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UFC Announces Long Term Agreement With bet365 as Official Sports Betting Partner

BSM Staff
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UFC Announces Long Term Agreement With bet365 as Official Sports Betting Partner

The sports betting landscape around mixed martial arts continues to expand as bet365 and Ultimate Fighting Championship revealed a long-term agreement that designates the global wagering operator as the Official Sports Betting Partner of UFC throughout the United States and Canada.

Through the partnership, bet365 will maintain a presence across every UFC event moving forward, creating a deeper connection between fight broadcasts and real-time wagering opportunities while also embedding sportsbook integrations directly into the viewing experience across television, streaming platforms, and in-arena environments.

Fans watching UFC events will see several betting-focused enhancements integrated into the broadcasts. These include live odds displays, on-screen betting tickers, and fight-specific wagering options. The features provide viewers context about the matchup inside the Octagon. Same-game parlay opportunities and fighter-specific betting markets aim to boost engagement as bouts progress round by round.

Trip Stoddard, Head of Development for bet365, called the collaboration a pivotal step in the company’s global expansion strategy. He said mixed martial arts combines constant action with a highly engaged audience. That combination aligns with how modern sports fans interact with betting platforms

“This partnership with UFC marks a defining moment for bet365 as we accelerate our growth globally and deepen our commitment to sports where live action and fan engagement are inseparable,” Stoddard said. “UFC’s always-on event calendar and highly engaged global fanbase create a powerful environment for real-time betting, and our industry-leading product depth uniquely positions us to elevate how fans experience every fight.”

UFC enters the agreement with significant reach and influence in the sports marketplace. The promotion has built a global audience of hundreds of millions of fans. It also maintains one of the busiest schedules in professional sports. UFC stages more than 40 live events each year in arenas worldwide.

That steady calendar of fight cards has helped make MMA one of the most heavily wagered sports worldwide. Individual fights create clear betting moments as rounds unfold. Odds shift in real time, giving bettors constant opportunities to react.

Nicholas Smith, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships for TKO, the parent company of UFC, said the partnership aligns two organizations focused on innovation and fan engagement during a period of significant momentum for the promotion.

“bet365 brings scale, credibility, and innovation to the sports betting space, and we’re thrilled to continue to develop this long-term partnership at such a momentous time for UFC,” Smith said. “bet365 is a natural fit for UFC because they understand fight fans and how they engage with the sport in real time.”

The announcement comes as UFC entered a new media chapter in 2026. A major U.S. broadcast deal with Paramount Global will distribute marquee events and Fight Night cards on Paramount+.

Fans will first see bet365 branding integrated into UFC programming during UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 this Saturday. The event takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It will air on Paramount+ and the CBS broadcast network. The telecast marks CBS’s first primetime UFC broadcast.

bet365 is replacing DraftKings, which held UFC sports betting rights since 2021.

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Paramount CEO David Ellison: We Want CNN to Be In the Truth and Trust Business

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Paramount CEO David Ellison: We Want CNN to Be In the Truth and Trust Business

Paramount Skydance is set to acquire CNN as part of its deal to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery. David Ellison is laying out his vision for the network.

While appearing on CNBC on Thursday morning, Ellison was asked about whether or not CNN would be changing its editorial stance. The question came from David Faber, who asked about the perception that “you will be more beholden to the Trump administration” given what’s transpired at CBS News.

Ellison balked at the suggestion.

“I’ve said this since the beginning, which is, you know, for — when it really comes to — editorial independence will absolutely be maintained. It’s maintained at CBS. It’ll be maintained at CNN,” Ellison said. “And, really, who we want to talk to is the 70 percent of Americans and really around the world that identify as center-left, at center-right? And we want to be in the truth business. We want to be in the trust business. And that’s not going to change.”

Those comments from David Ellison came after he called CNN “an incredible brand with an incredible team.”

“We absolutely believe in the independence that needs to be maintained, obviously, for those incredible journalists, and we want to support that going forward,” Ellison remarked. “CNN and CBS News are brands that we also really want to be a part of transitioning to streaming so that consumers have the choice. If they want to watch our incredible news brands on broadcast, they can do that. If they want to watch on cable, they can do that.

“But we also want to create a world to where if they want watch on streaming, they can do that, and where we can really meet consumers where they are,” the Paramount Skydance CEO continued. “We’re going to invest in the news business. And we think this is going to — this transaction will be a positive for both CBS News and CNN.”

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Dan “FishBoy” Breymeier Named Assistant Program Director And Afternoons At 92 MIX FM

BMM Staff
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Dan “FishBoy” Breymeier Named Assistant Program Director And Afternoons At 92 MIX FM

A familiar voice to radio listeners in Northeast Pennsylvania is returning to the market with a new role and a new on-air identity. Times Shamrock Media announced that Dan Breymeier, widely recognized by longtime listeners as FishBoy, will join 92 Mix FM as Assistant Program Director while also hosting the station’s afternoon drive program.

His new show debuts March 9 and will air weekdays from 3–7 p.m., positioning him in one of the most competitive dayparts in the region.

While Breymeier built his reputation under the FishBoy name, he will now return to the airwaves as “Flounder,” reviving a nickname that predates his radio career.

The personality-driven host plans to blend his familiarity with the market, music knowledge and on-air style to help grow the station’s presence during afternoons while strengthening the station’s connection to local listeners.

“Dan is exactly the kind of broadcaster we want representing Mix FM,” said Mark Hoover, operations manager and program director for Times Shamrock Media. “He understands this audience because he grew up here, he brings real passion for music, and he’s a true radio pro who knows how to create a connection with listeners. We’re excited about the creativity and energy he’ll bring to afternoons and to the programming team.”

Breymeier previously spent significant time on the air in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton market, most notably at 98.5 KRZ, where he served as music director and hosted evenings for the long-running CHR outlet. A Northeast Pennsylvania native, he joined the station in 2000 and became a recognizable voice among younger audiences throughout the region.

His original nickname “Flounder” dates back to his high school years and drew inspiration from the character in the 1978 comedy film Animal House. As his career progressed, the nickname evolved into FishBoy, which eventually became the brand listeners associated with his on-air personality.

The move comes as 92 Mix FM continues to adjust its lineup in an effort to strengthen its live and local presence across the market. The station recently expanded responsibilities for several WEZX personalities, including Neil Trama in mornings and Kait in middays, while Ron Reino joined the lineup to handle evening duties.

With Breymeier now anchoring afternoons and assisting with programming strategy, station leadership believes the refreshed lineup positions Mix FM to deepen its connection with listeners throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.

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‘Speakeasy’ Co-Host Kieran Hickey-Semple Blasts Stephen A. Smith For New Orleans Pelicans Popularity Comments

BSM Staff
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‘Speakeasy’ Co-Host Kieran Hickey-Semple Blasts Stephen A. Smith For New Orleans Pelicans Popularity Comments

The ongoing back-and-forth involving Stephen A. Smith and the New Orleans Pelicans continues to spark reactions across the sports media landscape, with Speakeasy co-host Kieran Hickey-Semple offering one of the more pointed responses to the ESPN personality’s recent comments.

Smith reignited debate Wednesday on First Take after addressing a viral social media video posted by the Pelicans that mocked several of his on-air moments. The segment came after Smith earlier criticized Pelicans star Zion Williamson, labeling the former top overall pick a “bona fide scrub,” which prompted the team’s digital team to fire back with the now widely circulated clip.

However, the exchange drew criticism from Hickey-Semple during the latest episode of the Speakeasy podcast, where the host challenged both Smith’s tone and the direction of his commentary.

“I’m not here to discredit Stephen A. Smith for what he’s done in his career,” Hickey-Semple said. “I’m in this business because of Stephen A. Smith. All I have seen from this man is be an absolute embarrassment. I’m ashamed to say that he’s the one that inspired me to get into this business. He is an absolute cornball.”

While Smith used his platform to question the Pelicans’ relevance and overall franchise success, Hickey-Semple argued that the commentary strayed beyond legitimate basketball criticism and instead leaned heavily into personal posturing.

“As a dude at 58 years old who always dreams of playing in the NBA. To sit there and then just be like, ‘Well, I’m more popular than y’all,’ you’re lame,” Hickey-Semple said. “You think that you are the story continuously over and over again. You sit there and you jest about players and athletes knowing good and damn well you wanted to be that.”

The Speakeasy co-host continued by questioning the tone Smith adopted when responding to the Pelicans’ social media team, suggesting the exchange represented a broader issue in how prominent commentators sometimes interact with athletes and organizations.

“There’s a level of respect that you’re supposed to have for the players that you made your career covering,” Hickey-Semple said. “Have fun in politics, bro, because I don’t want to hear s**t else you’ve got to say. You’re a 58-year-old having a popularity contest with 19, 20, 21-year-olds. You f***ing cornball”

The remarks illustrate how the debate surrounding Smith’s comments has expanded beyond basketball analysis into a broader conversation about tone and responsibility within sports media. Over the past several years, outspoken television personalities have built massive platforms through provocative commentary, while teams and players increasingly use social media channels to respond directly when criticism crosses into viral territory.

Consequently, exchanges like the one involving Smith and the Pelicans rarely remain confined to a single television segment or tweet. Instead, reactions from podcasts, digital shows and social platforms frequently extend the life of the story while introducing new voices into the discussion.

Smith has not provided further comment or response on the matter.

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Salem News Channel Now Available on Amazon Prime Video

BNM Staff
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Salem News Channel Now Available on Amazon Prime Video

Salem Media has announced that its streaming TV channel, Salem News Channel, is now available on Amazon Prime Video.

The launch officially took place earlier this week, marking an expansion to millions of viewers through one of the largest streaming platforms.

Viewers are able to access Salem News Channel from the Live TV tab in the app and streaming platform.

“Expanding Salem News Channel onto Prime Video allows us to bring our programming to one of the largest streaming audiences in the world,” said Salem News Channel VP and GM Cary Pahigian.

“As more viewers shift to streaming platforms for news and commentary, we are focused on ensuring Salem’s voices and perspectives are available wherever audiences are watching,” Pahigian concluded.

Salem News Channel offers live news coverage, interviews, and commentary from the network’s suite of conservative and Christian voices and personalities.

According to estimates, Amazon Prime Video has 240 million global subscribers and 180 million U.S. subscribers.

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Fred Toucher: Stephen A. Smith US/Iran Political Takes Not Needed, Boring

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Fred Toucher: Stephen A. Smith US/Iran Political Takes Not Needed, Boring

Fred Toucher on 98.5 The Sports Hub questioned whether sports media figures should feel compelled to weigh in on complex geopolitical issues, arguing during a recent broadcast that restraint and awareness of expertise can sometimes demonstrate greater judgment than offering commentary outside one’s field.

During Thursday’s edition of Toucher & Hardy, host Fred Toucher addressed the growing trend of sports personalities sharing opinions on the United States’ military involvement in Iran, a topic that has increasingly surfaced in national media discussions and across social platforms as prominent commentators extend their commentary beyond athletics and into international affairs.

Toucher told listeners that not every public figure benefits from offering an opinion on every major story, particularly when the topic involves foreign policy and military strategy that typically requires years of study and specialized knowledge.

“A sign of intelligence is knowing when not to weigh in,” Toucher said. “When maybe you don’t know so much, maybe you should be listening.”

He suggested that audiences would be better served by hearing from subject-matter experts who have spent their careers studying geopolitical conflict and international relations rather than personalities whose primary expertise lies in sports analysis and entertainment.

“Listen to ex-generals. People that are professors of international affairs, experts in the Middle East,” Toucher said. “Listen to what they say. No one needs to know what you’re saying.”

Toucher also referenced the media approach of Stephen A. Smith as an example of commentary that, in his view, often avoids firmly defined political positions despite delivering passionate monologues on political topics across multiple platforms.

Smith, who appears regularly on First Take and has increasingly discussed national political issues during interviews and podcast appearances, has drawn both praise and criticism for his attempts to balance commentary on sports with broader cultural and political conversations.

Toucher described Smith’s political messaging style as intentionally cautious, saying the approach frequently results in commentary that avoids clear conclusions.

“I think in this environment what Stephen A. Smith is doing, which by the way is incredibly boring,” Toucher said. “His whole political thing is this fence-sitting like both sides guy that just ends up being really boring.”

Co-host Rob “Hardy” Poole added that Smith’s presentation can feel emotionally charged while still stopping short of delivering a definitive viewpoint, which he argued creates a disconnect between the tone and the substance of the message.

“It comes off as very hollow and really superficial, because it’s passionate fence sitting,” Poole said. “He’s getting all riled up and he’s speaking with great emotion, without actually landing on one side or the other.”

The discussion reflects a broader conversation within sports media as personalities with large audiences increasingly address topics that extend far beyond the playing field, prompting ongoing debate about where the boundaries between sports commentary, political discussion and audience expectations should exist.

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TNT Sports Acquires Exclusive U.S. English Language Broadcast Right to FIBA Tournaments

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TNT Sports Acquires Exclusive U.S. English Language Broadcast Right to FIBA Tournaments

TNT Sports is expanding its international basketball presence after reaching a multiyear agreement with the International Basketball Federation that grants the company exclusive U.S. English-language rights to several of the sport’s most prominent global tournaments.

The new arrangement positions TNT Sports as the American television home for major men’s and women’s competitions organized by FIBA, bringing a slate of global events to TNT Sports’ linear networks and digital platforms over the next several years.

Among the highlights included in the package are the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 and FIBA EuroBasket 2029.

Although the headline tournaments remain years away, coverage under the new partnership will begin almost immediately. Later this month, TNT Sports will televise games from the qualifying tournament for the 2026 women’s global championship, which takes place in San Juan, Puerto Rico from March 11–17 and serves as the first event produced under the new rights agreement.

The opening competition is expected to showcase several prominent names connected to USA Basketball, including Olympic gold medalists Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young, each of whom played a role in the United States capturing gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Meanwhile, the tournament could also mark the senior national team competitive debuts of several emerging stars who have helped elevate interest in the women’s game across the United States, including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese.

TNT Sports plans to distribute the qualifying tournament across multiple outlets within its portfolio, including truTV and Max, while the final matchup featuring the United States and Spain will air on TNT.

Beyond live games, the company will supplement coverage through its digital and social media brands, including Bleacher Report, House of Highlights and B/R W, each of which plans to spotlight players and provide behind-the-scenes storytelling designed to expand audience engagement around the tournaments.

Consequently, the new agreement adds another significant basketball property to a rapidly growing lineup for TNT Sports. The company already distributes regular-season action from the Big East Conference and Big 12 Conference, while also sharing broadcast responsibilities for the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament with CBS Sports.

In addition, TNT Sports carries the Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas and recently added coverage of Unrivaled, a new professional women’s competition designed to showcase elite talent in a condensed format.

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CBS News Town Hall with JD Vance Postponed

BNM Staff
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CBS News Town Hall with JD Vance Postponed

Vice President JD Vance was slated to participate in a town hall event with CBS News next week. That has now been postponed.

Vance was slated to sit down with CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil as part of the network’s Things That Matter series. The event was scheduled to take place next week, with the broadcast airing on Saturday, March 14th at 8 PM ET.

However, following military action in Iran, the Vice President has postponed his appearance.

In a statement, CBS News remained hopeful that the discussion could be revived at a later date.

“CBS News Things That Matter: A Town Hall with Vice President JD Vance, originally scheduled for next week, has been postponed by the vice president due to the war,” the network’s statement read. “A new date and more details to come soon.”

Vance was slated to be the second guest in the series. Previously, Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) sat for a conversation helmed by Norah O’Donnell. That followed a standalone town hall with Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk following the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk. CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss led that event.

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Prime Video Announces 21 New York Yankees Exclusive Broadcasts for 2026 Season

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Prime Video Announces 21 New York Yankees Exclusive Broadcasts for 2026 Season

Prime Video is expanding its streaming relationship with the New York Yankees for the 2026 season, announcing that 21 regular-season games involving the franchise will stream exclusively on the platform for fans located within the club’s regional footprint.

The games will be available to Prime members at no additional cost across New York state, Connecticut, north and central New Jersey and portions of northeast Pennsylvania, continuing a digital distribution strategy that has steadily grown alongside the evolving sports media landscape and the increasing demand for streaming access to live local games.

Seventeen of the 21 contests will air on Wednesday evenings, beginning April 8 when the Yankees host the Athletics at Yankee Stadium.

The schedule also features several marquee matchups, including an April 22 meeting with the Boston Red Sox, a rivalry that consistently produces strong television audiences across both traditional and streaming platforms.

Other notable games on the slate include a May 20 contest against the defending American League champion Toronto Blue Jays, along with multiple matchups against recent postseason clubs such as the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians.

The schedule also includes three games against the Baltimore Orioles and two against the Tampa Bay Rays, providing viewers with several American League East divisional battles across the streaming schedule.

The game broadcasts will once again feature the familiar presentation and production style associated with the YES Network, whose Emmy Award–winning broadcast team will collaborate with Prime Video’s sports production unit to produce all 21 games.

Longtime Yankees play-by-play voice Michael Kay will continue to anchor the broadcasts, marking his 35th season covering the franchise. Kay will share booth duties throughout the season with analysts David Cone, Paul O’Neill and Joe Girardi, all of whom have played prominent roles in the network’s Yankees coverage in recent years.

The streaming package will also feature the return of a 30-minute pregame show designed to provide analysis, storylines and matchup context ahead of first pitch. Bob Lorenz will serve as the primary host, while Justin Shackil will step in for select broadcasts throughout the season. Meanwhile, field reporter Meredith Marakovits will deliver reports from the ballpark, including interviews with players and coaches along with real-time observations during the telecast.

Prime Video’s Yankees broadcasts will also incorporate enhanced digital features intended to complement the streaming experience, including live statistical overlays, updated player and team data and real-time play-by-play information accessible to viewers watching on Android, iOS mobile devices and Fire TV platforms.

Fans located outside the Yankees’ home television territory will still be able to watch the games through MLB.TV, which will carry the Prime Video telecasts for out-of-market subscribers as part of Major League Baseball’s broader streaming distribution structure.

The continued partnership between Prime Video and the Yankees represents another step in the ongoing shift toward streaming platforms as a key distribution outlet for live sports, particularly as leagues and teams seek additional ways to reach younger and digitally focused audiences.

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Cumulus Files for Prepackaged Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

BNM Staff
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Cumulus Files for Prepackaged Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Cumulus Media has announced it has filed for a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeking to eliminate $600 million in debt.

In a statement, the company says it will continue operating “in the ordinary course throughout the process, with no impact to employees, partners, or listeners.”

The company began the prepackaged Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas on Thursday morning. A proposed plan for a comprehensive restructuring support agreement calls for the cancellation of 100% of the company’s existing debt in exchange for 100% of the company’s reorganized equity and $50 million of new convertible notes. That plan is subject to court approval.

In a statement, Cumulus Media CEO and President Mary Berner shared that this is a necessary step for the company.

“While we have outperformed the market on many of our most important metrics, including share gains in both local and digital revenue, the broader macroeconomic and industry-wide pressures we have faced have remained unrelenting,” said Berner. “Against that backdrop, it became clear that Cumulus’s remaining debt burden limited our ability to fully realize the Company’s potential, and this agreement represents a major step forward.

“The prepackaged process is intended to address the Company’s debt efficiently with no disruption to our operations, our people, and our strategies. On emergence, a stronger financial foundation will better position Cumulus to continue investing in premium content, enriched audience experiences, advertiser performance enhancements, and the ongoing growth of our digital marketing offerings.”

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