In sports TV news, FS1 passed ESPN2 in 2018

[Cheeks]

For the first time in 25 years, ESPN and ESPN2 will not be the top 2 sports networks.  ESPN will remain number one with a massive lead, but NBCSN is now #2 and FS1 has also surpassed ESPN 2 for the third spot.  FS1 had a record year in viewership.   NBC benefited because of the Olympics, while FS1 had some lift due to MLB playoffs.

Thought you all might want to know since we are in bed with Fox.

[Mr. Nielsen]

It was a World Cup year, and while the lack of an American presence definitely hurt Fox overall, it was still a boost for FS1.

Big Ten football and basketball has also been a boost to FS1.

Will be interesting to see what in 2019 what the PBA (bowling) will do for FS1.

[4everwarriors]

For the first time in 25 years, ESPN and ESPN2 will not be the top 2 sports networks.  ESPN will remain number one with a massive lead, but NBCSN is now #2 and FS1 has also surpassed ESPN 2 for the third spot.  FS1 had a record year in viewership.   NBC benefited because of the Olympics, while FS1 had some lift due to MLB playoffs.

Thought you all might want to know since we are in bed with Fox.

Megan, hey?

[Cheeks]

It was a World Cup year, and while the lack of an American presence definitely hurt Fox overall, it was still a boost for FS1.

Big Ten football and basketball has also been a boost to FS1.

Will be interesting to see what in 2019 what the PBA (bowling) will do for FS1.

World Cup does help, but what is encouraging is FS1 has done better in other months when the WC wasn't played.


On the horizon is the Big Ten and Pac 12 TV contracts, coming up in a few years.  Big 12, too.  Hopefully the conference reshuffle is done, but all eyes are on Texas (and Oklahoma) to see how it goes.

[MUDPT]

Sup @TeamcoachBuzz

[oldwarrior81]

also remember that espn is paying the UFC $300 million a year for the next five years.   On the Fox channels it was filling over 1000 hours per year of programming.

[Mr. Nielsen]

also remember that espn is paying the UFC $300 million a year for the next five years.   On the Fox channels it was filling over 1000 hours per year of programming.

It wasn't a value for FS1 anymore. That hours of programming was many replays. Otherwise known as fillers.

WWE Smackdown is going to FOX in fall. Many fillers might come to FS1 with that.

[Cheeks]

also remember that espn is paying the UFC $300 million a year for the next five years.   On the Fox channels it was filling over 1000 hours per year of programming.

Yup, among other things I am responsible for in our sports portfolio, UFC is one of them.  That was a decision of need for ESPN in my opinion, less so for Fox, but we'll see how it works out. ESPN is looking for content on ESPN+, which is the primary driver of that content switch.  WME-IMG,  has been a partner of ours for over 10 years....they paid a lot for UFC. Dana is an interesting guy to say the least, but they need to get a stable of fighters ready quickly as right now it's a little light in my opinion.  Moving to a streaming service mostly may impact their brand, or maybe it won't.  Time will be the judge.

[Eldon]

World Cup does help, but what is encouraging is FS1 has done better in other months when the WC wasn't played.


On the horizon is the Big Ten and Pac 12 TV contracts, coming up in a few years.  Big 12, too.  Hopefully the conference reshuffle is done, but all eyes are on Texas (and Oklahoma) to see how it goes.

And therefore Oklahoma State as well, no?  I seem to remember them being a package deal (or maybe I'm thinking of UNC-NC State when UNC was rumored to move to the B10)

[Cheeks]

And therefore Oklahoma State as well, no?  I seem to remember them being a package deal (or maybe I'm thinking of UNC-NC State when UNC was rumored to move to the B10)

If I recall there is some legislation that the OSU lawmakers pushed through to make sure they weren't left at the altar.  I don't know if it passed or if it is constitutional, but maybe.

Texas is the big one. They could go independent, could go to the Big Ten, Pac 12, SEC, or drive an even better deal with the Big 12. They hold the cards and the network money from Longhorn Network which is guaranteed and tied to Texas, not to a conference.  Meanwhile, Pac 12 has some challenges for sure.  Aside from the conference struggling mightily in football and basketball, the Pac 12 network is independently owned by the universities, which gives them no leverage in the negotiations.  AT&T dropped them from U-verse in November, which also effectively meant no expansion on DIRECTV or DIRECTV NOW (22 million subs).  Fun times ahead, but I don't think nearly the insanity the last go around.  When the music stops this time, there just aren't as many chairs nor partners to play the music.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

And therefore Oklahoma State as well, no?  I seem to remember them being a package deal (or maybe I'm thinking of UNC-NC State when UNC was rumored to move to the B10)

Ahhhh stability. But the NBE was too volatile to be able to recruit, right Bazz?

[GGGG]

It wasn't a value for FS1 anymore. That hours of programming was many replays. Otherwise known as fillers.

WWE Smackdown is going to FOX in fall. Many fillers might come to FS1 with that.

Great. Fake sports and mindless debate shows. No wonder I usually only watch when MU is playing.

Give me NBCSN. Smart commentary on sports they cover. NHL, Premier League, etc.

[Mr. Nielsen]

It's about a year or so away, but the NHL could split it's package. FOX, ESPN & Turner might be in the running.

[Mr. Nielsen]

Give me NBCSN. Smart commentary on sports they cover. NHL, Premier League, etc.

Other than a A-10 game, some NHL playoffs or the Olympics, can't say I care to watch NBCSN. That said, I love what that network does for those sports. Best thing that has happened to the NHL.

[GGGG]

Other than a A-10 game, some NHL playoffs or the Olympics, can't say I care to watch NBCSN. That said, I love what that network does for those sports. Best thing that has happened to the NHL.

Agreed. They do it smart without the hyperbolic nonsense.

[Eldon]

Great. Fake sports and mindless debate shows. No wonder I usually only watch when MU is playing.

Give me NBCSN. Smart commentary on sports they cover. NHL, Premier League, etc.

[oldwarrior81]

plus MSNBC has MU's own Trenni Kusnierek working their curling broadcasts.

[Jockey]

plus MSNBC has MU's own Trenni Kusnierek working their curling broadcasts.

Why is curling on a sports network?

Maybe The Cooking Channel or C-Span would be a better match.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Why is curling on a sports network?

Maybe The Cooking Channel or C-Span would be a better match.

Says the dude with the Canadian flag as their profile picture?

[warriorchick]

Says the dude with the Canadian flag as their profile picture?

Perhaps the Great British Baking Show, then.   

[Cheeks]

Says the dude with the Canadian flag as their profile picture?

I'm guessing he is making a political statement more than anything.

[WarriorDad]

Does this include people that stream? How is that calculated or tracked?

[Earl Tatum]

This is Football-  EVERYONE ROOT FOR THE 'CANES  TO KICK BUCKY'S A-. in the Pinstripe Bowl. Ranked the 21st worst bowl this
year.

[MU82]

Glad FS1 is doing well because it's good for the BEast and MU.

But, like a couple others, I can't say I watch much on FS1 when the Warrior Eagles aren't on. I have never watched, nor will I ever watch, any of their scream-fests. And I am fully comfortable saying "never."

[Silkk the Shaka]

Does this include people that stream? How is that calculated or tracked?

Cheeks, you obviously know the answer, very bizarre that you're setting yourself up under an alt account like this. Very, very bizarre behavior. Did you give Bryan Colangelo social media advice in the recent past?

[Mr. Nielsen]

It's too each it's own on talking head shows. Not sure why all focus is on the NFL, NBA and Tiger. Not much if any CFB, NCAA or MLB talk. Must not fit the demo.

I do watch tons of FS1. (college football, college basketball, Big3, PBA, MLB for live events. Heck, I even found myself watching the World Cup because of FS1. I do DVR, Speak for Yourself and Lock It In. The new interview show that is pretty solid is Fair Game with Kristine Leahy at 4:30pm. NASCAR Racehub is another solid studio show for the FS1.

[Loose Cannon]

It's too each it's own on talking head shows. Not sure why all focus is on the NFL, NBA and Tiger. Not much if any CFB, NCAA or MLB talk. Must not fit the demo.

I do watch tons of FS1. (college football, college basketball, Big3, PBA, MLB for live events. Heck, I even found myself watching the World Cup because of FS1. I do DVR, Speak for Yourself and Lock It In. The new interview show that is pretty solid is Fair Game with Kristine Leahy at 4:30pm. NASCAR Racehub is another solid studio show for the FS1.

Seconded   Fair Game with Kristine Leahy, very insightful with Freddie Roach.  I never knew he diagnosed with Parkinson  at 27 I always thought he stay in the ring too long..   She does very entertaining interviews and gets a glimpse of the normal side of the subject.

[oldwarrior81]

Why is curling on a sports network?

Maybe The Cooking Channel or C-Span would be a better match.

life after basketball?

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Other than a A-10 game, some NHL playoffs or the Olympics, can't say I care to watch NBCSN. That said, I love what that network does for those sports. Best thing that has happened to the NHL.

Plus Horse Racing

[Herman Cain]

Perhaps the Great British Baking Show, then.   

If Nigella is the sideline reporter I am in.

[Cheeks]

Cheeks, you obviously know the answer, very bizarre that you're setting yourself up under an alt account like this. Very, very bizarre behavior. Did you give Bryan Colangelo social media advice in the recent past?

You and at TSmith should become Cagney and Lacy