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NBC Sports Partners With Overtime Adding Broadcasts of OT7 Football League

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NBC Sports Partners With Overtime Adding Broadcasts of OT7 Football League

NBC Sports is expanding its footprint in high school football through a new partnership with Overtime, aiming to blend traditional television reach with a fast-growing digital audience. The agreement brings together Overtime’s OT7 league and the long-standing Navy All-American Bowl under one media umbrella.

As part of the deal, NBC Sports will serve as the primary home for OT7’s postseason and championship weekend, aligning those events with one of the sport’s most established showcases.

Coverage begins this spring as NBC and its streaming platform Peacock will air select OT7 playoff games June 13-14 at 2 p.m. ET. The move gives the 7-on-7 league a broader national stage while introducing its player-driven format to a wider audience.

OT7 has carved out a niche by emphasizing speed, skill, and personality. The league highlights many of the country’s top prospects and has already produced more than 100 players who appeared on SEC and Big Ten rosters last season. Its heavy presence on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok has fueled rapid growth among younger fans.

“NBC Sports’ partnership with Overtime’s OT7’s and its extensive social media presence provides a powerful national showcase and platform for the best high school football players in the country,” said Gary Quinn, Vice President, Partnerships & Owned Properties, NBC Sports. “As the home of the Navy All-American Bowl and now OT7’s Championship weekend, NBC Sports can continue elevating the opportunities for these elite high school athletes and our corporate partners.”

The All-American Bowl, which NBC Sports has carried since 2002, consistently ranks as the most-watched high school sporting event in the United States. Over its 27-year history, the game has featured more than 630 players who eventually reached the NFL.

Notable alumni across both properties include Jeremiah Smith, Dante Moore, and Keisean Henderson. Henderson, the top-ranked player in the class of 2026, made history as the first underclassman named MVP of the All-American Bowl.

“We don’t think about this as a single broadcast event. We think about it as the beginning of a long-term relationship between OT7, NBC Sports, and millions of fans that follow these football properties,” said Marc Kohn, President of Content & Media, Overtime. “Our job now is to make the fan experience so compelling they become lifelong fans of OT7 and the Navy All-American Bowl. That’s what we’re focused on.”

Beyond game coverage, the partnership also includes joint sales efforts and original content initiatives tied to All-American Bowl week in January. That broader approach signals a long-term strategy rather than a one-off media deal.

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Rich Eisen Returns To ESPN Headquarters For Special SportsCenter Sunday Broadcast

BSM Staff
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Rich Eisen Returns To ESPN Headquarters For Special SportsCenter Sunday Broadcast

Rich Eisen is heading back to where many fans first connected with him. The Emmy-nominated broadcaster will return to SportsCenter as a guest anchor for a late-night edition airing at midnight ET Sunday into Monday, April 13.

The appearance marks Eisen’s first time hosting the program in more than 20 years and just his second return overall.

Eisen built much of his national profile during his original run at ESPN from 1996 to 2003. During that stretch, he became a staple of the network’s signature highlight show, often sharing the desk with the late Stuart Scott.

This latest appearance will bring Eisen back to ESPN’s Bristol, Connecticut headquarters for the first time in more than two decades. It also comes on a busy night across the sports landscape, which aligns with the type of high-energy broadcasts that helped define his earlier tenure.

“I’m fired up to return to my old stomping grounds to host an old school SportsCenter on such a big sports night just like back in the day,” Eisen said in a statement. “I’m so fortunate to have that opportunity and can’t wait to get back in the chair.”

In addition to the SportsCenter appearance, Eisen will remain active across ESPN platforms early next week. He is scheduled to host The Rich Eisen Show from ESPN’s New York studios on both Monday and Tuesday.

The program will air from noon to 3 p.m. ET on Disney+ and ESPN Radio, continuing its regular distribution across digital and audio platforms.

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CNN Adds Patrick Svitek as Political Reporter

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CNN Adds Patrick Svitek as Political Reporter

CNN is adding Patrick Svitek to its growing roster of political reporters as the midterm election nears.

The network announced that Svitek will be based in its Washington, D.C. bureau and will cover the 2026 midterm races, political trends, and the 2028 presidential election.

Svitek joins CNN after previously working at The Washington Post. At the outlet, he worked on its political breaking news and campaign efforts. He covered the 2024 election, President Donald Trump’s transition team and second term, and the lead-up to the midterms.

Prior to the Post, he worked for nearly a decade covering politics in Texas for the Houston Chronicle and Texas Tribune.

In a post on social media, Svitek shared his excitement for the new endeavor.

“I’m excited to get back to work covering the midterms and 2028 for CNN,” he said.

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Matt Walsh: Conservative Media Members Taking Sane Position on Donald Trump Dwindling

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Matt Walsh: Conservative Media Members Taking Sane Position on Donald Trump Dwindling

While there’s a growing divide in conservative media circles, The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh is calling out the hypocrisy of each side.

While retweeting a comment from podcaster Tim Pool about conservative media figures either moving to an anti-Trump viewpoint or showcasing general content, Walsh called the shift disingenuous.

“Some big names have shifted full anti-Trump,” wrote Walsh. “Others are full pro-Trump and insist that he can never be criticized and anyone who questions him or expresses any skepticism about anything he does is a traitor to the cause.”

Walsh continued by noting that the positions taken have largely shifted to outrageous stances.

“Fewer and fewer prominent figures on the right are staking out the only actual sane position, which is that Trump is a politician who sometimes we will agree with and sometimes we will not agree with. And our right and responsibility as Americans is to be honest in either case,” he said.

The comments from Matt Walsh come after some conservative media figures like Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson have been critical of the Trump administration in recent weeks.

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Paramount+ Announces the Return of UFC’s ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ June 14

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Paramount+ Announces the Return of UFC’s ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ June 14

The Ultimate Fighter is set to return this summer with a new season featuring two of the sport’s most recognizable figures stepping into coaching roles. Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping will headline the upcoming installment, which debuts Sunday, June 14 on Paramount+. The premiere coincides with UFC Freedom 250, and new episodes will roll out weekly on Tuesdays across a 12-episode schedule.

The season, branded Team Cormier vs. Team Bisping, will feature 16 fighters competing across two divisions. Male bantamweights at 135 pounds and female strawweights at 115 pounds will battle for the opportunity to earn a UFC contract.

The long-running series has played a significant role in growing the UFC’s audience. It has also helped develop fighters who later became champions and stars. Among the notable alumni are Kamaru Usman, Tony Ferguson, T.J. Dillashaw and Rose Namajunas.

Other recognizable names include Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor, who previously served as a coach on the show.

Lionsgate Alternative Television continues to produce the series, which remains a key entry point for new fans discovering the sport.

Cormier enters the season with prior coaching experience and a decorated resume. He is one of only a handful of fighters to hold UFC titles in two divisions simultaneously. During his career, he secured wins over notable opponents such as Stipe Miocic and Anderson Silva. This marks his third stint as a coach on the program, and he will look to guide his team with a mix of technical skill and veteran leadership.

Bisping also brings familiarity with the format. He won Season 3 of the show before building a championship career inside the Octagon. He later returned as a coach and now takes on the role again, aiming to translate his experience and strategic approach into team success. His career highlights include victories over Luke Rockhold and Dan Henderson.

In addition to the new season, past installments of The Ultimate Fighter will become available on Paramount+ later in May. The expanded library offers viewers a chance to revisit the series’ impact ahead of its latest chapter.

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WTOP to Revamp Sports Coverage, Promotes Rob Woodfork to Senior Sports Analyst

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WTOP to Revamp Sports Coverage, Promotes Rob Woodfork to Senior Sports Analyst

WTOP has announced plans to alter its sports coverage, with a promotion for Rob Woodfork included in the adjustment.

Beginning on Monday, April 27th, Woodfork will serve as the Senior Sports Analyst for the station. He’s been with the outlet since 2011. As part of his new duties, he’ll host DC Sports, Filtered. The show will feature both audio and video components and will be used for the station’s daily sports programming.

The new focus of WTOP‘s on-air sports coverage will be more emphasis on storylines and analysis, rather than strictly on scores and transactions.

“We are excited to announce Rob’s promotion,” said Director of News and Programming Julia Ziegler. “This is a key part of our long-term strategy to transform how we cover sports. We’re committed to delivering content that goes beyond highlights and final scores—focusing instead on context, analysis, and storytelling that resonates with today’s audience.”

The promotion for Woodfork at WTOP comes after The Washington Post eliminated 300 positions from its newsroom earlier this year, including many inside the outlet’s sports department.

“At a pivotal time for sports coverage in the DMV, my goal is to bring thoughtful context, accountability, and perspective to the biggest stories in a modern way while staying grounded in the principles that make sports journalism valuable and trustworthy,” added Woodfork. “If we strike that balance, we can evolve how we serve fans — both casual and die-hard — without losing what makes our coverage essential in the first place.”

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NFL Reportedly Being Investigated by US Department of Justice Over Anticompetitive Practices

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NFL Reportedly Being Investigated by US Department of Justice Over Anticompetitive Practices

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an inquiry into the National Football League (NFL) over potential antitrust concerns, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The report, which cited sources familiar with the matter, said federal officials are examining whether the league has used business practices that could limit competition and negatively impact consumers.

However, key details about the scope of the probe have not yet been disclosed according to WSJ.

Attention appears to be centered on how the league distributes its media rights. In particular, officials could review whether the NFL’s growing presence across multiple broadcast and streaming platforms has created financial strain for fans trying to follow the sport.

At the center of the issue is the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which allows leagues to pool their television rights and negotiate national deals. That exemption has helped the NFL secure massive agreements with traditional networks for decades.

However, the media landscape has shifted. The league now partners with streaming platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube, expanding distribution but also increasing costs for viewers who want comprehensive access. As a result, some policymakers have begun to question whether the current system still serves the public interest.

Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requested public feedback on how the NFL’s media rights strategy affects consumers. That move signaled growing scrutiny from Washington.

In addition, Mike Lee, who chairs a Senate antitrust panel, urged regulators to review the league’s longstanding exemption. In a letter cited by the Journal, Lee noted that fans may spend close to $1,000 annually on cable and streaming services to access every game.

That figure has fueled concerns about affordability as the NFL continues to expand its media footprint.

Despite the criticism, the league maintains that it prioritizes accessibility. A large majority of its games remain available on free, over-the-air television in local markets. League officials have often pointed to that model as evidence of its fan-first approach.

Still, the addition of exclusive streaming games has complicated the viewing experience. While local broadcasts typically carry those matchups in participating team markets, out-of-market fans often must subscribe to multiple services.

The reported investigation adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the future of sports media distribution. For now, the timeline and potential outcomes of the Justice Department’s review remain unclear.

UPDATE: The NFL has released the following statement in response to the DOJ investigation:

“The NFL’s media distribution model is the most fan and broadcaster-friendly in the entire sports and entertainment industry. With over 87% of our games on free, broadcast television, including 100% of games in the markets of the competing teams, the NFL has for decades put our fans front and center in how we distribute our content. The 2025 season was our most viewed since 1989 and reflects the strength of the NFL distribution model and it’s wide availability to all fans.”

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SiriusXM Adds San Francisco Giants’ Logan Webb Program to MLB Network Radio

BSM Staff
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SiriusXM Adds San Francisco Giants’ Logan Webb Program to MLB Network Radio

SiriusXM is adding a current MLB ace to its airwaves. The company announced that Logan Webb will host a new show throughout the 2026 season on MLB Network Radio. The program, titled Logan’s Webb, debuts Friday at 5 p.m. ET on channel 89.

Webb will co-host alongside Ryan Spilborghs. The pair plans to deliver one or two episodes each month during the season. SiriusXM says the show will focus on player-driven insight, including perspectives from the field, clubhouse and life away from the game.

The Giants right-hander called the opportunity a chance to connect directly with fans.

“I’m thrilled to be hosting my first show and excited to connect with baseball fans around the country on SiriusXM,” Webb said. “This will be a fun opportunity for me to bring our listeners inside this game we all love.”

He added that he hopes to feature teammates as guests. That approach should give listeners a more personal view of the season as it unfolds.

“Logan Webb is one of the most talented players in baseball, and we are very excited to have him join our team,” said Jared Fox, the company’s senior vice president of sports programming. He added that Webb’s presence will offer “enlightening” insight for listeners as the season progresses.

Webb enters the media space while coming off one of the best seasons of his career. In 2025, he led the National League with 207 innings pitched and 224 strikeouts. The performance marked a rare feat for a Giants pitcher, not achieved since 1944.

The two-time All-Star has emerged as a cornerstone for San Francisco Giants. He also finished as the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award in 2023. This season, Webb made his fifth consecutive Opening Day start, putting him within one of the franchise record.

Beyond his on-field success, Webb has built a strong reputation with media members. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s San Francisco chapter honored him with the 2024 Bill Rigney Good Guy Award.

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MeidasTouch Network Completes Round of Funding Led by Soros Management Fund

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MeidasTouch Network Completes Round of Funding Led by Soros Management Fund

The MeidasTouch Network has announced it has completed a round of “strategic investment”, a first for the organization.

“At a time when newsrooms across the country are being gutted and journalists are facing mass layoffs, the MeidasTouch Network is doing the opposite: investing in high-quality journalism and independent voices,” a statement from the company reads.

The outlet shared that the investment round was led by Soros Fund Management, as well as a group of other U.S.-based investors.

It is not the first time the Soros Fund Management has invested in an American media company. It holds the largest share of Audacy. In 2022, it also invested in Crooked Media, a liberal digital outlet similar to MeidasTouch Network.

MeidasTouch says it will continue to “maintain full editorial and creative control” of its content, but will now have greater resources at its disposal.

“This is a defining moment for MeidasTouch, and we are thrilled to close this round because it gives us the resources to accelerate what we’ve been building—one of the most impactful newsrooms in the country and a truly independent media network at scale,” the company added. “The MeidasTouch Network has already become the most-watched digital news network in the United States, with billions of views on YouTube and one of the most downloaded audio podcasts in the world.

“This investment allows us to think bigger. We are now exploring acquisitions, investing in other independent creators and journalists, and building a network where reporters can do real journalism without compromise. We’re now just getting started.”

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Sactown Sports Host Matt George: Adam Silver Acts Only When “Media Heat” Causes Pressure

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Sactown Sports Host Matt George: Adam Silver Acts Only When “Media Heat” Causes Pressure

SacTown Sports midday host Matt George is pushing back hard against the NBA’s decision to investigate the Sacramento Kings, calling the scrutiny misplaced and driven by public pressure rather than facts.

George criticized the league’s focus on Sacramento amid what many around the NBA have labeled a widespread tanking issue. He argued the Kings are being unfairly singled out despite what he believes is a lack of evidence.

“It’s the Sacramento Kings that are being investigated,” George said. “It’s the Sacramento Kings that should be looked at. The Sacramento Kings that are being accused of one of the most blatant, obvious tank jobs in this season.”

With 3:15 remaining in the fourth quarter on Tuesday night, and Sacramento leading by a point, Kings guard Doug McDermott fouled Warriors guard Seth Curry, both of whom were nowhere near the ball. The result was two Curry free-throw attempts.

The play immediately accusations of an act of tanking to ensure Golden State would get to the line in an effort to retake the lead and, eventually, go on to win. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that the league now is looking into the play, with Sacramento claiming it was just a mistake by coach Doug Christie.

However, George suggested that narrative does not align with reality. He pointed to what he views as a broader trend across the league. With multiple teams making more deliberate efforts to position themselves for better draft lottery odds. At the center of George’s criticism is NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. George accused Silver of reacting primarily to external pressure rather than acting independently.

“The NBA is taking this [Charania] clip, this completely out-of-context clip, and now conducting their own investigation,” George said. “Apparently, Adam Silver doesn’t do anything unless there’s media heat and social media pressure behind it.”

The league has not publicly detailed the full scope of its review, but the investigation comes at a time when tanking has again become a prominent storyline late in the regular season. Still, George believes the NBA is overcomplicating a situation that could be resolved quickly with proper context.

“Here we are with this investigation that, in reality, should take 20 freaking minutes,” he said. “Watch a little bit of Sacramento Kings basketball and gather the context of what they’ve done and what they have not done over the last month and some change. While everybody else is choosing to sell their soul to the devil for draft lottery odds.”

The Kings have not issued a formal response to the investigation. Meanwhile, the NBA continues to monitor late-season competitive trends as it evaluates whether further action or policy adjustments are necessary.

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