• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 7, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

How Much Did TMZ Pay for the Draymond Green-Jordan Poole Video?

  • Rumors that TMZ paid $120,000 for the grainy video were scoffed at by those who know how TMZ operates.
  • While the exact price isn’t immediately known, it’s believed it could have been bought for less than $10,000.
Draymond Green
TMZ Sports

Not long after TMZ Sports published the video of Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green clocking teammate Jordan Poole during practice Wednesday, speculation on how much the outlet paid for the footage began.

Anonymous Twitter account @incarceratedbob wrote “rumors are TMZ paid … $120,000.”

Over the course of our conversations with former TMZ employees since the Green-Poole video went live on Friday, each said it’s difficult to fathom the outlet paying the numbers being thrown around for this type of video.

These sources told Front Office Sports they believe there is no way the video even approached that rumored $120,000 number.

In all likelihood, the video may have even gone for less than $10,000.

TMZ doesn’t have much competition when it comes to obtaining such footage: It pays for this kind of content, and mainstream news organizations usually don’t. The outlet — which was created by attorney Harvey Levin in 2005 and acquired by Fox Entertainment last year — never discloses or comments on how much it pays for videos.

However, this reporter nailed down the $91,000 TMZ paid for the inside-the-elevator footage of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice assaulting his now-wife at a New Jersey casino in September 2014.

The Rice video was likely the most the site ever paid for footage of a sports figure, and it had immense news value compared to a practice altercation. Rice was suspended within hours, and never played in the NFL again.

That video put tremendous pressure on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who had suspended Rice for just two games. The NFL revamped both its investigative procedures as well as its domestic violence policy.

Levin and TMZ Sports’ small (but industrious) staff are plugged in source-wise, but the folks seeking to sell videos typically come via either TMZ’s tip page or the toll-free number featured prominently on its website.

From there, a person with knowledge of the process told FOS that the bargaining begins.

The next question in the Green-Poole saga is who sold it? The Warriors are currently investigating.

The consequences for Green, the Warriors and the NBA aren’t nearly as high, although Green told reporters on Saturday “there’s a huge embarrassment that comes with” the video getting out.

San Francisco police reportedly aren’t investigating Green for possible assault charges. Green’s multiyear deal with Turner Sports — where he makes appearances on TNT’s Inside the NBA —  won’t be impacted by the scuffle, a person with knowledge of the situation told FOS on Friday.

Green’s public apology Saturday came after he apologized to Poole and the team after the incident. Green said he’d take a break from the team for a few days.

“I was wrong for my actions that took place on Wednesday,” Green said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

TNT Sports Fuels WBD’s Surge As Max Hits 110.5M Subscribers

The TNT Sports parent company saw its stock price rise early Thursday.

NBA TV Ratings Continue Trending Down to Open Season

The league has dealt with injuries to stars like Joel Embiid.
Jan 22, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on after scoring during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center.

Joel Embiid Suspended Three Games for Shoving Journalist

The columnist wrote about Embiid’s son and late brother.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Trump Recruiting Sports Figures for Future Cabinet?

0:00

Featured Today

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.

NFL TV Ratings: Can Amazon Keep Up Record ‘TNF’ Pace?

Thursday night games are averaging 13 million viewers.
November 4, 2024

Sports Drive Fox Corp.’s Revenue Despite Election Ad Overload

The Fox Sports parent posted increases in revenue and earnings.
November 5, 2024

ESPN’s Jason Kelce Avoids Discipline After Viral Fan Confrontation

The dust continues to settle from Jason Kelce’s viral confrontation.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Tom Brady
November 4, 2024

Tom Brady Won’t Be Punished for Criticizing Packers-Lions Ejection

The “Brady Rules” faced their biggest test so far after Sunday’s broadcast.
Fubo-TV
November 1, 2024

Fubo Reports 9% Subscriber Growth As Venu Sports Trial Looms

The sports-focused streamer grew revenue by 21%.
Adam Schefter
November 1, 2024

Adam Schefter Uses Same Pirated NFL Clips As Everyone Else

ESPN’s NFL insider posted a video from an illegal stream Thursday night.
October 31, 2024

World Series Delivers 7-Year Ratings Record, Marking MLB’s Big Comeback

Viewership of the five-game win by the Dodgers soared by 74% over last year.