NASCAR is adding additional races to the midseason package it is shopping to the networks; Netflix is reportedly not interested in the NBA In-Season Tournament; and more sports media news.
NASCAR expands midseason package from six to ten races
NASCAR is now shopping a ten-race package of midseason Cup Series races to the networks, up from six previously, Sports Business Journal reported Monday. NASCAR had interest from Amazon and Warner Bros. Discovery for the six-race package, and both companies remain front-runners for the expanded format. Per SBJ, NASCAR is hoping to “entice new bidders” with the expanded package. The hope is that one company will acquire all ten races, but it is possible that the rights could be split into two five-race packages.
Per the SBJ report, NASCAR has already reached extensions with Fox and NBC, though nothing has been announced yet. The incumbents were already going to carry fewer races with the additional midseason package, and its expansion from six to ten races will reduce their inventory further. (SBJ 11.20)
Netflix, as it turns out, is not interested in the NBA In-Season Tournament
Netflix is not interested in rights to the NBA In-Season Tournament, Bloomberg reported Monday, contradicting a Sports Business Journal report last week that the company had shown “some interest” in acquiring the event. Per Bloomberg, Netflix does want to create an NBA docuseries along the lines of its much-discussed F1 Drive to Survive series.
Though it is almost always mentioned in discussions of live sports rights, Netflix has yet to make a serious bid for any major property. (Bloomberg 11.19)
Plus: Apple Cup, Shaq, Le Batard
— Washington and Washington State have reached an agreement to continue playing their annual football rivalry game for at least five more years, according to the San Jose Mercury News, a move necessitated by Washington’s departure next season for the Big Ten. The rivals, who typically play over Thanksgiving weekend, will meet in September next year and likely beyond due to the Big Ten schedule. (Mercury-News 11.19)
— TNT NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal is scheduled to serve as a game analyst on the November 28 Bucks-Heat NBA game, working alongside Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller. (Turner Sports PR)
— The “Max” streaming service has reached a deal with Meadowlark Media to carry an hour of the Dan Le Batard radio show every weekday, Sports Business Journal reported Monday. (SBJ 11.20)