"Proven chemistry is difficult to manufacture. ESPN already knows this pairing works. With another opening on First Take, the easiest decision may also be the smartest one."
“There have been times where they’ve had the game that involves one of the teams that we’re about to cover that next Monday night. So it’s imperative for me to watch as much as I can.”
With simply the sheer amount of dollars put into sports television rights, you can't concede any day. You can't just allow your competition to have a win.
Another point that could compel Apple back into negotiations with the league is the fact that Sunday Ticket is the league's final media package available for purchase until 2033.
“Our linear agreements, along with our partnership with Apple, are the culmination of a series of collaborative discussions to provide our fans with the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming."
The agreement, while expected -- perhaps not this early, but expected -- did still leave several questions that I'm not sure can be answered immediately.
"Proven chemistry is difficult to manufacture. ESPN already knows this pairing works. With another opening on First Take, the easiest decision may also be the smartest one."
"I use the term irresistible on this show. That’s the moments I’m chasing in this show. It’s the one you can’t resist when it shows up in your feed. You’ve seen it five times in that ten second clip, and you’re still unpacking some of the feelings behind it. That’s what success will look like for me building out a roster of shows bringing those feelings out in different ways."