Sports Media with Richard Deitsch Sports Media Predictions for 2026
Dec 29, 2025
Jon Lewis, founder of Sports Media Watch, and Austin Karp, media reporter at Sports Business Journal, dive into their bold predictions for 2026. They forecast the World Cup as a record-breaking TV event, though its impact on U.S. soccer may be fleeting. Discussions also touch on MLB’s evolving broadcast rights and potential turmoil in regional sports networks. They analyze the futures of smaller leagues and debate whether Turner Sports can maintain its hold amid corporate changes, all while addressing the star power of athletes like Caitlin Clark.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Record U.S. World Cup Viewership
- The 2026 World Cup hosted in North America will likely be the most-watched World Cup in U.S. history.
- Time zones, a favorable U.S. draw, and Nielsen measurement changes will boost domestic viewership.
MLB Could Reclaim Local RSNs
- MLB may absorb many local RSNs currently with Diamond Sports as DAZN talks falter.
- That would be a first step toward a national streaming package of local rights.
NBA Broadcast Landscape Is Shifting
- Prime Video and NBC's NBA coverage is getting praise and raising the bar for ESPN.
- That pressure will force ESPN to improve its NBA presentation.