• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

How ESPN Broadcasts the Most Unpredictable Tournament in Sports

  • Broadcasting a tournament that can change narratives and travel schedules at the drop of a hat is a challenge for ESPN.
  • Sara Gaiero, ESPN’s VP of production, joins ‘Front Office Sports Today’ to discuss the logistics of March Madness.
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

March Madness broadcasting rights are highly coveted, but the networks that hold them are signing up for chaos: They have to change plans, narratives and travel schedules with every big upset. ESPN’s VP of production Sara Gaiero joins the podcast to discuss how she prepares for the unknown.

Plus, Transfer Portal Monday provides an unwelcome distraction from Selection Sunday, billions in legal bets are expected on March Madness, and calmer days may be on the horizon for Sports Illustrated.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

As Jazz, Wizards Race to Bottom, NBA Could Expand Fine Latitude

The league is investigating the Sixers, among other teams.

Sanders Wants Buffs to Buck Spring Game Trend, but There’s a Catch

Colorado will broadcast its 2025 spring game on ESPN2.
Mar 13, 2025; New York, NY, USA; American businessman and St. John's donor Mike Repole stands and applauds during the second half against the Butler Bulldogs at Madison Square Garden.

‘Back in the Spotlight’: How Mike Repole’s Millions Pulled St. John’s Into..

The billionaire-fueled renaissance put the Johnnies back into the national spotlight.
Nov 12, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; South Alabama Jaguars head coach Richie Riley watches during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at C.M. 'Tad' Smith Coliseum.

‘Inexcusable’: NCAA Extends, Then Retracts, NIT Invite to South Alabama

“What they did to us last night is inexcusable!” South Alabama’s coach said.

Featured Today

Auburn Tigers guard Miles Kelly (13) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against Kentucky during the first half in SEC basketball at Rupp Arena Saturday afternoon in Lexington, Kentucky March 1, 2025

The SEC’s Ascent to Men’s Basketball Supremacy

The league brought its football pageantry and power to college hoops.
San Diego Wave FC falls to Orlando Pride at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA on April 29, 2023.
March 14, 2025

The New Tailored Approach to Women’s Sports Uniforms

For new women’s sports leagues, every detail is custom.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) cuts down the net after beating LSU in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament between Iowa and LSU at MVP Arena, Monday, April 1, 2024 in Albany, N.Y.
opinion
March 9, 2025

Reader Mailbag: Leagues Need Must-Watch Moments

Readers responded to NHL success and what it means for other leagues.
Moolah Kicks
March 8, 2025

Breaking the Mold: The Brands Designing Footwear Specifically for Female Athletes

New companies are laser focused on changing the women’s athletic footwear landscape.
Mar 10, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) and center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) react after a call on a play against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Paycom Center.

ESPN ‘Aggressive’ in NBA Schedule Flexes, On Pace for Record

This Sunday’s Sixers-Mavericks game was subbed out for Magic- Cavaliers.
March 13, 2025

Sports Rebundling Continues As DirecTV, Roku Bet on Live Rights

DirecTV and Roku lean further in to sports to attract viewers.
Behind the scenes with NBC's TODAY show at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
March 13, 2025

NBC, Olympics Reach $3 Billion Rights Extension

The Olympics will remain on NBC through at least 2036.
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.
March 12, 2025

As Ovechkin Closes on Gretzky, Caps Secure Local Broadcast Access

The NHL team will have local productions of four exclusive national games.
March 12, 2025

PGA Tour’s $20 Million Signature Events Seeing TV Ratings Boost

Three of the four elevated tournaments have made viewership gains.
March 12, 2025

CBS Sports at Stake As Paramount Acquisition Gets Contentious

Skydance says a rival bid for CBS Sports’ parent is “fraudulently misrepresented.”
Mar 8, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter at the TD Garden.
March 11, 2025

Celtics-Lakers Draws Record Ratings, NBA Nearly Even With Last Year

The game peaked at 5.34 million viewers.