Wednesday September 27, 2023

Sports Could Play Hero Role For Media Companies During Hollywood Strikes

  • As programming gets delayed, sports could become more important in the media landscape.
  • Netflix has been ramping up its sports offerings despite having no live rights.
Photo composition of Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts
Jay Biggerstaff / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

Taylor Swift Takes NFL to New Heights

Taylor Swift and her rumored relationship have brought in a new, more female-heavy audience.
Listen Now
September 27, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Sports may play a starring role as savior for America’s top media companies during the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes.

Programming from seemingly every major network and streamer will be delayed due to the strikes, whether it’s Disney’s “Star Wars” projects, the final season of Netflix’s hit series “Stranger Things,” HBO’s “The Last of Us,” or even some late-night shows. 

It would appear that one of the only types of content spared involves sports — live or otherwise.

“It really does highlight the importance of sports,” former Netflix and Hulu executive Simon Gallagher said on CNBC, noting games and docuseries are “protected” from strikes.

Gallagher, now a principal at SPG Global, is particularly impressed with Netflix’s sports offerings — the streamer’s stock is up more than 50% this year — and believes Apple is primed for success with the arrival of Lionel Messi in MLS.

Fresh from success with its Formula 1, golf, and tennis content, Netflix just released its new NFL series — aptly titled “Quarterback” — and won a $50 million bid to produce a 10-part piece on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. HBO is following the New York Jets for this season of “Hard Knocks.”

Disney continues to buy live rights for ESPN+ (and Hulu) and fill the service with content from the likes of Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, and this season, NBC’s Peacock service will exclusively air an NFL playoff game behind its paywall.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Lillard And Giannis Pairing Could Be Big For The NBA, Too

Bucks to be featured on national TV 19 times this season

NHL Backs Unified Women’s League, Though Without Money

Leagues working together on numerous operational components

AAC Commissioner Open To CFP Format Change, Just Not Yet

Mike Aresco is not ready to vote for CFP structure changes.

Will Sports Benefit From New Streaming Alliance?

Advocacy group involves many of sports streaming's largest players
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Taylor Swift Takes NFL to New Heights (w/ Andrew Brandt)

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Bears game.

Taylor Swift NFL Hype Likely To Continue Another Week

Swift could drive blockbuster TV ratings for NBC's "Sunday Night Football."
September 27, 2023

Magic Johnson Open To Knicks Minority Ownership Stake

Basketball Hall of Famer only interested in specific NBA franchise
Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob walks alone the baseline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.
September 27, 2023

Warriors Owner Reportedly Adding A Bay Area WNBA Franchise

An official announcement could come as soon as early October.
NFL concussions
September 27, 2023

The NFL’s $1B Battle Over Concussion Settlement Heats Up

The NFL is seeking at least $1.2 billion from its risk carriers.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations
Franchise expands broadcasting reach after reaching a deal with a local TV station.

Utah Jazz Launch Streaming Service Amid RSN Shakeup

An annual Jazz+ streaming pass will cost $125.50.
Coach Prime bringing improved tv ratings.
September 26, 2023

Coach Prime's Colorado Changing College Football Viewing Habits

The excitement around Deion Sanders and Colorado is helping drive record September TV ratings for college football.
Chiefs-Bears was the most-watched NFL game on any network this week — averaging 24.3 million viewers on FOX.
September 26, 2023

CBS Nets 13-Year High in September NFL Viewership

This month’s NFL on CBS broadcasts averaged 18.69 million viewers.
Viewership for TNF on Amazon is up 21% through two weeks over last season.
September 26, 2023

Amazon Gets Back-to-Back 'Thursday Night Football' Ratings Wins

Amazon's TNF viewership is up 21% through two weeks over last season.
First Take vs. FS1
September 26, 2023

Sharpe: 'First Take' Would Still Beat 'Undisputed' Without Stephen A.

Even if Smith leaves, Sharpe said he will still beat Skip Bayless in the ratings.
September 25, 2023

ESPN Reportedly Closing Studios In Aftermath Of Layoffs

ESPN's Seaport studio will reportedly close by 2025.
Ohio State players celebrate after after their defeat of Notre Dame in the final seconds at Notre Dame Stadium.
September 25, 2023

Ohio State-Notre Dame Scores Historic 10.5M Viewers for NBC

It was NBC’s second-most-watched regular-season college football game ever.
The in-market KnightTime+ streaming service will offer 69 regular-season games.
September 25, 2023

Vegas Golden Knights Launch New Streaming Model Amid RSN Fallout

The KnightTime+ streaming service will offer 69 regular-season games.