The Sports Media Podcast An SBJ writer roundtable; Kate Scott gets back to women's hoops; and the Wild and Blue Jackets keep their address on Main Street.
Oct 9, 2025
The podcast features a fascinating roundtable on NFL media rights, discussing opt-out rumors and streamer interests. NASCAR's viewership challenges and rights fragmentation take center stage, alongside Formula One's potential new deal with Apple. The NBA's massive media deal and local TV constraints are explored, as is golf's strategy on tournament tiering. Highlights include Kate Scott's return to WNBA broadcasting and the revenue spikes from MLB wild card viewership. NBC's new NBA studio show, featuring basketball legends, promises engaging moments for fans.
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NFL Rights Could Be Reopened Early
- Ben Fisher highlights the growing push to reopen NFL media-rights deals earlier than the formal opt-out in 2029.
- Legacy broadcasters may pay more for longer certainty, which suits linear networks in 2025.
Streamers May Shun Low-Profile NFL Windows
- Fisher doubts streamers will necessarily want low-profile Sunday afternoon NFL games despite theoretical value.
- He warns those regional, lower-quality windows may not fit streamer strategies even if money exists.
NASCAR Took Money But Lost Consistency
- Adam Stern says NASCAR's new multi-partner rights deal increased revenue but fragmented exposure.
- Ratings dipped after early-season promise, and on-track issues and fan pushback compounded the trend.