FS1 - NBA Deal Update

[The Lens]

(Forgive me if this was covered last week)

Article in the Sports Business Journal reports that the NBA is deep into talks with ESPN and Turner.  They still need to iron out streaming rights but if things proceed as expected, the NBA will NOT offer a 3rd package to NBCSN or FS1.  I have read that FS1 was counting on picking up an NBA package.  No one is calling the FS1 roll out a success and some media pundits have trashed it completely.  The NBA was thought to be FS1's first real rights acquisition.  Still many ways to succeed but not a great development for our partner.  I hope they figure it out because I have really come to like their BE game presentation.

[GGGG]

Yeah the next big thing are the B10 television rights coming up.  Hopefully Fox and FS1 get a larger piece of that pie.

[Groin_pull]

Yeah the next big thing are the B10 television rights coming up.  Hopefully Fox and FS1 get a larger piece of that pie.

Oh goodie, sharing the stage with Big 10 basketball.

[77ncaachamps]

Oh goodie, sharing the stage with Big 10 basketball.

Nothing like solidifying a B10-BE tournament.

[The Lens]

Oh goodie, sharing the stage with Big 10 basketball.

Well the Big East did some 0.0 ratings so if FS1 doesn't buy some real stuff soon, there will not be a stage.

In depth look at FS1 (cites a Paint Touches article):

http://thebiglead.com/2014/08/21/low-ratings-internal-squabbles-a-run-at-time-warner-fox-sports-1-first-year/

[Johnny B]

Fs1 gives good effort, but people just dont know where or what it is. Before FS1, id always watch random team games in the ESPN's,not the MWC channel or the horizon league. Meh, wish we were with ESPN.

[pacearrow02]

Agree that FS1 has a way to go with some of their live event coverage but saw that their PAC-12 football ratings are up over 20% compared to last year so they're at least moving in the right direction.  3-5 years from now they'll be a legitimate player.

[GGGG]

Oh goodie, sharing the stage with Big 10 basketball.

That is *exactly* what the BE should want.  The more eyeballs the better.  BE/B10 double-headers are better than more ultimate fighting reality shows.

[Mr. Nielsen]

It sounds like ESPN and Turner will pony up that much more money to keep a third network out in the NBA deal.

FS1 will have a solid fall with college football from the Pac-12, Big 12 and Conf. USA. Plus, MLB postseason.

[Brewtown Andy]

Yeah the next big thing are the B10 television rights coming up.  Hopefully Fox and FS1 get a larger piece of that pie.

Given that Fox owns a significant chunk of the Big Ten Network, I wouldn't be surprised to see Fox get the entire Big Ten package.

[bradley center bat]

Given that Fox owns a significant chunk of the Big Ten Network, I wouldn't be surprised to see Fox get the entire Big Ten package.

I can't see the B1G leave ESPN 100%. The B1G will go with the company that pays the most money.

[Groin_pull]

That is *exactly* what the BE should want.  The more eyeballs the better.  BE/B10 double-headers are better than more ultimate fighting reality shows.

This is probably a smart move, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

[Johnny B]

Fox has the money to pony up for the Big ten, but does ESPN step in?

[Mr. Nielsen]

Fox has the money to pony up for the Big ten, but does ESPN step in?

Yes and yes.