77 WABC morning host Sid Rosenberg and now 710 WOR morning host Curtis Sliwa have been at odds since the end of the 2025 New York mayoral election. Rosenberg had largely remained quiet about the situation. Until Monday.
During Sid and Friends in the Morning, Sid Rosenberg unloaded on Curtis Sliwa.
He spent the opening segment of his show lambasting his former colleague for participating in a skit with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who defeated Sliwa in the election. Mamdani and Rosenberg have been large critics of each other, leading to headlines about each other.
However, Rosenberg said he’s always been supportive or Sliwa. He pointed to the fact that he welcomed the mayoral candidate to his show every day for six years. He noted, though, that leadership at 77 WABC didn’t want him to operate that way.
“Management wasn’t happy about it,” said Rosenberg. “That’s a fact. They didn’t want him on every day. I fought for Curtis. I also saved his life a couple of times. This is a true story. When he was bashing people in the streets, they wanted to bash his face in. I saved his life.
“For six years, he was on this show every day. A man with no plan,” said Rosenberg. “I created Curtis the politician. I created him. It wasn’t his noon show. 45 minutes at 12:15 in the afternoon? That show gets 1/10th the listeners that I’ve got. Sorry, that’s a fact. I created that bastard. Created him.”
Sid Rosenberg shared that he has repeatedly reached out to Sliwa in an effort to repair the relationship, but those overtures haven’t been reciprocated.
“The last six messages between him and I are all me saying, ‘Hey Curtis, can we talk? Hey Curtis, can we grab a bite? Hey Curtis, how are you?’ The last six? No response. Zero. Nothing … I wish Curtis the best. I really do,” Rosenberg said. “But there’s been very few people in my life who have been more disappointing than that guy. And for you folks that still support him, you’re (expletives). That’s all I’m going to say. You’re all traitors, and backstabbers, and sellouts, and (expletives). So go enjoy yourself.”
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HBO is once again teaming with NFL Films to spotlight one of the league’s premier franchises, this time turning its cameras toward the Seattle Seahawks for the next installment of Hard Knocks.
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seahawks will debut Tuesday, August 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream on HBO Max. The five-episode run will continue weekly through September 8.
The upcoming season brings a notable distinction. It marks the first time since the show’s 2001 debut with the Baltimore Ravens that Hard Knocks will follow the defending Super Bowl champion. That angle adds intrigue to a series already known for its behind-the-scenes storytelling.
Seattle will also make its first appearance on the long-running franchise. Cameras will document training camp in Renton, Washington, offering an inside look at a team navigating expectations after reaching the top of the league.
Head coach Mike Macdonald will be front and center as he leads the defending champions into a new season. The series will also feature quarterback Sam Darnold, along with standout playmaker Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who earned AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors. Defensively, viewers will see key contributors Devon Witherspoon and Byron Murphy II.
Narration duties will once again be handled by Liev Schreiber, whose voice has become synonymous with the series’ tone.
Looking ahead, HBO and NFL Films have already lined up a future subject. The New England Patriots are slated to be featured during training camp in August 2027, continuing the show’s tradition of spotlighting marquee organizations.
Since its launch, Hard Knocks has chronicled a wide range of teams. These include the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. The series has built a reputation for blending access with storytelling. Often shaping public perception of players and coaches before the season begins.
That storytelling pedigree is reinforced by the involvement of NFL Films, which has earned widespread recognition for its work. The company has collected more than 140 Sports Emmy Awards and remains a cornerstone of the league’s media strategy.
🚨Hard Knocks🚨@HBO, @NFLFilms & @Seahawks Announce 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp w/ the Seattle Seahawks' Debuting Aug. 11
Episodes air subsequent Tuesdays through Sept. 8
First time since 2001 Hard Knocks has featured defending Super Bowl champion
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Spending tied to the 2026 election cycle is already accelerating, and political advertising is pacing far ahead of the last midterm cycle. New data from ad-tracking firm AdImpact shows $2.74 billion has been spent through March. That total is roughly $1 billion more than at the same point in 2022.
The U.S. Senate primary in Texas has drawn the most spending so far. Campaigns and outside groups have poured about $135 million into the race. That number could still rise, however, with a Republican runoff scheduled for May.
California is also becoming a major battleground. A June primary will determine the candidates seeking to replace Governor Gavin Newsom. AdImpact reports $114.7 million has already been spent in the contest. Billionaire businessman Tom Steyer leads the field with $89.6 million in advertising.
As a result, the race is already the second most expensive gubernatorial primary on record. Moreover, it’s now the most expensive non-presidential election in California history. The total spent on political advertising has already surpassed the state’s 2024 Senate primary by $40 million.
Steyer’s campaign has been on television since November. Meanwhile, other candidates have recently increased their spending. Former California Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and Rep. Eric Swalwell have each launched broader ad pushes. Even so, Steyer still accounts for about 78% of spending targeting Democratic voters.
On the East Coast, a heated political advertising battle is underway in Maine. Governor Janet Mills has spent $1.5 million in a U.S. Senate contest. Her opponent, Graham Platner, leads overall spending with $4.8 million.
Elsewhere, AdImpact says $27.3 million has been spent on Virginia’s proposed redistricting amendment. Kentucky’s open Senate primary has drawn $42.7 million in advertising so far.
Media platforms are also seeing early benefits — though unevenly. Broadcast television has captured roughly one-third of the spending. CTV and digital platforms follow with about a quarter each. Radio, however, has received just 2% of the political advertising dollars so far this cycle.
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Netflix appears poised to deepen its ties with the NFL, as the streaming giant explores adding more live game inventory beyond its current Christmas Day package. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Netflix has discussed the possibility of carrying a Thanksgiving Eve matchup along with an international game.
The international contest would likely take place during the league’s opening week, giving the platform a potential early-season showcase. Much like the recent broadcast of MLB Opening Night this past week.
The company entered the NFL space in 2024, securing rights to a Christmas Day doubleheader. That agreement runs for three years and marked a significant step into live sports for the streamer.
The Journal reported that Netflix is paying roughly $75 million per game under the deal.
While Netflix has not confirmed any expansion plans, its recent moves suggest a measured but intentional push into premium live events. NFL games remain the most valuable programming on television, routinely delivering massive audiences across both traditional and digital platforms.
Netflix has already begun building a broader sports portfolio. The company holds a long-term agreement with WWE and also came to a three-year agreement with Major League Baseball this past fall. That MLB package includes appearances on Opening Day, the Home Run Derby, and the annual Field of Dreams Game.
During the company’s Next on Netflix presentation earlier this month, Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria praised the existing NFL partnership and left the door open for additional opportunities.
The league could soon have additional inventory to offer. The NFL recently reached an agreement involving ESPN that included the sale of NFL Network and a redistribution of certain game rights. As part of that process, the league regained control of several games and is expected to explore multiple distribution options.
That creates an opening for companies like Netflix to expand their presence.
SCOOP: Netflix is looking to expand its current two-game package to four games, according to people familiar with the matter 2/@JBFlinthttps://t.co/ErDp1dwxeR via @WSJ
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OutKick is doubling down on one of its most prominent voices. Barrett Media has learned that Dan Dakich has signed a multi-year extension to remain host of Don’t @ Me. The extension with Dakich is his second extension since joining OutKick in 2021.
As part of the new exclusive deal, Dakich is ending his daily radio show on Indianapolis’ Sports Ticket 1430 AM. His final show airs today. Dakich has hosted a weekday program on the Cumulus Media outlet since January of 2024. He confirmed the news on social media after Barrett Media reported the information.
Dakich spoke with Barrett Media in December and revealed that his agreement with OutKick was due to expire in March. Sources told Barrett Media that the two parties were interested in continuing the relationship and worked through the details during the past few months.
“I love what I’m doing, the people, and the freedom. I don’t plan on going anywhere, unless they tell me,” exclaimed Dakich in December of last year to Barrett Media.
Dakich’s program Don’t @ Me has grown into a consistent driver of engagement for the platform. Momentum for the program has continued into 2026 with the outlet noting the show’s strong month of podcast downloads was this past February.
Before entering sports media full time, Dakich built a lengthy coaching career in college basketball. He held head coaching roles at Bowling Green State University and also spent time on staffs at West Virginia University and Indiana University, including working under Hall of Fame coach Bobby Knight.
Following his transition to broadcasting, Dakich became a fixture in Indianapolis radio. He later joined Big Ten Network as a studio analyst and contributed to college basketball coverage on ESPN. Now fully committed to OutKick, Dakich’s next chapter centers on expanding the reach of a show that continues to gain traction in a competitive sports media landscape.
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The National Football League (NFL) is taking a major step into the future of flag football. The league announced a partnership with TMRW Sports to build and operate a new professional flag football league for both men and women.
The venture arrives as the sport continues to gain traction worldwide, fueled by increased participation, investment interest and upcoming Olympic exposure.
The new league will be backed by a high-profile group of investors that blends football royalty with global sports icons. Among those involved are Hall of Fame quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Joe Montana and Steve Young, along with star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. They are joined by former and current NFL standouts, including Tom Brady, Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner.
The investment group also features prominent names from outside football. Tennis legend Serena Williams, soccer star Alex Morgan and trailblazer Billie Jean King are part of the effort, underscoring the league’s dual focus on men’s and women’s competition.
In addition, several major institutional firms have committed funding, signaling confidence in the sport’s long-term potential. League officials said conversations with media and sponsorship partners remain ongoing as momentum builds.
The NFL selected TMRW Sports after a competitive review process. Team owners authorized up to $32 million in funding through 32 Equity, the league’s investment arm, to help launch and operate the venture.
TMRW Sports, co-founded by media executive Mike McCarley, previously developed TGL, a tech-driven golf league in partnership with the PGA TOUR. The company has positioned itself as a leader in blending sports with modern media and technology platforms.
“For more than three decades, the NFL has made a significant investment in flag football at the grassroots levels. Including youth, high school and college. Now with the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, TMRW Sports shares a vision with the NFL. To further fuel fandom and participation worldwide with the development of a professional flag football league,” said McCarley. “As the elite competitive tier of flag football, this league will mark a new era for the sport. As the world’s best compete in a fast-paced format that aligns with the evolving media consumption of today’s sports fans.”
NFL Executive Vice President Troy Vincent said the league fills a key gap in the sport’s development system. He noted that flag football now offers a pathway from youth participation to the professional level.
“Selecting TMRW Sports represents an important step in our long-term commitment to growing flag football and supporting the world-class athletes driving its momentum,” said Vincent.
That pathway has expanded rapidly in recent years. Participation numbers continue to climb, with millions of players globally and steady growth across youth, high school and college programs. In the United States alone, more than four million young athletes play the sport, a sharp increase since 2020.
The rise of women’s flag football has been particularly notable. Dozens of states now sanction the sport at the high school level, while more than 100 colleges have introduced programs. The NCAA recently added flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women category, a key step toward broader varsity adoption.
The sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics has only accelerated interest. The new professional league is expected to complement that momentum by creating a global stage for elite athletes.
A formal launch timeline has not been announced. However, organizers indicated the rollout will align with the lead-up to the Los Angeles Games. Positioning the league to capitalize on growing international attention.
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A significant shift hit the sports data and media space Monday as Cris Collinsworth finalized a major business move involvingPro Football Focus. The company sold its enterprise division to Teamworks in a deal reportedly exceeding nine figures, triggering widespread layoffs.
According to several reports, employees were informed of a company-wide restructuring plan during a meeting earlier in the day. The plan called for roughly half of the workforce will transition to Teamworks, while others were let go as part of the change.
The move separates PFF’s two primary operations. Its data and analytics arm, which widely used across the NFL. That department will now fall under Teamworks. Meanwhile, Collinsworth reportedly will maintain control of PFF’s consumer-facing content business, which includes written analysis, fantasy football coverage and digital media.
The layoffs impacted several recognizable names across PFF’s editorial and social teams. Many of which shared the news of their departure on social media. While the total number of layoffs has not been publicly confirmed, the cuts appear substantial, particularly on the content side of the business.
According to Sports Business Journal, Teamworks plans to integrate PFF data into the platforms of prior acquisitions. These include Zelus Analytics, Telemetry Sports and Sportlogiq.
“Having that PFF data definitely unlocks new possibilities for us,” Karim Kassam, VP/Teamworks Intelligence, toldSBJ, noting that the combination of Next Gen Stats in the NFL and Sportlogiq’s computer vision tech at the college level means player tracking data is available at the elite levels of the sport.
Hello, friends. Like too many others, today was my last day with PFF
Working in sports is awesome, but it's who you work with that makes a job a dream job. I had a dream job for the last 5yrs
Thank you to anyone and everyone who has supported us throughout the years. Love y'all
I started back in 2019 as a data collector, and I leave today having lived out a dream of covering the NFL. Appreciate all the people who gave me that opportunity to prove myself.
Unfortunately, I was a part of the PFF layoffs today. Really enjoyed my time there, where I met and worked with so many kind, hard-working and incredibly talented people.
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Mike Gallagher said something last week that every program director, syndicator, and radio executive in the country should hear.
In announcing that 98.9 WORD morning host Tara Servatius would guest host his nationally syndicated show, Gallagher explained his thinking plainly: he wanted listeners to get “a sampling of a local host at a great radio station.” It’s a simple idea. It’s also one that doesn’t happen nearly enough.
Let’s think about what it actually takes to host a successful local show. You can’t lean on the same five national stories everyone else is covering. You can’t recycle the same White House talking points that your competitors are already running with.
Instead, you’ve got to take a story about a city council vote or a state legislative squabble and make a listener care about it — deeply, genuinely care. That’s a harder job than most people credit.
Here’s what strikes me most when I tune into strong local stations across the country. I don’t live in Nashville. I couldn’t care less about Tennessee state politics, at least not on paper. But SuperTalk 99.7 WTN’s Matt Murphy makes me care anyway. He pulls you in, makes the stakes feel real, and delivers it all with the kind of energy that keeps you from reaching for the dial. The same goes for Bruce St. James and Larry Gaydos over at KTAR News 92.3 in Phoenix, or James T. Harris on 550 KFYI. These hosts are doing something special — and it’s translatable.
That ability to make the local feel universal isn’t a small skill. It’s arguably the most valuable one in the format. And if you can master it locally, there’s every reason to believe it carries over to a national platform.
There’s another dimension to this worth addressing. Local hosts aren’t bunkered in New York or Washington, D.C. They’re not spending their days obsessing over polls, press briefings, or Beltway gossip. They’re living in their communities, talking to real listeners, and staying attuned to what actually matters to the average American. That proximity matters. It produces a different kind of instinct — sharper, more grounded, and frankly more entertaining in a format where entertainment has to drive everything.
National radio has always been where the big names live, and that’s fine. Joey Hudson is a deserving go-to for Gallagher’s show, as the host himself made clear. But the pipeline from local excellence to national exposure has been too narrow for too long. Talented hosts are grinding in markets all over the country who’ve never gotten a real look at what they could do on a larger stage.
Gallagher’s move with Servatius wasn’t just a nice gesture toward a local host at a strong station. It’s a challenge to the rest of the industry to think differently about where the next great national voices might come from. They’re probably not waiting in a New York studio. They’re likely waking up at 4 AM somewhere in Charlotte, or Phoenix, or Nashville — building audiences, sharpening skills, and making people care about stories that have no business being that compelling.
The talent is there. The opportunity, too often, isn’t. So here’s hoping Gallagher’s instinct catches on — because local radio has been quietly developing some of the best broadcasters in the business, and it’s past time the national stage opened its doors a little wider.
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It’s been nearly a week since the boys of summer kicked off another season of Major League Baseball. The pageantry and excitement of the opening weekend are beginning to subside as teams settle into their routines and fans make the game a nightly ritual. Baseball has always been a passion for ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who grew up in Cleveland as the son of someone who worked at The Cleveland Plain Dealer for more than four decades.
Since graduating from Syracuse University, Passan has grown into one of the sport’s most recognizable voices. He carries the heart of a scribe with an ear to the ground for every transaction, injury, and headline that can change the perception of a season. Passan joined ESPN in January 2019 and has elevated through the ranks of the worldwide leader. Last month, he signed another multi-year extension to continue bringing baseball stories to ESPN’s audience.
“I got into this business to write stories. I love writing, and will always love writing,” said Passan. “It’s a great challenge to get at the heart of a story. Plus do so in a way that allows you to still be creative in telling it. Going to ESPN, all these different avenues to show that creativity were new [to me].”
After spending 13 years at Yahoo Sports, Passan always aligned himself with the outlet synonymous with sports. Once he joined ESPN, he found himself immersed not in the usual day-to-day grind but in a wide range of opportunities to expand his horizons. From television appearances to assisting with documentaries that earned him a Sports Emmy.
Staying With ESPN
When his contract was nearing expiration, Passan said his focus remained on where he could tell the best stories in baseball.
“ESPN is that place. They care so much about this, and are willing to devote the resources and the energy that other places still can’t match,” notes Passan. “There’s a gravitas that comes with ESPN. The media economy has become bifurcated, that’s not a bad thing. I like that there are many ways that people can go about doing this. But for me, ESPN, regardless of the rights we have, we’re still the best. We still do this better than anyone else, with the best people.”
The past year for ESPN and Major League Baseball has been an interesting one. Before the 2025 season, the network and the league mutually agreed to opt out of their media rights agreement with three years remaining. That decision led to a summer of intrigue as the two sides traded words both on and off the record before ultimately agreeing to a new deal in November.
Passan, who says Baseball Tonight on ESPN was the show of his childhood, always believed the two sides would find common ground, ensuring ESPN’s long-standing relationship with the sport.
“ESPN is vital to any sport that cares about its relevancy,” said Passan. “The notion of Major League Baseball and ESPN not being partners was problematic for the league. The league recognized that too… When it comes to media networks, ESPN is still the place that is synonymous with sports. Major League Baseball is the kind of sport that deserves to have a platform like ESPN putting its content out to the world.”
Under the new rights agreement, ESPN lost its heritage broadcasts of Sunday Night Baseball and the MLB Home Run Derby and did not secure postseason games. However, the network did gain rights to MLB.TV, which is now available through ESPN’s direct-to-consumer app.
Playing To Your Strengths
Additionally, ESPN will air 30 exclusive national broadcasts, many during the summer months and primarily on weekdays. Passan has contributed to several MLB broadcasts, including on-field work during the Home Run Derby. However, during his contract discussions, expanding that role never became a focal point.
“There are parts of what I do where I’m very confident that I can do a great job. In terms of what I’m not quite as good at, I don’t think, is that role,” explained Passan. “As much as that role allows you to do some storytelling and some reporting, it’s a little more limited by its nature.”
Passan admitted his work during the Home Run Derby was “terrifying,” with a live microphone echoing throughout the stadium during player interactions. While he considers the experience a success, he believes others are better suited for that role.
“I always want to acknowledge my strengths and my weaknesses. I’m not in pursuit of things that might benefit others more,” said Passan. “I work with a lot of good people. Plus, I find as much joy seeing others filling that role as I would get personally.”
One element of his recent extension includes hosting a new baseball-centric podcast for ESPN in partnership with Omaha Productions. This marks his first opportunity as a lead podcast host. Since signing the deal, he has worked closely with Omaha Productions to develop a show centered on in-depth conversations with figures who can illuminate different aspects of the game.
Beyond storytelling, Passan hopes the podcast will feel distinct, built on his insider perspective.
“There’s a real vacuum for great baseball podcasts out there. There are a few of them. But I think there’s a real opportunity for this to be the kind of show that people tune into on a weekly basis,” said Passan.
While the debut date has yet to be announced, the podcast already has a name that also has not been publicly revealed. Passan says he is approaching the project like a teacher addressing a class. A profession he hopes to pursue after retiring from baseball coverage.
“Baseball can be a complicated sport. There’s a lot of arcane little angles to it with terminology and strategy that can be tough to understand. I want to de-mystify all that with this podcast,” said Passan. “The easiest way to do that is to talk to the people who actually do it. To be their translator. Be the person who helps bring them to a point of explaining things while serving as the megaphone to the world. The podcast format is perfect for that.”
The podcast is Passan’s latest venture, adding to an already full workload at ESPN. In preparation, he has leaned on conversations with colleagues like Mina Kimes and Brian Windhorst. Both of whom balance successful podcasts with demanding reporting roles.
The Toll Of Being An Insider
Passan describes the insider role as unrelenting—a job with no off switch that requires constant engagement. Despite balancing his career with family life, he says he has never felt burned out.
“You have to have ‘motor’ to do this job. If you don’t, it will eat you up. I’m very fortunate to be able to function on much less sleep than others,” said Passan. “If I ever get to a point that the job is too much and I can’t keep the pace of it, that will be the day that I pull a ‘Woj.’ That’s how I will know.”
The “Woj” reference points to former ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who stepped away from his role in 2024, citing the demands of the job. Passan expressed deep respect for that decision.
“He’s the best, and I love that he did what he did. This job can eat away at you. If you don’t feel like you’re fully invested in it, then you should stop,” said Passan.
What continues to drive Passan is the impact his work can have. A single report can shape how fans feel about their team or season.
“It’s an awesome job. It’s a privilege to do what I do,” said Passan. “People are so incredibly passionate about sports. When an alert of mine hits their phone, and it has to do with their team, it has the ability to make or break their day. There’s an immense amount of power in that. Not power to be used the wrong way, but power in knowing you can have a real, tangible effect on a stranger’s day. That is so cool that I have been a small part of seminal moments in people’s lives.”
Looming MLB Work Stoppage
With the regular season underway, Passan’s workload has intensified, delivering updates and storylines at a pace baseball fans have come to expect. He believes the sport is in a strong position following the success of the World Baseball Classic.
However, the current collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the players association expires in December, creating a backdrop of uncertainty.
“December 1 is going to be the guillotine that’s hanging over this season. It’s impossible to separate the two, because there is so much good that’s going on in baseball right now,” explained Passan.
Since joining ESPN, Passan has increased his appearances across the network. He is a frequent guest on The Pat McAfee Show and has engaged in more discussions about baseball with Stephen A. Smith. He believes the growing attention from prominent voices is helping introduce the sport to new audiences.
Still, he cautions against any potential labor stoppage.
“I look at this as a business problem. Business problems are nothing but math problems. The math problem in this situation tells me that they [MLB owners] have way more to lose than what they have to gain,” said Passan. “I am not confident because I’ve learned covering professional sports and labor that logic doesn’t always apply. But until I see otherwise, I’m going to apply logic to this. Logic tells me that a work stoppage where games are lost would be catastrophic to Major League Baseball, and that everyone involved knows better than to do that.”
In a sport built on rhythm, patience, and the long view, Jeff Passan has carved out a role that mirrors the game itself—steady, relentless, and always searching for meaning beneath the surface.
As Major League Baseball navigates both momentum and uncertainty, and as ESPN continues to redefine how the game reaches fans, Passan remains at the center of it all—not chasing the spotlight, but chasing the story.
As long as baseball continues to evolve, so too will the voice helping fans understand it, one headline at a time.
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Local voices matter. That’s what NBC Sports is showcasing with its rotating broadcast booth, using local analysts during nationally televised games. The network’s debut last week featured Orel Hershiser and Luis Gonzalez. Next week, NBC play-by-play voice Jason Benetti will be joined by Brad Thompson from St. Louis and Andy Dirks from the Detroit Tigers.
The concept isn’t new, but it plays into a long-honored tradition among sports fans and national broadcasts. Why isn’t my team getting a hometown feel on a national call? For years, nearly every fanbase in Major League Baseball hated Joe Buck because of his ties to the St. Louis Cardinals through his father. You could say the same about any number of national voices who have graced broadcasts at the national level.
Yet, this concept not only provides a local feel but also presents an idea for change. One networks and other sports could learn from. That’s why NBC Sports may be sitting on one of the most important changes in sports broadcasting history, possibly without even knowing it.
Every offseason, there’s a news cycle dedicated to which networks are bringing in the best analysts for their broadcasts. There’s a certain appeal in giving fans reasons to watch and advertisers reasons to invest. Year after year, networks roll out massive contracts for former players and executives in hopes of drawing more attention to their product and increasing revenue.
NBC Sports first toyed with the idea in 2022 when the network secured a Peacock-exclusive Sunday Leadoff package. Jason Benetti served as the constant play-by-play voice, while each game featured local analysts for a national streaming audience. The idea lasted only another year, as NBC let the deal expire, with MLB allowing Roku to pick it up.
Then NBC Sports secured a new three-year media rights agreement last fall, and Benetti officially returned to the NBC family. Yes, the network also brought in big names for studio roles like Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto. However, the play-by-play is the attraction. That’s where NBC went all in and embraced a fan-first approach.
Local voices assisting on national broadcasts bring a hometown feel to every market represented on Sunday Night Baseball.
That’s why other leagues should pay attention to the concept. Instead of signing former players, executives, or coaches to high-dollar analyst positions, why not lean on the league’s existing broadcasters? This approach helps elevate talented voices from around the country while giving them national exposure. It also likely saves networks money. Instead of shelling out millions for a single national analyst, how many local voices would demand a comparable price for a national stage?
Additionally, with rights fees likely to skyrocket, any cost-saving measure becomes worth exploring.
The most important factor, however, is how networks cater to local audiences. Who better to speak about the teams playing than the people who follow them every day? It’s a win-win for everyone involved—and a model more networks and leagues should consider adopting.
Imagine turning on ESPN and watching a national broadcast of the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks with Darren Pang and Dave Maloney on the call. Think about the entertainment value if the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls played on Prime Video with Ian Eagle alongside Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Stacey King.
Yes, I understand I used two Chicago-based examples there. Sue me.
With regional sports networks struggling in recent years, why wouldn’t leagues push networks to do more of this? Raising the profile of local broadcasters could also boost awareness and marketing for the league’s direct-to-consumer team platforms that 14 of 30 MLB clubs currently operate.
Why stop there? Wouldn’t a local call make an MLS national broadcast more entertaining and informative? Why not apply this concept to postseason contests across all sports—minus the NFL—when national broadcasts remove the opportunity for local voices?
If this concept proves successful in year one of NBC Sports’ return to Major League Baseball coverage, it could create one of the most significant ripple effects in sports broadcasting.
One where networks win through increased viewership. Where local broadcasters gain value, prestige, and visibility. And where networks no longer need to chase expensive national voices when they can deliver what fans truly want—a local feel on a national stage.
And that’s what makes this different.
Because this isn’t just a broadcast tweak. It’s a philosophical shift. One that says authenticity matters more than star power. That familiarity can beat flash. The people who cover a team every day might be the best ones to tell its story. Especially when the spotlight is brightest.
If NBC Sports sticks with it—and if the industry is paying attention—this won’t remain a Sunday night experiment for long.
It’ll become the standard.
And when that happens, the biggest win won’t belong to the networks or the leagues.
It’ll belong to the fans—who, for the first time in a long time, might finally feel like the national stage sounds a little more like home.
Because local voices matter, and always will.
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