We have reached the end of 2025 which was a very busy year in the world of sports television. The sports media landscape saw the usual personnel shifts, media rights agreements, and heated fodder for media beef. It also saw a number of major headlines that dominated audiences and grabbed the attention of sports media consumer.
Barrett Media is looking back on TV’s top stories of 2025, led by a network defining moment for ESPN, going direct-to-consumer.
#5 – Michael Jordan Returns to the NBA on NBC
NBC was looking to make a splash with the network’s return to NBA coverage. Many of the biggest memories of the Michael Jordan era were aired on NBC Sports, including all six title runs for the hall of famer.
When NBC held their upfronts, many speculated on if the network would lean into the nostalgia factor that welcomed in so many fans for decades. NBC didn’t disappoint. The lights dimmed, a projector screen lit up and Jordan provided a message that rang louder than any fax of his past did.
The speculation captured sports media around the country. Many asking what could viewers expect from Jordan being a “special contributor” to NBC Sports coverage of the NBA. Could Jordan serve as a guest analyst during games? How about some halftime analysis? Would Jordan be used as a commentator when major league storylines warranted his perspective?
Instead, fans have seen short clips from an extended interview with Mike Tirico. These aired during the network’s first few months of coverage. Hype matched? Some speculate as to if there’s been enough, or if there’s so much more to be expected.
No matter your viewpoint on the execution of Jordan into the NBC Sports formula, his presence alone draws immediate interest and viewership. Something NBC Sports hopes to continue into their stretch run, and early playoff coverage.
#4 – FS1 Turmoil and Show Cancellations Leads To Barstool Sports Partnership
2025 was filled with headlines surrounding talent and staff at FS1. The network started the year with a pair of sexual misconduct lawsuits which led to settlements and executive Charlie Dixon being removed. His name was listed in both suits. While the fallout of those lawsuits continued throughout 2025, the summer brought a number of cancellations leaving many questions about the future of FS1.
Fox moved away from in-house owned and produced programming in mornings with the cancellations of Breakfast Ball and The Facility. That left a gaping hole in their daytime programming lineup heading into football season. The network also cancelled Speak featuring Joy Taylor, who was also referenced in one of the lawsuits filed. Taylor allegedly told a former FS1 makeup artist to “get over it” in reference to an alleged incident of sexual battery. Taylor denied the claim and stated that her removal from FS1 was not tied to the lawsuit.
FS1’s answer to the cancellations was rooted in a new partnership with Barstool Sports. The network teamed up with the digital sports content giant to house and produce a two hour morning show for FS1. The program would repeat in airing immediately following the conclusion of the live show. The answer to cancelling Speak was extending First Things First by an hour to a three-hour afternoon show. Danny Parkins was also added to the mix.
Despite a lot of buzz, the Barstool Sports partnership gained little ground in viewership. Some reports have shown viewership numbers to be lower than the previously aired Breakfast Ball. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy previously called the early viewership numbers for Wake Up Barstool “awful” and cited little cross promotion and planning as reasons for the low performance.
In the wake of the cancellations, only the Breakfast Ball crew retained involved with FOX Sports. Mark Schlereth continued his analyst work on FOX NFL and College Football games. Craig Carton launched a podcast through a distribution partnership with FOX and Red Seat Ventures. Parkins moved to a frequent role on First Things First at the start of the football season.
#3 – Stephen A. Smith Signs 5-Year Extension With ESPN
Stephen A. Smith is the most powerful voice in sports media today. His new contract with ESPN signed earlier this year confirms it. Despite much outcry in 2025 regarding his workload, influence, and use of solitaire during the NBA Finals; the man draws attention. It’s why ESPN signed Smith to the highest contract paid out to a commentator in network history. Reports indicate that Smith inked a 5-year deal worth $100 million dollars.
Since signing his deal, Smith has changed the game for his contemporaries. His dedication, loyalty, and hard work for his employer has earned him additional luxuries. That includes owning his own media company, and licensing his own content. He was even allowed to partner with SiriusXM to host two different shows on the network. His presence has even grown in political circles through content creation and appearances on cable news television. ESPN’s marquee personality has even been named a potential Democratic candidate for President in 2028.
Smith says he doesn’t intend to run but would consider it if he felt the country was in bad shape. President Trump said during a Town Hall call-in on NewsNation that he thinks Smith would do well if he ran.
Smith’s ability to draws attention through media beefs and athlete bickering is what any sports pundit would dream of. Stephen A. welcomes it, and uses it to drive him to heights rarely seen in the industry. He has earned trust and praise from ESPN management, reciprocating through a year of headlines, top ratings, and strong engagement. The topics he discusses consistently become a national narrative.
Stephen A. Smith could be considered sports media’s most valuable commodity. A talent that takes risks, remains loyal, and isn’t shy to receive critiques nor distribute back. His reported five-year, $100 million deal sets a new bar for talent across the industry. The game plan is rooted in the level of effort and drive required to reach it.
#2 – NBA, MLB, UFC, WWE Sports Media Rights Reshape Sports Television
2025 should be defined by the following phrase uttered by sports fans across the country.
“Where do I find the game, and how much will it cost me?”
The year of 2025 saw the NBA return to NBC Sports and ESPN, while saying hello to Prime Video. Major League Baseball went from a longstanding rights package on ESPN with several years to go. A “mutual opt-out” of that same deal. Now that deal spread across ESPN, Netflix, and NBC Sports. A baseball fan in 2026 can now watch MLB on ESPN, Netflix, NBC Sports, Peacock, TBS, FOX Sports, FS1, and Apple TV.
As TKO Holdings Group continues to grow their reach of the WWE and UFC, both were also involved in major media rights agreements as well. The WWE began their Monday Night Raw journey on Netflix as 2025 began, and also entered into their first full year with The CW Network. WWE also made the PLE flip from Peacock to ESPN and arranged a new PLE (premium live event) to kick off the partnership with Wrestlepalooza.
The UFC said goodbye to ESPN and found a seven-year, $7.7 billion dollar domestic rights deal with Paramount, and extended the deal into Latin America and Australia beginning next year. Not to mention TKO Holdings also secured a media rights deal for Zuffa Boxing, a joint venture with Saudi Arabia’s Sela, which will also launch with Paramount in 2026.
The NBA began their three separate 11-year rights deals with NBCUniversal, Prime Video, and The Walt Disney Company. Just for good measure, the NHL also reached a 12-year media rights deal worth $7.7 billion with Rogers Communications for broadcasts across Canada.
The NFL is also interested in beginning their new media rights deal discussions earlier than expected, and following a reported 10% acquisition in ESPN.
2025 was filled with rumor, reports, and execution of large media rights agreements where leagues are increasing reach through streaming platforms and shifting the focus away from traditional cable. While the consumer continues to play catch up, pay up, and consume in more ways than ever before.
#1 – ESPN Goes Direct-To-Consumer
For the first time ever, ESPN was fully in the palm of the consumer’s hand. Networks have battled cord-cutting for over a decade. Streaming platforms offered direct relationships and more extensive content, creating challenges for the traditional cable model. ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro understood ESPN’s mission of serving sports fans anytime and anywhere, and took bold steps to modify its distribution strategy.
The launch of the ESPN direct-to-consumer was heralded by many. It offered everything and the kitchen sink. Every ESPN channel from the ACC Network to the SEC Network was included along with documentaries and access to over 47,000 live events. Control with ease through an enhanced ESPN app gave sports fans what they crave. It also allowed them a direct customer relationship with the largest brand in sports.
The app balanced AI and access with new features customizable to each user’s interests. For college football fans, the multi-view option was a big success. Easy access to ESPN Bet was also available. However, the betting side of the partnership changed as ESPN and Penn National cut ties. That led to ESPN and DraftKings moving into business together. The app also leaned into the vertical video trend with ESPN Verts. It offered consumer bundles as well with Fox One to make the switch more affordable and enticing for the year ahead.
The first inning under Pitaro was seen as a major success in a year of evolution. With reshaped partnerships across most sports leagues, a new partnership formed with the WWE, and assuming control of the NFL Network, ESPN enters 2026 with significant power. The company navigated a carriage dispute with YouTube TV, said goodbye to Lee Corso, and welcomed Inside the NBA from TNT. Around The Horn ended and Elle Duncan signed off, but new stars are emerging to keep the network top of mind in 2026 and beyond.
Many stories captured headlines, but ESPN’s decision to go direct-to-consumer easily topped the list as the most important sports television story of 2025.
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