• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 13, 2025
opinion
Tuned In

7 Sports Media Predictions for 2025, Including Interest in LeBron James

From networks showing interest in LeBron James to Tom Brady’s status at Fox and whether ESPN adds a third voice to its No. 1 NBA announcing team, we made seven predictions about the year ahead.

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Happy Holidays! It’s time for an annual tradition: My Sports Media Predictions. We nailed some big calls last year, but completely whiffed on Netflix not entering sports in a big way. (Yes, I will eat crow along with my turkey while watching the streamer’s NFL Christmas doubleheader.)

1: NBA Media Partners Chase LeBron James 

King James turns 40 years old on Dec. 30. He hasn’t put a timetable on his NBA retirement, but the face of the NBA certainly raised the antennas of sports TV executives when he addressed retirement last month. 

“I’m not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest,” James said following a Lakers win over the Grizzlies. “I don’t know how many years that is. If it’s one year or two years, whatever the case may be. I said the other night, I’m not playing until the wheels fall off. I’m not going to be that guy. I’m not going to be the guy who is disrespecting the game because I just wanted to be out on the floor. That won’t be me.” 

The timing is perfect for James to consider a future on TV. NBC Sports and Amazon Prime Video will join ABC/ESPN as the NBA’s U.S. media partners starting in the 2025-2026 season. Even if the Chosen One does hoop for another year or two, media companies will likely start bidding for his services next year—and try to sign him while he’s still an active player. “After Tom Brady, LeBron’s the next big get,” predicts one sports TV executive.

2: NFL Auctions International Game Package

The NFL is masterful at creating new, lucrative rights packages out of thin air. Look for the league to take its first steps toward selling U.S. media rights to a package of international games in the UK, Germany, and other countries that could fetch $1 billion to $1.5 billion a year. Amazon Prime Video is on such a roll with Thursday Night Football that it would probably be a contender. However, this could also provide a golden opportunity for other tech companies with streaming platforms—like Netflix, Apple, and Google—to expand their NFL business. Will commissioner Roger Goodell dangle the first international Super Bowl as a carrot to drive up bidding?

3: Stephen A. Smith Joins Monday Night Countdown

The Queens, N.Y. native grew up idolizing Howard Cosell. And there are similarities between the two. The 56-year-old Smith is known more for his NBA analysis than football. Likewise, the late Cosell was known more as a boxing announcer—before becoming a household name at age 52 on Monday Night Football. Smith already told me at our live ‘Tuned In’ event that he’s eying a role on Monday Night Countdown. I’ve heard that such a gig might be part of his contract negotiations with ESPN bosses Jimmy Pitaro and Burke Magnus. With Inside the NBA headed to ESPN and the fate of NBA Countdown uncertain, look for Smith to talk football with Scott Van Pelt & Co. on Countdown.

4: Tom Brady Returns for Year 2

Tom Terrific might be the most competitive person on Earth. How do you think he won seven Super Bowls? Despite many negative reviews of his performance as Fox Sports’ No. 1 NFL game analyst, my bet is Brady returns for Year 2 on the air in 2025. Calling Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Feb. 9 will energize him. The Big Easy was the site of his first Super Bowl win in 2002. There’s also the little matter of Brady’s monster 10-year, $375 million contract. Who walks away from $37.5 million annually after one year?

5: Donald Trump Picks Fight With NBA/WNBA Players

During his first term as U.S. President, Donald Trump blasted the NFL and ESPN for their players’ and personalities’ outspoken support of social and racial justice.  Caitlin Clark and other WNBA players are already taking heat from conservative media. Trump lives by the feud. He hasn’t forgotten both King James and Steph Curry endorsed Kamala Harris. Or that James called him a “bum” on X/Twitter back in 2017. Get your popcorn ready.

6: Richard Jefferson Promoted To ESPN’s No. 1 NBA team

I think the most shocking decision from ESPN’s 2023 budget cuts was the media giant’s decision to dump both Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, two-thirds of its lead NBA announcing team, while keeping Mike Breen. In the space of six months in 2024, ESPN tried to replace them with Doc Rivers and JJ Redick, only to have both decamp to the NBA for high-paying coaching jobs. I think ESPN is looking for stability now. It’s time for them to promote the promising Jefferson to the No. 1 team full-time alongside Breen and Doris Burke.

7: Colin Cowherd Stays with Fox 

There’s been plenty of coverage over Smith’s contract negotiations. But Cowherd’s future is almost as important. Like Smith at ESPN, Cowherd could become a free agent next year. This is an important negotiation for Fox. Cowherd’s eponymous weekday show is the glue holding FS1’s weekday lineup together. Within Bristol, the ultimate innings-eater is regarded as an instant solution to ESPN Radio’s problems. But I see Fox ultimately winning the bidding war for Cowherd’s services—especially if they pay to move his show to Chicago.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sinner Outduels Alcaraz for First Wimbledon Title and $4M Payday

The best two players in men’s tennis battled once again.
NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.

NFL Likely to Stay With CBS, Targeting Mass Renegotiation in 2029

The league instead looks toward a broader set of contract opt-outs.
exclusive
July 10, 2025

Amazon Adding Dell Curry to NBA Coverage Team

The 16-year NBA veteran has been a Hornets color commentator.
July 10, 2025

F1’s ESPN-Apple Dilemma Could Come Down to Reach vs. Money

MLB and MLS games on Apple TV+ have not drawn huge audiences.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) leads the second lap over Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
July 9, 2025

Apple Vies With ESPN for U.S. Formula One Rights

ESPN’s rights agreement with F1 has been worth about $90 million annually.
exclusive
July 8, 2025

Fox Extends Erin Andrews, Charissa Thompson Contracts Ahead of NFL Season

Changes are coming at Fox, but Andrews and Thompson stay put.
exclusive
July 7, 2025

CBS, NFL Host James Brown Discussing Contract Extension

The 74-year-old Brown has hosted a record 10 Super Bowl pregame shows.
July 7, 2025

ESPN Brings Pat McAfee to Atlanta for Home Run Derby Showcase

The Disney-owned network will bring one of its top stars to Atlanta.