"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."
"Few -- if any -- individuals outside the NFL family had as large an impact on the popularity and public acceptance of pro football then Roone Arledge,'' NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said.
NFL media executive Brian Rolapp sent the Times a written statement saying that "A number of companies" are in a good position to win the bidding process and that the NFL expects to have that announcement ready to be made “in the coming months.”
"Whether you are watching him on a national stage or locally, the enthusiasm he brings to the broadcast is incredible. Fun seems to surround his broadcasts, no matter who he is working with or what sport he’s calling."
"ESPN announced on Tuesday that they are partnering Steve Levy, Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky as well as Laura Rutledge to broadcast multiple NFL games in 2022."
"We really believe these new platforms give us the ability to innovate beyond where we are today and make the experience for our consumers so much better. It obviously makes it more available to our consumers, and particularly the younger demographic which is one we really want to get to".
The NFL took a dramatic step & created an entirely new position to the front office of the league. The League announced David Highhill as the first Vice President, General Manager of Sports Betting.
The NFL has had the respective bids of Disney, Apple and Amazon for weeks now. DirecTV has not bid for the package but has stated it is willing to partner with the new rightsholder for a potential deal.
"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."