for many years. It was a very brief conversation between Cody and myself and we were able to frame up a mutually beneficial partnership and promotion. We are always thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with exceptional music artists, especially those in country music. There is significant cross-over between the PBR and Cody Johnson audiences, and we saw a tremendous opportunity to develop a special opportunity for our fans. We quickly put the PBR machine into action and within a matter of weeks were able to launch the sweepstakes. Cody Johnson is an incredible performer, and a cowboy at his core, and by combing our two worlds we are prepared to give one fan an experience of a lifetime as my personal guest.
How does this partnership with Cody Johnson for the Ultimate VIP Fan Flyaway play into PBR’s overall strategy to reach new audiences and gain new fans?
The Western lifestyle, country music and western sports have never been hotter. Cody Johnson is one of, if not the, most authentic country music artists performing today who has crossed over to achieve mainstream success. PBR has been bringing western sports to mainstream America for over three decades with numerous record-setting years of late. Both PBR and Cody Johnson are at the forefront of the resurgence of western culture which gives us an opportunity to court new fans we call “western curious.” Working with Cody Johnson is a huge chance to harness that momentum and expose folks to the grittiest sport on dirt.
What measures are being taken to ensure that the sweepstakes runs smoothly and meets fan expectations?
Executing world-class events and delivering for fans is at the core of both PBR and Cody Johnson. PBR has more than 30 years of producing memories that last a lifetime. The grand prize winner will be my personal guest to Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo, PBR World Finals – Championship and Cody’s concert in San Antonio, so I will personally provide them exclusive access and one hell of a good time. We have a long history of executing and delivering on successful promotions and this one will be no different.
Do you anticipate doing more initiatives involving high-profile artists/celebrities in the future?
The essence of PBR lends naturally to partnerships with many of the aspects of western culture. We have worked with and will continue to work with top artists. In the past, Steven Tyler sang a song commissioned by PBR for our television opener. Steven liked the song, “Hold On Won’t Let Go” so much that he included it on his hit debut solo country-flavored record. Currently Cole Hauser who plays Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone wrote, directed and stars in our brand campaign and we‘re actively working on the sequel to that campaign. PBR co-produced the film The Last Rodeo with Neal McDonough, another star of Yellowstone, which will debut in theaters around Memorial Day. We are in our second year of a one-of-a-kind partnership with Kid Rock to bring a new music-infused team-formatted rodeo to the biggest stage with Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo at AT&T Stadium in May. We’ve worked with many high-profile music artists and entertainers over the years and will continue to create authentic partnerships with like-minded artists that deliver mutual benefit. |
LOOKING FLY FOR NEW ORLEANS |
If you’re looking for something to wear to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, WEAR by Erin Andrews may have you covered. The company introduced a full collection of gear celebrating Super Bowl LIX that includes a variety of t-shirts, tank tops, crewnecks and jackets. The collection also features an exclusive, limited-edition collaboration with Rebecca Minkoff. Headlining the Rebecca Minkoff x WEAR by Erin Andrews Super Bowl LIX collab is the Tabitha Moto Jacket, which incorporates the casual sophistication both brands are renowned for. The full collection includes designs inspired by the vibrant energy of New Orleans while celebrating the AFC and NFC champions who will take the field next month.
The influx of female fans has been a welcome one for the NFL as it looks to reach more female audience groups. Cynopsis Sports spoke with SMAC Entertainment COO April Guidone, who helps oversee WEAR by Erin Andrews, about the collection and how it offers female fans more fashion options while supporting their teams.
How does the Super Bowl LIX collection build on the NFL’s growing popularity among women audiences?
Female sports fans are the reason we created WEAR by Erin Andrews, since day one our goal has been to deliver fashionable sports apparel to this audience. So, as women fans have finally gained the recognition and attention they deserve, it has given us the opportunity to further build our brand and solidify our position as the ultimate apparel destination for this rapidly growing fanbase. With this Super Bowl LIX collection, as with all of our other product launches, we’re continuing to push the envelope for gameday style with new and different fashion items that are flying off the shelves – in less than 24 hours we sold out our Philadelphia Eagles Super LIX Cropped Hoodie on Fanatics.com. It’s clear to us that this is a passionate fan base that is only going to continue to grow, so we’re thrilled to be able to outfit female fans this Super Bowl whether they’re watching the game at home or cheering on their favorite team in New Orleans.
What went into the design process? What themes were made a priority?
New Orleans is such a dynamic and vibrant city with a distinct cultural impact, we wanted that energy to be present throughout the collection. We created a design aesthetic that combined the charm of the Super Bowl LIX host city and with the vintage styles that are on trend across the fashion landscape right now. These are not just designs to be worn on gameday, but items meant to be a piece of history for sports fans that they can wear beyond Super Bowl LIX.
What made WEAR decide to collaborate with Rebecca Minkoff?
At WEAR by Erin Andrews we have always strived to give female sports fans the chance to rep their favorite teams without having to sacrifice their sense of style. In working with Rebecca Minkoff we take another step towards our goal to disrupt the traditional sports apparel space, innovating how we bring sports and fashion together for consumers. This is a partnership rooted is in female empowerment as two boundary-pushing founders are joining forces for the ultimate collaboration. |
MOVING CREW |
MLS is shifting some of its broadcast and production plans ahead of the 2025 season. MLS Productions will move to WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, where it’ll use WWE’s state-of-the-art production facility to produce MLS Season Pass. The new location allows the league to add new programming during the season and enables centralized solutions across the MLS workflow. MLS is also renewing its deal with IMG to have IMG continue to orchestrate live match and studio productions and programming for more than 600 annual games on MLS Season Pass. |
BY THE NUMBERS |
Ohio State is this year’s college football national champion after defeating Notre Dame in the CFP Final. The Buckeyes’ 34-23 win was the most-watched non-NFL sporting event over the past year with 22.1 million viewers, but that number is down 12% compared to last year’s CFP championship between Michigan and Washington which had 25 million viewers. This year’s bout was the third-lowest audience of all 11 CFP championship games, with all three bottom-ranking games having taken place within the last five years. The game peaked with 26.1 million viewers in the 8:30-45pm window.
On the NFL side of ESPN’s football broadcasts, it reeled in 33.8 million viewers for the Chiefs’ win over the Texans in the AFC Divisional Round. That’s ESPN’s most-watched NFL game ever and is up 4% from last year’s Divisional Round game between the Texans and Ravens.
The new 3v3 women’s basketball league is here. Unrivaled’s opening night viewership ushered in the two most-watched women’s basketball games on TNT Sports platforms ever. The Lunar Owls vs Mist game had 313,000 average viewers across TNT and truTV, while Vinyl vs Rose recorded 311,000 average viewers on the same networks. Peak concurrent streaming viewers on Max were 4X the previous women’s basketball all-time high, and Unrivaled content across Bleacher Report platforms had 31 million viewers during opening week.
Another new league hitting the airwaves is the TGL on ESPN. The new primetime golf league kicked off Jan. 7 to the tune of 919,000 viewers. The second match, which included the first time Tiger Woods competed in the event, had an average audience of 1 million viewers.
FloSports had its best week in history this month. From Jan. 13-19, FloSports had its most minutes streamed with over 191 million minutes live streamed. It had its most-viewed event on FloRacing as the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals reached 140,700 unique viewers and over 38 million social video views. To cap the week’s success, Varsity TV had its most-viewed event as it recorded 87,000 unique viewers and 32 million social video views for the UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Competition. |
NEW CAMPAIGNS |
Arts & Letters, the NHL, the NHLPA and ESPN teamed up for a promotional campaign ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off between the U.S., Canada, Finland and Sweden. The campaign, called “For Country. For Glory. Four Nations.,” focuses on the idea of national pride as well as unique storylines like how Avalanche teammates Mikko Rantanen (Finland), Nathan MacKinnon (Canada) and Cale Makar (Canada) are now pitted against each other in the tournament. Other players featured in the spot include Canada’s Sidney Crosby, Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk of the U.S. and Finland’s Aleksander Barkov. The event will run Feb. 12-20 and take place in Montreal’s Bell Centre and Boston’s TD Garden.
ESPN is working with Pharrell Williams on its new “NBA Saturday Primetime” campaign. It launched this past weekend amid ESPN’s coverage of the NBA Paris Game between the Spurs and Pacers. The campaign leans on Pharrell’s charisma and style to depict the excitement of primetime games as the NBA season winds down. The campaign will run through March 16. |
PARTNER UP |
Research consultancy and sports content platform El Míster is joining forces with Tradable Bits in a partnership that seeks to better understand regional sports fans through data acquisition, analysis and activation. The two companies will initially focus on gaining insights into unique behaviors of sports fans and how they engage with sports properties. Tradable Bits will customize a program to analyze fan satisfaction within sports venues, where the findings will be published in a series of reports co-authored by the two companies. Additional reports will be published throughout the year exploring habits, preferences and trends surrounding global football and baseball. |
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SPORTS MEDIA AWARDS
Who Will Be Our First Luminary of 2025?
The big reveal happens next week! Here’s a clue: this honoree has mastered the art of the 8-second thrill, bringing excitement and adrenaline to arenas across the country. Any guesses?
Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements and the best in sports media on June 4 in NYC. Entries close March 11th, but why wait?
Enter Today to Be Part of the Celebration! |
WHAT TO WATCH FOR |
The Chiefs and Eagles are set to meet yet again in this year’s Super Bowl. Hosted in New Orleans and slated for Feb. 9, the Big Game will air on Fox for the 11th time. But Fox is taking the Super Bowl to new platforms – free streaming service Tubi will air the game live in 4K. That’s in addition to the pre-show “Tubi Red Carpet at Super Bowl LIX” hosted by Olivia Culpo and beginning at 3:30pm.
D.C.-area RSN Monumental Sports Network is working with Sports Business Journal on a new show called “Sports Business Journal: Inside the Industry.” Premiered Monday, the show analyzes the trends, leaders and innovations that shape the sports industry today. Monumental’s Tarik El-Bashir hosts the show that features a rotating panel of SBJ reporters. Episodes will air on the last Monday of each month. |
EXECUTIVE MOVES |
Scott O’Neil is the new CEO of LIV Golf. O’Neil’s duties include driving the strategic vision, business operations and global growth for the league and its players as LIV Golf looks to enter its next phase of sustained growth. O’Neil previously served as CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, where he oversaw more than $2 billion of growth in enterprise value. He also has over 25 years of experience in leading global sports and entertainment brands. |
ON THIS DAY |
1960: The NFL unveils the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings as new franchises. While the latter is still searching for Lombardi glory, the Cowboys have since won five Super Bowls—tied for the second most with the 49ers and trailing only the Patriots and Steelers with six apiece.
1990: Speaking of the 49ers, Joe Montana led the team to win Super Bowl XXIV against the Broncos (55-10). It was San Francisco’s second consecutive Super Bowl crown and fourth overall.
2001: The Ravens beat the Giants 34-7 to win the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl. Ray Lewis won the game’s MVP award, and fans were served a halftime show special featuring Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Nelly, Mary J. Blige, Ray Charles and NSYNC.
2017: Serena Williams defeats her sister Venus Williams 6-4, 6-4 to win her seventh Australian Open singles title. |
VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC: Focus on FCC compliance, brand integrity for all current series and day-to-day business affairs for development and production. Strategize with management and outside counsel on business issues, and draft, review and execute various short-form business documents. Legal background and/or related media experience is required. Full info HERE
SALES LEAD – AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS
UPWAVE
NEW YORK, NY
Build and manage relationships with our agency partners – mostly targeting media buyers and planners – and help them see the value of adding Upwave measurement to The Trade Desk campaigns. You will both leverage your existing network and open new doors to achieve aggressive but achievable sales targets. Full info HERE
VICE PRESIDENT, POLITICAL SALES >>
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC./WASHINGTON, DC: Lead the company’s political advertising revenue across its dynamic portfolio of broadcast stations. Responsible for developing sales strategies tailored to the fast-paced, high-stakes political advertising market. You will possess an understanding of the political advertising landscape, and the ability to forge strong relationships with campaigns. Full info HERE
COUNSEL, LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
MLB NETWORK/SECAUCUS, NJ: Responsible for a variety of matters, including services agreements, production related agreements, talent agreements, software and other technology related agreements, licensing and programming agreements, third party rights clearances, distribution agreements, contract summaries, confidentiality, and general contract matters. Full info HERE
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Proven track record of monetizing digital assets on various social media platforms. Work closely with our production team in creating content and comprehensive marketing plans to increase market share. Full info HERE
INTERNATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Create and execute sales strategies and proposals- generating new sales from past, current and future leads by networking, building relationships and identifying valuable sales opportunities. Manage existing accounts and excel at identifying clients’ needs. Requires a self-driven individual who is passionate about the sports and media industry. Full info HERE
NATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Looking for another self-motivated, highly disciplined National AD Sales Executive that enjoys the sales process from beginning to close. If you bring the enthusiasm and determination we will supply the opportunity to make this the best position you’ve ever had. Full info HERE
LEAD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE >>
CASTIFY.AI/HYBRID: Expand our client base in the digital advertising industry and focus on business development, securing new clients and partnerships, and negotiating contracts with leading advertising brands and agencies as well as experience in the digital advertising sector, showcasing a proven track record of achieving targets and excelling in business development. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT REP: MPT NATIONAL CORPORATE SALES
MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION FOUNDATION
REMOTE
Call on current and prospective sponsors, providing high-quality customer service, in a manner consistent with standard industry practice, for the customer/client accounts for which they have cultivated or have been assigned as well as build sustainable, long-lasting relationships with existing clients. Full info HERE
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF AD SALES >>
HAYSTACK NEWS/NYNY, LA, CHICAGO: Responsible for developing large, meaningful partnerships to drive strategic and creative solutions for clients. You relish the opportunity to help advertisers build their brands by supporting the world’s most premium news publishers. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
INTERSECTION
LOS ANGELES, CA
Drive new revenue for our media around Los Angeles and beyond as well as building relationships with prospects and clients. Full info HERE |
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