Michael Jordan is reportedly not expected to return to NBC Sports NBA coverage next season. According to Front Office Sports, Jordan’s debut into sports media will likely only last one season.
What We Know: NBC signed Jordan as a “special on-air contributor” before the 2025-2026 season. It marked his first real basketball TV appearance since ESPN’s 2020 documentary, The Last Dance. His interview with Mike Tirico ran in segments throughout the entire calendar year. Jordan did not appear live on any NBC Sports’ NBA programming last season. According to Front Office Sports, NBC has declined comment on the matter.
What’s At Stake: Michael Jordan’s entry into sports media with NBC Sports was seen by many as a giant failure. A singular taped interview that was spread across the network’s entire season did not meet the hype that was expected with Jordan. To NBC’s credit, they were very quiet about expectation of what Jordan would bring coming into last season.
What Remains Unclear: NBC Sports has not confirmed the reporting by Front Office Sports.
What It Means: NBC loses a rare, high-wattage voice in its NBA return last season. Then again, the arrangement of content was no where near what the hype for Jordan’s entry into media was expected by many to be. Jordan’s presence drew attention beyond typical hoops coverage, but didn’t land with many longtime basketball fans. Without him, NBC leans harder on the on-court product itself.
Exclusive: Michael Jordan is not expected to return to NBC Sports’ NBA coverage, FOS has learned.https://t.co/G5iRHk3viX
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The Sporting Tribune Today is moving to SportsGrid beginning Monday. The online streaming channel is adding the daily sports talk show to its national lineup.
What We Know: The show debuts August 31 on SportsGrid, airing weekdays at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. ET. Grant Mona and John Browner will host. In addition, the show will be drawing on The Sporting Tribune’s credentialed reporters. The Sporting Tribune was founded to deliver on-the-ground coverage of Southern California, Las Vegas and Hawaii sports. Beyond TV and radio, its stories, photos and columns will also appear on SportsGrid’s website and app.
What They Said: Arash Markazi, founder and CEO of The Sporting Tribune: “We’re incredibly excited to bring The Sporting Tribune Today to SportsGrid and introduce our staff and our coverage to an even larger national audience. The Sporting Tribune was created to provide comprehensive, on-the-ground coverage of some of the biggest teams, athletes and events in sports, and this show gives our reporters another platform to share their reporting, insight and personalities every day. SportsGrid has built an exciting national sports platform, and we’re thrilled to be part of its daily lineup.”
What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t specify the length of any agreement between SportsGrid and The Sporting Tribune.
What It Means: This deal hands The Sporting Tribune a national television platform for the first time. Meanwhile, SportsGrid gains a built-in reporting staff and fresh regional storylines. The partnership also extends into streaming, radio and digital, broadening both brands’ reach. Moreover, the two outlets are betting local expertise translates into national appeal.
Super excited to share that the @SportingTrib is partnering with @SportsGrid and @SportsGridRadio. The Sporting Tribune Today will air every weekday at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. ET and will be available on DirecTV, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime, FuboTV, Roku and more. https://t.co/JXTrfW8xCa
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Stephen A. Smith says prominent Democrats have ignored repeated invitations to appear on his show. His latest comments come 11 days after the National Association of Black Journalists gave him a “Thumbs Down” award.
What We Know: Smith addressed the issue in a YouTube video while discussing the ongoing fallout from his dispute with the NABJ. The organization presented Smith with its annual “Thumbs Down” award during its convention in Atlanta on Aug. 15. NABJ cited what it called a recurring pattern of disparaging commentary toward prominent Black women in politics, sports, and media. Smith has rejected that characterization and argued the organization treated him unfairly. Now, he says several prominent Democrats have also avoided public conversations with him. His list includes former Vice President Kamala Harris, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, former first lady Michelle Obama, Don Lemon, and NABJ President Errin Haines.
What They Said: “I’ve invited Don Lemon on this show. Don Lemon wants to talk privately first, but he said a whole bunch of things publicly. President Errin Haines for NABJ — I’ve invited her on the show! She wants to talk privately after she spoke publicly. I’ve invited Jasmine Crockett on the show — crickets. I ain’t hear a word. I’ve invited Kamala Harris on the show — crickets. I ain’t hear a word — publicly. Privately, Kamala Harris and I already met face-to-face over a year ago. Two hours. Nobody brings that up. Michelle Obama has been invited on this show. Haven’t heard a word. Cari Championand Jemele Hill have been invited on this show. I ain’t got no problems. Ladies and gentlemen … I really don’t have time for hatred in my heart. I certainly don’t hate any of these women. I’ve got nothing but love for them.” -Stephen A. Smith
What Remains Unclear: Smith didn’t explain when he extended each invitation or whether any of the figures have formally declined to appear. Additionally, some of the names he mentioned have publicly discussed Smith or the NABJ controversy elsewhere. Don Lemon, for example, recently discussed Smith’s dispute with Jemele Hill on The Don Lemon Show.
What It Means: Smith’s latest comments further position his show as a venue where he wants political figures to defend their views publicly. Meanwhile, his criticism adds another layer to a dispute that has quickly expanded beyond sports media and into politics, journalism, and Black media representation.
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The CW will air a new NewsNation special examining the Lindsay Clancy trial next Wednesday. The hour will explore the evidence, testimony, and questions surrounding the Massachusetts case.
What We Know:NewsNation Presents: The Lindsay Clancy Trial will air September 2 at 9 PM ET on The CW. NewsNation Senior National Correspondent Brian Entin will host the one-hour special, which takes viewers inside the recent trial. Clancy, a Massachusetts mother, faces charges connected to the deaths of her three young children. The documentary will examine evidence and testimony presented during the proceedings. Additionally, Entin will interview Rusty Yates, the ex-husband of Andrea Yates. His first national television appearance since Clancy’s trial began will draw comparisons between the two cases.
What’s at Stake: The special arrives as Clancy’s trial has renewed national attention on postpartum mental health and criminal responsibility. Andrea Yates’ case became a major flashpoint in those discussions after she was accused of killing her five children. Now, the Clancy case has raised similar questions about mental health, medical treatment, and criminal responsibility.
What Remains Unclear: The special will examine the complex medical and legal issues surrounding Clancy’s mental state at the time of the killings. However, the program’s focus won’t simply remain inside the courtroom. Entin will also speak with criminal defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh, former Circuit Court Judge Tarlika Navarro, and reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Catherine Birndorf.
What It Means: The CW continues to provide NewsNation with an additional television platform for major news programming. Meanwhile, the special gives NewsNation an opportunity to examine a nationally followed trial through a broader legal and medical lens. For The CW, the program also adds a timely news special to its primetime schedule.
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Sunday’s NBC Sportspresentation of the Indiana Fever taking on the Chicago Sky game drew a massive audience. NBC Sports just posted its second-best WNBA number ever since 1997.
What We Know: The August 23 Fever-Sky game averaged 3.31 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, per Nielsen and Adobe Analytics data. That’s the most-watched WNBA regular-season game since the league’s 1997 debut weekend. It ranks third all-time, trailing only two 1997 broadcasts. Additionally, 6,440 WNBA games have been played since the last time a broadcast topped this one.
What The Data Shows: Viewership peaked at 3.82 million during the broadcast. Caitlin Clark scored 37 points, and Kelsey Mitchell added 30, in Indiana’s 113-90 win. This marked only the second WNBA Sunday primetime broadcast ever. The first, on July 12 against Las Vegas, drew 2.64 million viewers.
What Remains Unclear: Viewership breakdowns on network versus Peacock streaming were not made available.
What It Means: The WNBA is a hot ticket for sports this summer. It should be no surprise that the league continues to cash in on viewership with Caitlin Clark on the court. Clark and Mitchell’s backcourt punch clearly translates to eyeballs. NBC Sports has averaged 1.75 million viewers across seven games this season, up 35% year-over-year. Consequently, the network’s WNBA return — its first since 2002 — looks like a clear ratings win. Meanwhile, the league’s growth story builds toward the Sept. 21 finale.
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Jim Furyk is moving up the broadcast ladder. USA Sports and Golf Channel named him lead analyst for PGA TOUR and men’s major coverage today.
What We Know: Furyk signed a multi-year deal covering majors, PGA TOUR Signature Events and Championship Series broadcasts. He’ll also contribute to Live From The Masters studio coverage. Also, the 17-time TOUR winner captured the 2003 U.S. Open and captained the 2024 Presidents Cup team. He debuted with USA Sports in March, calling the Arnold Palmer Invitational and PLAYERS Championship.
What They Said: Jim Furyk: “I’m thrilled to expand my role with USA Sports and Golf Channel to call the action at men’s majors and the biggest PGA TOUR events for years to come. I have really enjoyed my time in the booth and look forward to continuing to develop in the role, providing my expertise and analysis for golf fans, and working with everyone behind the scenes.”
Tom Knapp, EVP and GM, Golf Channel: “Jim Furyk immediately elevated our golf coverage when he entered the Golf Channel broadcast booth for the first time earlier this year, and we were really impressed with his work-ethic and preparation. As a U.S. Open, champion, Jim brings next-level experience and expertise to our PGA TOUR and men’s major championship coverage across Golf Channel and USA Network. We’re thrilled to have him in the lead analyst role for years to come.”
What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t disclose the contract’s exact length.
What It Means: Moreover, Furyk’s promotion signals Golf Channel’s bet on playing pedigree over broadcast tenure. In addition, his resume — a U.S. Open title, FedExCup crown, and Ryder Cup captaincy — brings instant credibility. Meanwhile, the deal locks in a marquee voice through multiple TOUR seasons. As a result, golf fans should expect Furyk across nearly every major broadcast window ahead.
Jim Furyk has been named USA Sports and Golf Channel’s lead analyst for its coverage of:
• Men's major championships • PGA Tour Signature events • PGA Tour Championship Series events
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Karen Muñoz joins Rumba 106.1 FM. She starts Monday, August 31.
What We Know iHeartMedia Philadelphia tapped the veteran Spanish-language radio personality for afternoon drive alongside Jonathan Tineo. Additionally, she’ll host Saturday shifts from 2 to 5 p.m. Muñoz brings over a decade of Spanish-language media experience, having previously worked at La Única 1680 AM and WEMG La Mega 1310 AM. Moreover, she served as a Philadelphia correspondent for the nationally recognized “El Show de Luis Jiménez.”
What They Said “Karen brings the personality, experience and connection to the Philadelphia community that we’re looking for,” Jonathan Tineo, Director of On-Air Quality Assurance, told the market. Tineo emphasized that Muñoz knows how to entertain and connect with listeners, making them feel part of the conversation. “She’s very exciting to have on our team,” he added. Furthermore, he views her addition as essential to what Rumba 106.1 continues building.
What Remains Unclear Specifics about Muñoz’s long-term role beyond these two shifts haven’t surfaced. Furthermore, plans for other potential on-air changes at the station remain undisclosed. The station hasn’t detailed how her weekend show factors into broader programming strategy. Additionally, her involvement in iHeartRadio’s digital platforms hasn’t been addressed.
What It Means The hire reinforces iHeartLatino’s commitment to Philadelphia’s growing Latino community. Moreover, Muñoz’s multi-platform experience—television, film, and digital content creation—strengthens the station’s content ecosystem. She’s built substantial community relationships over her career. This addition signals Rumba 106.1’s investment in strengthening afternoon drive programming.
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DAZN is buying EverPass Media. The deal deepens the sports platform’s push into U.S. commercial sports distribution.
What We Know: DAZN is acquiring EverPass Media, the exclusive commercial distributor of NFL Sunday Ticket. Meanwhile, the deal marks DAZN’s full-scale entry into U.S. commercial sports media rights. EverPass will rebrand as DAZN for Business, giving the streaming platform reach into bars, restaurants and hotels nationwide. Additionally, RedBird Capital, 32 Equity and TKO Group Holdings will become minority DAZN shareholders.
What They Said: Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group: “EverPass Media gives us a proven commercial distribution platform, deep relationships across U.S. venues, and an attractive portfolio of premium rights that perfectly complements our growing U.S. business. DAZN can now serve every type of customer in the U.S. From individual sports fans using the DAZN app to commercial venues looking to provide the best possible viewing experience for their customers.”
Hans Schroeder, Executive Vice President, Media Distribution, National Football League: “We are excited to expand our partnership with DAZN through this acquisition. We’ll continue to work with EverPass and DAZN to deliver the best NFLST experience to the commercial marketplace. Together, we will continue to expand reach for commercial NFL Sunday Ticket and deepen engagement in a key segment where fans gather for NFL football.”
Gerry Cardinale, Founder and Managing Partner, RedBirdCapital Partners: “RedBird and 32 Equity founded EverPass as sports content continues to move to streaming while many businesses remain tied to legacy distribution. EverPassdelivers a purpose-built streaming platform which will help anchor DAZN’s commercial business and US expansion. We’re looking forward to working closely with DAZN in this next phase to scale the EverPassbusiness globally.”
Mark Zhu, Chief Strategy Officer, TKO Group Holdings: “Nothing brings people together like live sports, and EverPass helps power that experience for fans beyond the home and arena. As an early investor, TKO is excited to continue supporting EverPass in this next chapter and seeing the results this combination with DAZN can deliver for fans, commercial venue owners and partners around the world.”
What Remains Unclear: The release does not disclose financial terms of the acquisition. Furthermore, no timeline was given for when EverPass will formally complete its rebrand. It also remains unclear how quickly DAZN will expand the platform’s capabilities globally, as promised. However, existing EverPass customers should see no service interruption in the meantime.
What It Means: Overall, DAZN now controls both consumer and commercial pathways to U.S. sports fans. As a result, the company can compete directly for venue business alongside its app-based subscribers. Consequently, the streaming platform strengthens its NFL relationship while inheriting EverPass’s ties to leagues like the EPL, NBA and MLB. Ultimately, this positions DAZN as a broader force in the U.S. sports market.
🚀 A big step forward for DAZN in the United States.
We've announced our agreement to acquire EverPass Media, accelerating our US expansion and broadening the global reach of DAZN for Business.
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Joel de Blonk lands the afternoon drive at Froggy 99.9 KVOX-FM. Midwest Communications Fargo is shuffling its on-air lineup.
What We Know: de Blonk joins from KOYY Y94, where he spent four years as APD and afternoon host. He replaces Bryan Scott in KVOX-FM’s afternoon slot while continuing to host 6–8pm on Y94. Sister station Y94 promotes night host ‘E’ to the 1–6pm timeslot. The station now actively hunts for a midday host to complete its weekday schedule.
What They Said: de Blonk flipped the hiring script entirely. His midday host search prioritizes energy over experience: “Radio experience is a plus, BUT if you’re not afraid to talk to people at events, get on stage and introduce artists in front of thousands, and just have fun at work…YOU should apply.” He’s signaling what modern radio demands—authentic connection beats traditional credentials every time.
What Remains Unclear: Timeline details for the midday hire stay unconfirmed. Specifics around Mandy Morgan‘s exit from morning and midday duties remain sparse. Additionally, Ryan Kelly‘s morning move from KRWK and Noel ‘Scotch’ Anderson’s Florida relocation suggest broader cluster moves not yet fully detailed.
What It Means: de Blonk’s dual-station role demonstrates management confidence in his multi-platform appeal. Cluster reshuffles happen constantly in tight markets like Fargo. Yet his emphasis on personality over pure radio chops signals how modern radio culture values authenticity and connection above all.
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TJ Rives is stepping away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio network. After two decades on Buccaneers radio, he’s discusses his reasoning for his decision to the JP Peterson Show following the franchise’s hire of Tony Castricone in June.
What We Know: Rives spent 20 years as the Buccaneers’ sideline reporter, working under seven head coaches. He was part of the broadcast crew with Gene Deckerhoff for that time, and says he believed he was the heir apparent. Instead, the Buccaneers hired Tony Castricone away from the University of Washington, where he spent nine years as Director of Broadcasting. Rives learned of the decision in mid-June, during a family cruise, then chose to leave rather than stay on as sideline reporter. He explained his reasoning why in an extensive interview with JP Peterson.
TJ Rives on missing out on opportunity elsewhere because he chose to stay in Tampa Bay: “I could have been an NFL play-by-play broadcaster 15 years ago somewhere else doing something else. I could have, as recently as four or five years ago, two or three years ago, been doing it somewhere else. I love this area, and love what I was doing with the Buccaneers. So that’s the reason why I continued to do it and continued to wait.”
TJ Rives his interest was obvious in the role of Buccaneers radio play by play: “There was never any formal agreement that you’re [Rives] going to be the guy when Gene [Deckerhoff] is retired. But it is absolute fantasy land to not act like that is the reason why I remained, and it was understood he’s the guy. He’s the heir apparent. That’s the reason why I soldiered on in the role that I was in. It’s not something that, ‘They didn’t really know that you wanted the job.’ Who are you kidding?”
TJ Rives on the Buccaneers hiring a consulting firm for the hire: “Obviously, as March became April, and now we’ve [Buccaneers] hired a consultant. I am told you need to talk to the consultant in another market that has no idea who I am. I’m on the phone with a consultant who, three minutes into this, says you’re the ideal type candidate they’re looking for. No kidding. But I was told if you want to be considered for the job, you got to talk to the consultant.”
TJ Rives on the timing of the audition process: “This now dragged April into May. I’m being told you’re going to have a great chance to have the job. Then they decided to do auditions at the end of the month of May. At that point, truthfully, my family, people that were around me, were saying this is not good. You got to find something else. If they’re auditioning people at this stage, you need to be looking out for yourself.”
TJ Rives on how he found out the Buccaneers selected someone else: “Unfortunately, after my wife and my daughters and I had been on a Disney cruise for their graduation and their 18th birthday, I finally get the news in mid June. We’ve hired somebody else. You now have a decision to make about whether or not you want to stick around [as sideline reporter].”
TJ Rives on deciding to walk away from the broadcast team: “It’s not a money thing. I need to be doing play by play somewhere else. It’s time. They gave me a few days, and then I made the decision to leave. It’s not a situation where I was forced out.”
TJ Rives on the team not announcing his departure from the broadcast team: “There was no announcement. What ended up happening is they posted the sideline radio job where people could find it, and eventually reporters found it. That’s only for people on social media. It hasn’t really been announced anywhere else or talked about. I started to get inquiries: Are you going up to New York for the joint practices? People that still believed I was still part of the games.”
What Remains Unclear: The Buccaneers still have not named Rives official replacement with one pre-season game left. What Rives’ next steps could be are also unknown. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have not commented on Rives’ reaction.
What It Means: The saga shows loyalty doesn’t guarantee always mean promotion, even after 20 years of waiting. Now, Castricone steps into Deckerhoff’s chair without Rives’ institutional history beside him. Meanwhile, Rives heads into a new chapter, betting on himself elsewhere. For Tampa Bay, the quiet exit leaves fans piecing together a transition the team never fully explained.
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