September 3, 2010

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ABC, ESPN & ESPN2 Combine to Deliver Every Little League World Series Game from Williamsport

August 17, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

ABC, ESPN & ESPN2 Combine to Deliver Every Little League World Series Game from Williamsport

U.S., International and World Series Championships on ABC

ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to present every game (up to 34) of the Little League World Series Presented by Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Reduced Sugar from Williamsport, Pa., Aug. 20-29.  ABC – entering the network’s 48th consecutive year of Little League World Series coverage – will broadcast the International Championship on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 1 p.m., the United States Championship on Aug. 28 at 4 p.m., and the Little League World Series Championship on Sunday, Aug. 29, at 3 p.m.  Every World Series game on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will be available in high definition for the sixth straight year.  All ESPN and ESPN2 telecasts will be simulcast via ESPN3.com, with nearly all games available on ESPN Mobile TV.

For the first time, this year’s Little League World Series will feature a double-elimination format.  The Little League World Series from Williamsport will begin with regional winners competing in the double-elimination round Friday, Aug. 20, including: New England (Fairfield, Conn.) vs. Northwest (Auburn, Wash.) at 1 p.m. on ESPN; Midwest (Plymouth, Minn.) vs. Southwest (Pearland, Texas) at 3 p.m. on ESPN; Caribbean (Puerto Rico) vs. Europe (Germany) at 6 p.m. on ESPN2; and Japan (Tokyo) vs. Mexico (Tamaulipas) at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.  ABC will broadcast two games from the opening weekend: Southeast (Columbus, Ga.) vs. West (Waipahu, Hawaii) Saturday, Aug. 21, at 3 p.m., and an elimination game between either Mid-Atlantic (Toms River, NJ)/Great Lakes (Hamilton, Ohio) vs. Southeast/West Sunday, Aug. 22, at 2 p.m.

Action will continue daily (excluding Friday, Aug. 27) through the Little League World Series consolation game Sunday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. on ESPN and Little League World Series Championship.

ESPN game commentators:

Double Elimination Round – Aug. 20-26

  • Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser
  • Karl Ravech and Bobby Valentine
  • Jon Sciambi and Nomar Garciaparra
  • Kyle Peterson and Adriana Monsalve will serve as roving reporters

Fun Fact: Hershiser and Garciaparra will achieve the broadcasting triple crown this season, contributing as game analysts to ESPN’s Major League Baseball, College World Series and Little League World Series coverage.

Single Elimination Round – Aug. 28-29

  • Brent Musburger and analyst Hershiser will call the U.S., International and World Series Championships on ABC.   Ravech, who will host ABC’s weekend coverage throughout the tournament, will call the third-place consolation game with Valentine.

ESPN will also televise a Little League World Series Web Gems/World Series Preview Presented by Subway, recapping the best defensive plays throughout the tournament and previewing the championship, Sunday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m.

ESPN maintains a Little League World Series Facebook page, which provides news and information, videos, game previews and trivia, among other content, to its more than 40,000 fans.

2010 Little League World Series Schedule

All ESPN telecasts simulcast on ESPN3.com (*denotes elimination game)

Pool A – Mid-Atlantic (Toms River, NJ), West (Waipahu, Hawaii), Southeast (Columbus, Ga.) and Great Lakes (Hamilton, Ohio); Pool B – New England (Fairfield, Conn.), Midwest (Plymouth, Minn.), Southwest (Pearland, Texas) and Northwest (Auburn, Wash.); Pool C – Caribbean (Puerto Rico), Japan (Tokyo), Mexico (Tamaulipas) and Europe (Germany); and Pool D – Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia), Latin America (Panama), Canada (British Columbia) and Asia-Pacific (Chinese Taipei).

Double Elimination Round
Date Time (ET) Game Field Network
Fri, Aug 20 1 p.m. #1: New England vs. Northwest Volunteer ESPN
3 p.m. #2: Midwest vs. Southwest Lamade ESPN
6 p.m. #3: Caribbean vs. Europe Volunteer ESPN2
8 p.m. #4: Japan vs. Mexico Lamade ESPN2
Sat, Aug 21 11 a.m. #5: Mid-Atlantic vs. Great Lakes Lamade ESPN
1 p.m. #6: Latin America vs. Canada Volunteer ESPN
3 p.m. #7: Southeast vs. West Lamade ABC
6 p.m. #8: Asia-Pacific vs. Middle East & Africa Volunteer ESPN
8 p.m. #9: *New England/Northwest loser vs. Midwest/Southwest loser Lamade ESPN
Sun, Aug 22 12 p.m. #10: *Caribbean/Europe loser vs. Japan/Mexico loser Volunteer ESPN
2 p.m. #11: *Mid-Atlantic/Great Lakes loser vs. Southeast/West loser Lamade ABC
3 p.m. #12: *Latin America/Canada loser vs. Asia-Pacific/Middle East & Africa loser Volunteer ESPN
6 p.m. #13: Winner’s Bracket Final: Caribbean/Europe winner vs. Japan/Mexico winner Volunteer ESPN2
8 p.m. #14: Winner’s Bracket Final: New England/Northwest winner vs. Midwest/Southwest winner Lamade ESPN2
Mon, Aug 23 12 p.m. Consolation Game: Game #9 loser vs. Game #10 loser Lamade ESPN2
2 p.m. #15: Winner’s Bracket Final: Latin America/Canada winner vs. Asia-Pacific/Middle East & Africa winner Volunteer ESPN
4 p.m. #16: *Game #13 loser vs. Game #10 winner Lamade ESPN
6 p.m. #17: Winner’s Bracket Final: Mid-Atlantic/Great Lakes winner vs. Southeast/West winner Volunteer ESPN2
8 p.m. #18: *Game #14 loser vs. Game #9 winner Lamade ESPN2
Tue, Aug 24 12 p.m. Consolation Game Lamade ESPN2
2 p.m. #19: *Game #15 loser vs. Game #12 winner Volunteer ESPN2
4 p.m. #20: *Game #17 loser vs. Game #11 winner Lamade ESPN
6 p.m. #21: *Game #13 winner vs. Game #16 winner Volunteer ESPN2
8 p.m. #22: *Game #14 winner vs. Game #18 winner Lamade ESPN2
Wed, Aug 25 2 p.m. Pool C Final (if nec.) Volunteer ESPN
4 p.m. Pool B Final (if nec.) Lamade ESPN
6 p.m. *Game #15 winner vs. Game #19 winner Volunteer ESPN
8 p.m. *Game #17 winner vs. Game #20 winner Lamade ESPN
Note: if two games are required on Wednesday, Aug. 25, the start times will be 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; if three games are played, they will be televised at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Thu, Aug 26 4 p.m. Pool D Final (if nec.) Lamade ESPN
7 p.m. Pool A Final (if nec.) Lamade ESPN2
Note: if one game is required, it will be televised at 7 p.m.

Single Elimination
Sat, Aug 28 1 p.m. International Championship Lamade ABC
4 p.m. U.S. Championship Lamade ABC
Sun, Aug 29 11 a.m. Consolation Game (third place) Lamade ESPN
1 p.m. Little League Web Gems Special and Championship Preview Presented by Subway ESPN
3 p.m. Little League World Series Championship Lamade ABC

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Filed Under: ABC, Baseball, ESPN

ABC & ESPN 2010-11 NBA Schedule

August 10, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

ABC & ESPN 2010-11 NBA Schedule

90-Game Flexible Schedule; Five Christmas Day Games Including Heat/Lakers Blockbuster

ESPN’s multiplatform coverage of the 2010-11 NBA regular season will include 90 games, highlighted by 15 exclusive broadcasts on ABC – the home of The Finals – and 75 ESPN telecasts.  All 90 games will feature flexible scheduling providing viewers with the best possible matchups throughout the season.  All games will be available in high definition, with all ESPN telecasts also available via ESPN3.com and nearly all on ESPN Mobile TV.  ESPN Radio will broadcast 26 games, while ESPN Deportes (ESPN’s Spanish-language U.S. sports network) will televise 22 games. For the first time, select games will also be available on ESPN 3D.

Opening Week on ESPN

ESPN’s coverage will open with a doubleheader on Wednesday, Oct. 27 – the Chicago Bulls and All-Star Derrick Rose and free agent acquisition Carlos Boozer visiting defending NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the L.A. Clippers, with the anticipated debut of Blake Griffin, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers and Brandon Roy at 10:30 p.m.  Opening week action will continue with a second doubleheader on Friday, Oct. 29 – the home opener for the Miami Heat and its new core of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh against the Orlando Magic and 2010 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Presented by Kia Motors Dwight Howard at 8 p.m., followed by the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and Finals MVP Kobe Bryant visiting the Phoenix Suns and two-time league MVP Steve Nash at 10:30 p.m.

ESPN’s opening week games will also be available via ESPN3.com and ESPN Mobile TV.  NBA Shootaround will preview both doubleheaders at 7:30 p.m.  ESPN Deportes will televise the Friday doubleheader.

Additionally, ESPN Radio will broadcast the Opening Night showdown between Miami and the defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics, with All-Stars Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, with coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m.

ESPN & ABC Combine for Five Christmas Day Games

The networks will collectively present five Christmas Day games highlighted by a blockbuster doubleheader on ABC featuring the Lakers vs. Heat – the first matchup between the two teams this season – Saturday, Dec. 25, at 5 p.m., preceded by the Celtics visiting the Magic – the past two Eastern Conference champions – at 2:30 p.m.  The NBA Countdown pregame show will preview the action at 2 p.m.   ESPN Radio will broadcast the Heat/Lakers matchup with coverage beginning at 4:15 p.m.

ESPN will televise three Christmas Day games including the New York Knicks and offseason acquisition Amar’e Stoudemire hosting the Bulls and Rose at 12 p.m.  ESPN will also televise an evening doubleheader featuring a pair of the NBA’s elite forwards when the Denver Nuggets and Carmelo Anthony face the Thunder and Durant at 8 p.m., and a new-look Golden State Warriors, with the addition of David Lee joining breakout performer Stephen Curry, hosting the Trail Blazers at 10:30 p.m.

ESPN & ABC Showcase NBA’s Elite Teams

ABC and ESPN will combine to showcase some the top teams in the league, including 16 appearances by the Lakers (the maximum allowed across both networks), 15 by Miami and the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics, and 13 by the Orlando Magic.

ABC schedule highlights:

  • 15 exclusive broadcasts;
  • flexible schedule allowing for the best possible matchups throughout the season;
  • blockbuster Christmas Day doubleheader – Miami at the Lakers at 5 p.m., following Boston at Orlando at 2:30 p.m. with coverage beginning with NBA Countdown at 2 p.m.;
  • five NBA Sunday doubleheaders – Jan. 30, Feb. 13, March 6 and April 3 and 10;
  • six appearances by the Lakers, five appearances by the Celtics, Heat and Magic, and multiple appearances by the Bulls, Thunder, Suns and San Antonio Spurs;
  • Finals rematch between the Celtics and Lakers Sunday, Jan. 30, at 3:30 p.m.;
  • Eastern Conference Finals rematch – Orlando at Boston (Dec. 25 at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 6, at 2:30 p.m.);
  • 2009 NBA Finals rematch between the Lakers and Magic Sunday, Feb. 13, at 3:30 p.m.;
  • rematch of the 2009 Western Conference Finals – Nuggets at Lakers – Sunday, April 3, at 3:30 p.m.;
  • two games featuring the emerging Oklahoma City Thunder – hosting Miami Sunday, Jan. 30, at 1 p.m. and the Lakers Sunday, Feb. 27, at 2:30 p.m.;
  • a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview when Boston visits Miami Sunday, April 30, at 3:30 p.m.;
  • NBA Countdown will preview all games/doubleheaders 30 minutes prior to broadcast start times.

ESPN schedule highlights:

  • 75-game flexible schedule allowing for the best possible games throughout the season;
  • 31 doubleheaders;
  • 10 appearances – the most permitted – by the Celtics, Heat, Lakers, Mavericks, Nuggets and Suns;
  • nine appearances by the Bulls, Spurs, Thunder and Trail Blazers; eight appearances by the Utah Jazz, Knicks and Magic; six appearances by the Warriors; and four appearance by the Atlanta Hawks, Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks;
  • opening week doubleheaders Wednesday, Oct. 27 – Chicago at Oklahoma City at 8 p.m., followed by Portland at the Clippers at 10:30 p.m. – and Friday, Oct. 29 – Orlando at Miami, the Heat’s home opener, at 8 p.m. and the Lakers at Phoenix at 10:30 p.m.;
  • the Heat will make their first appearance of the season at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks Friday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., and the Lakers will make their only appearance of the season at MSG Friday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m.;
  • three Christmas games – Chicago at New York at 12 p.m. and an evening doubleheader (Denver at Oklahoma City at 8 p.m.; Portland at Golden State at 10:30 p.m.);
  • Western Conference Finals rematch when the Lakers visit the Suns Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 10:30 p.m.;
  • for the first time, ESPN will televise a game on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day when the Memphis Grizzlies host the Bulls and Rose (who played college basketball at the University of Memphis) Monday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m.  The National Civil Rights Museum is located in Memphis.

Record-Setting 2010 Finals

ESPN enters the 2010-11 regular season on the heels of a record-setting 2010 Finals. The Finals – which the Lakers won 4-3 over the Celtics – averaged 18.1 million viewers to become the most-viewed ever on ABC.  The decisive Game 7 was the highest-rated (15.6 rating) and most-viewed (28.2 million viewers) NBA game since The Finals Game 6 in 1998.  Additionally, visits to ESPN.com’s NBA section were up 24% and online video starts spiked 19% during The Finals. On mobile devices, visits to the ESPN.com NBA section were up 64% during The Finals.

2010-11 ABC NBA Schedule

Date Time (ET) Teams
Sat., Dec. 25 2:30 p.m. Boston at Orlando
5 p.m. Miami at L.A. Lakers
Sun., Jan. 30 1 p.m. Miami at Oklahoma City
3:30 p.m. Boston at L.A. Lakers
Sun., Feb. 6 2:30 p.m. Orlando at Boston
Sun., Feb. 13 1 p.m. Miami at Boston
3:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Orlando
Sun., Feb. 27 2:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City
Sun., March 6 1 p.m. Chicago at Miami
3:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at San Antonio
Sun., March 13 3:30 p.m. Orlando at Phoenix
Sun., April 3 1 p.m. Phoenix at San Antonio
3:30 p.m. Denver at L.A. Lakers
Sun., April 10 1 p.m. Chicago at Orlando
3:30 p.m. Boston at Miami

2010-11 ESPN NBA Schedule

* denotes ESPN2 telecast

^ denotes ESPN Deportes telecast

Date Time (ET) Teams
Wed., Oct. 27 8 p.m. Chicago at Oklahoma City
10:30 p.m. Portland at L.A. Clippers
Fri., Oct. 29 8 p.m. Orlando at Miami^
L.A. Lakers at Phoenix^
Wed., Nov. 3 8 p.m. Milwaukee at Boston
10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Sacramento^
Fri., Nov. 5 8 p.m. Chicago at Boston
10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Denver
Wed., Nov. 10 7 p.m. Utah at Orlando
9:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at San Antonio
Fri., Nov. 12 7 p.m. Utah at Atlanta
9:30 p.m. Portland at Oklahoma City
Wed., Nov. 17 7 p.m. Phoenix at Miami
9:30 p.m. Chicago at San Antonio
Fri., Nov. 19 7 p.m. Oklahoma City at Boston
9:30 p.m. Chicago at Dallas^
Wed., Nov. 24 7:30 p.m. Miami at Orlando^
Fri., Nov. 26 7 p.m. Houston at Charlotte*
9:30 p.m. Golden State at Memphis*
Fri., Dec. 3 8 p.m. Chicago at Boston
10:30 p.m. Dallas at Utah
Wed., Dec. 8 7 p.m. Denver at Boston
Fri., Dec. 10 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Chicago^
10:30 p.m. Miami at Golden State^
Wed., Dec. 15 7 p.m. Boston at New York
9:30 p.m. Portland at Dallas
Fri., Dec. 17 7 p.m. Miami at New York^
9:30 p.m. Phoenix at Dallas^
Sat., Dec. 25 12 p.m. Chicago at New York^
8 p.m. Denver at Oklahoma City^
10:30 p.m. Portland at Golden State
Wed., Jan. 5 10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Phoenix
Fri., Jan. 7 8 p.m. Houston at Orlando^
10:30 p.m. New York at Phoenix^
Fri., Jan. 14 8 p.m. Dallas at San Antonio
10:30 p.m. Portland at Phoenix
Sun., Jan. 16 9 p.m. Denver at San Antonio
Mon., Jan. 17 1 p.m. Chicago at Memphis
Wed., Jan. 19 9 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Dallas
Fri., Jan. 21 8 p.m. Phoenix at Washington
10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Denver
Wed., Jan. 26 9:30 p.m. San Antonio at Utah
Fri., Jan. 28 10:30 p.m. Boston at Phoenix
Sun., Jan. 30 10 p.m. Utah at Golden State
Fri., Feb. 4 8 p.m. Dallas at Boston
10:30 p.m. Utah at Denver
Fri., Feb. 11 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at New York^
10:30 p.m. Phoenix at Utah
Sun., Feb. 13 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Golden State
Wed., Feb. 16 9 p.m. Denver at Milwaukee
Wed., Feb. 23 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at San Antonio
10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Portland^
Fri., Feb. 25 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Orlando
10:30 p.m. Denver at Portland
Sun., Feb. 27 8 p.m. New York at Miami^
10:30 p.m. Atlanta at Portland
Fri., March 4 7 p.m. Chicago at Orlando
9:30 p.m. Miami at San Antonio
Sun., March 6 6:30 p.m. New York at Cleveland^
9 p.m. Boston at Milwaukee
Mon., March 14 8 p.m. San Antonio at Miami^
10:30 p.m. Orlando at L.A. Lakers^
Wed., March 16 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Miami
10:30 p.m. Dallas at Golden State
Wed., March 23 8 p.m. Orlando at New York^
10:30 p.m. San Antonio at Denver^
Sun., March 27 8 p.m. Portland at Oklahoma City
10:30 p.m. Dallas at Phoenix
Wed., March 30 7 p.m. Detroit at Indiana
Fri., April 1 8 p.m. Boston at Atlanta
10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Utah
Wed., April 6 7 p.m. Milwaukee at Miami
9:30 p.m. Denver at Dallas
Wed., April 13 8 p.m. Atlanta at Charlotte
10:30 p.m. Memphis at L.A. Clippers

2010-11 ESPN Radio NBA Schedule

Date Time (ET) Teams
Tues., Oct. 26 6:30 p.m. Miami at Boston
Thu., Nov. 11 10 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Denver
Fri., Nov. 19 6:15 p.m. Oklahoma City at Boston
Thu., Dec. 2 7:15 p.m. Miami at Cleveland
Thu., Dec. 9 10 p.m. Orlando at Portland
Thu., Dec. 16 10 p.m. San Antonio at Denver
Sat., Dec. 25 4:15 p.m. Miami at L.A. Lakers
Thu., Jan. 13 10 p.m. Orlando at Oklahoma City
Thu., Jan. 20 7:15 p.m. Dallas at Chicago
Thu., Jan. 27 7:15 p.m. Miami at New York
Sun., Jan. 30 12:15 p.m. Miami at Oklahoma City
Boston at L.A. Lakers
Sun., Feb. 6 1:45 p.m. Orlando at Boston
Sun., Feb. 13 12:15 p.m. Miami at Boston
L.A. Lakers at Orlando
Fri., Feb. 18 9 p.m. T-Mobile Rookie Challenge
Sat., Feb. 19 6 p.m. Meet the All Stars
All-Star Saturday Night
Sun., Feb. 20 7:45 p.m. 60th NBA All-Star Game (Los Angeles)
Sun., Feb. 27 12:15 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City
Thu., March 3 7:15 p.m. Orlando at Miami
Sun., March 6 12:15 p.m. Chicago at Miami
L.A. Lakers at San Antonio
Thu., March 10 7:15 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Miami
Sun., March 13 2:45 p.m. Orlando at Phoenix
Wed., March 16 7:15 p.m. Oklahoma City at Miami
Tues., March 22 10 p.m. Phoenix at L.A. Lakers
Sun., April 3 2:45 p.m. Denver at L.A. Lakers
Sun., April 10 12:15 p.m. Chicago at Orlando
Boston at Miami

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Filed Under: ABC, ESPN, NBA

NBA Christmas Day Blockbuster – Heat vs. Lakers – on ABC

August 4, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

NBA Christmas Day Blockbuster – Heat vs. Lakers – on ABC

ESPN Opening Week Doubleheaders Wednesday & Friday;

First-Ever Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Game on ESPN

The NBA Christmas Day tradition will continue with a blockbuster doubleheader on ABC highlighted by the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and Finals MVP Kobe Bryant hosting the Miami Heat and the recently established nucleus of league MVP LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh Saturday, Dec. 25, at 5 p.m. ET.  It will be the first meeting between the teams this season.  The doubleheader will tip off when the defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics visit the Orlando Magic and Dwight Howard, 2010 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, at 2:30 p.m.  The NBA Countdown pregame show will preview the action at 2 p.m.  ESPN Radio will broadcast the Heat/Lakers matchup with coverage beginning at 4:15 p.m.

In addition to ABC’s doubleheader, ESPN will televise three Christmas Day games including the New York Knicks and offseason acquisition Amar’e Stoudemire hosting the Chicago Bulls, led by All-Star point guard Derrick Rose and newcomer Carlos Boozer, at 12 p.m.  ESPN will also televise an evening doubleheader featuring a pair of the NBA’s elite forwards when the Denver Nuggets and Carmelo Anthony face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Kevin Durant at 8 p.m., and a new-look Golden State Warriors, with the addition of David Lee joining rookie standout Stephen Curry, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers and All-Star Brandon Roy at 10:30 p.m.

ESPN’s games will also be seen via ESPN3.com and ESPN Mobile TV.  ESPN Deportes will televise the Bulls/Knicks and Nuggets/Thunder matchups.

Christmas Day Schedule

Time (ET) Teams Networks
12 p.m. Chicago at New York Knicks ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN3.com, ESPN Mobile TV, ESPN Deportes
2:30 p.m. Boston at Orlando ABC, ABC HD
5 p.m. Miami at Los Angeles Lakers ABC, ABC HD, ESPN Radio (4:15 p.m.)
8 p.m. Denver at Oklahoma City ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN3.com, ESPN Mobile TV, ESPN Deportes
10:30 p.m. Portland at Golden State ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN3.com & ESPN Mobile TV

Opening Week Doubleheaders on ESPN; Opening Night on ESPN Radio

ESPN will open its 2010 NBA schedule with a doubleheader on Wednesday, Oct. 27, when Oklahoma City hosts Chicago at 8 p.m. and Portland visits the Los Angeles Clippers, in the anticipated professional debut of Blake Griffin, at 10:30 p.m.  Opening week action will continue with an ESPN doubleheader on Friday, Oct. 29, featuring a marquee Eastern Conference showdown – Orlando vs. Miami – at 8 p.m., and the Phoenix Suns and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash hosting the L.A. Lakers at 10:30 p.m.  ESPN’s games will also be seen via ESPN3.com and ESPN Mobile TV.  NBA Shootaround will preview both doubleheaders at 7:30 p.m. ESPN Deportes will televise the Friday doubleheader.

Additionally, ESPN Radio will broadcast the Opening Night showdown between Miami and Boston on Tuesday, Oct. 26, with coverage beginning at 7:15 p.m.

ESPN’s Opening Week Schedule

Date Time (ET) Teams Networks
Tue., Oct. 26 7:15 p.m. Miami at Boston ESPN Radio
Wed., Oct. 27 8 p.m. Chicago at Oklahoma City ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN3.com & ESPN Mobile TV
10:30 p.m. Portland at L.A. Clippers ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN3.com & ESPN Mobile TV
Fri., Oct. 29 8 p.m. Orlando at Miami ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN3.com, ESPN Mobile TV, ESPN Deportes
10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Phoenix ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN3.com, ESPN Mobile TV, ESPN Deportes

First Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Game on ESPN

For the first time, ESPN will televise a game on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day when the Memphis Grizzlies host Chicago and Rose (who played college basketball at the University of Memphis) Monday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m.  The National Civil Rights Museum is located in Memphis.

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Filed Under: ABC, NBA

2010 World Cup Final on ABC: Most-Watched Men’s World Cup Game Ever

July 13, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Please note the following correction:

Sunday’s Netherlands-Spain match is the most-watched Men’s World Cup game ever among viewers. However, the match ranks No. 2 all-time among households (9,455,000 for U.S.-Ghana, June 26). U.S.-Ghana ranks No. 2 among viewers (14,863,000) behind yesterday’s Final.

We apologize for the incorrect information in the original release.

July 12, 2010

2010 World Cup Final on ABC: Most-Watched Men’s World Cup Game Ever

Netherlands-Spain Championship Match Earns 8.1 Rating and 15.5 Million Viewers

ESPN Networks Finish 2010 World Cup +31% in Ratings, +41% in Viewers Thru 64 Matches

Sunday’s 2010 FIFA World Cup Final on ABC – a 1-0 victory by Spain in extra time over the Netherlands – ranks as the most-watched Men’s World Cup game ever. Based on Fast Nationals from The Nielsen Company, ABC’s telecast delivered an 8.1 household rating, 9,389,000 households, and 15,545,000 viewers for the two-hour game window (2:30-5 p.m. ET). Only the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final (U.S.-China from the Rose Bowl) averaged more households and viewers for a soccer game – 11,307,000 and 17,975,000, respectively.

Additionally, the Final ranks as the fourth highest-rated Men’s World Cup game on record, behind the 1994 Italy-Brazil Final (9.5 rating), the 1994 U.S.-Brazil round of 16 match (9.3), and the 2010 U.S.-Ghana Round of 16 game (8.5).  Sunday’s game also ranks behind the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final, which delivered an 11.4 rating. The 8.1 for Netherlands-Spain is a 6% increase from the 2006 Italy-France Final (7.7 rating, excluding pre- and post-game coverage).

The top 10 metered markets for Sunday’s four-hour telecast (including pre- and post-match programming) were: San Francisco (14.7), San Diego (13.6), New York (13.1), Miami-Ft. Lauderdale (12.0), Washington, D.C. (11.9), Los Angeles (11.3), Austin, Texas (10.4), Seattle-Tacoma (10.0), Cincinnati (9.5), and Boston (9.1).

ABC’s coverage of the Uruguay-Germany 3rd Place match on Saturday delivered a 3.1 rating, 3,532,000 households, and 5,045,000 viewers.

“The 2010 FIFA World Cup was an overwhelming success for ESPN,” said John Skipper, ESPN executive vice president, content. “We experienced record viewership across multiple platforms, including television, broadband, online and ESPN Audio, and it was evident from the overwhelmingly positive reaction just how much fans were drawn to the spectacle of this global sports event. We are already looking ahead with great anticipation to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.”

The 2010 World Cup ranks as the most-viewed World Cup ever on English-language TV in the United States. In 64 matches, the ESPN networks (ESPN/ESPN2/ABC) averaged a 2.1 U.S. household rating, 2,288,000 households, and 3,261,000 viewers.  The rating is up 31% from 2006 (1.6), while household impressions are up 32% (from 1,735,000) and viewers are up 41% (from 2,316,000). The top-five markets for ESPN’s coverage of the 2010 World Cup are: Miami-Ft. Lauderdale (3.9), New York (3.6), Washington, D.C. (3.6), San Diego (3.5), and San Francisco (3.5).

Through the semifinals last week (62 matches), an estimated 105 million people tuned into ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2 during the 2010 World Cup, a 17% increase from the 90 million people who tuned into the World Cup on the three networks through the same point in 2006.

World Cup Final Replay

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Final between Netherlands and Spain will re-air tonight, July 12, in its entirety on both World Cup PrimeTime on ESPN2 (8 p.m.) and an hour later on ESPN Classic (9 p.m.). In addition, ESPN3.com will have all 64 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup available for replay, including the Final, through the end of the year.

ESPN Inc.’s 2010 FIFA World Cup Coverage in the United States

South Africa 2010 is ESPN’s seventh 2010 FIFA World Cup and coverage of the event is the most comprehensive in company history. ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will air all 64 matches live and in high definition. ESPN3.com, ESPN’s signature broadband network available in more than 50 million homes, will feature live English-language simulcasts of matches on ESPN and ESPN2. ESPN 3D will feature 25 matches.  ESPN Mobile TV will show all matches. ESPN Deportes, the Spanish-language all sports network, will air more than 50 matches in Portuguese live in the U.S., and ESPN Radio will broadcast all 64 matches. Additionally, ESPN will present television studio programming from site in South Africa, offering U.S. sports fans the most comprehensive news and information coverage throughout the month-long soccer showcase.

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Filed Under: ABC, FIFA, Ratings, Soccer

U.S.-Ghana: Most-Watched FIFA World Cup Game: 8.2 Rating, 14.9 Million Viewers

June 29, 2010 By admin

U.S.-Ghana: Most-Watched FIFA World Cup Game

8.2 Rating, 14.9 Million Viewers for Team USA’s Round of 16 Match

Saturday’s United States-Ghana match on ABC – a 2-1 U.S. loss in extra time, which eliminated the Americans from the tournament – is the most-watched FIFA World Cup game among households and viewers. The 2.5 hour match window (2:30-5:12 p.m. ET) averaged an 8.2 rating, 9,455,000 households, and 14,863,000 viewers, based on fast nationals.

The U.S.-Ghana game ranks as the most-watched Men’s World Cup game ever, with only the 1999 Women’s Final (U.S.-China) averaging more households and viewers for a soccer game (11,307,000 households and 17,975,000 viewers).  Additionally, the match ranks as the third highest-rated Men’s World Cup game on record, behind two matches in 1994 – 9.3 rating (U.S.-Brazil, Quarterfinal, 7/4/94) and 9.5 rating (Italy-Brazil, Final, 7/17/94). The 1999 Women’s World Cup Final (U.S.-China) also delivered an 11.4 rating.

The U.S.-Ghana match represents increases of 11% in ratings (vs. 7.4) and 13% in viewership (vs. 13,130,000) from ABC’s highly-anticipated U.S.-England World Cup game on June 12, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The entire three-hour telecast (2-5:12 p.m.) — including 30 minutes of pre-match coverage – delivered a 7.5 household rating, 8,649,000 households, and 13,505,000 viewers.

San Diego was the top market for yesterday’s Team USA game, delivering a 15.4 rating. San Diego was the top market for all three previous U.S. matches – vs. England (11.5, ABC), vs. Slovenia (8.5, ESPN) and vs. Algeria (8.9, ESPN).  Rounding out the top 10 for Saturday’s match were Washington, D.C. (13.8), San Francisco (13.3), Cincinnati (12.9), Las Vegas (11.7), Austin (11.4), Columbus, Ohio (10.6), Norfolk, Va. (10.6), Seattle-Tacoma (10.6) and West Palm Beach (10.5).

Also, ESPN’s Uruguay-South Korea Round of 16 match on Saturday morning delivered a 2.5 coverage rating (2.2 U.S. rating), 2,513,000 households, and 3,246,000 viewers.

Through 50 games of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the ESPN networks (ESPN/ESPN2/ABC) are averaging a 1.8 U.S. rating, 2,081,000 households, and 2,781,000 viewers.  The rating is up 48% from 2006 (1.2), while household impressions are up 54% (from 1,349,000) and viewers are up 60% (from 1,740,000). (Note: Ratings and viewership numbers are based on the specific match windows, not including pre-match studio coverage.)

The 2010 FIFA World Cup continues with Round of 16 elimination matches through Tuesday, June 29, followed by quarterfinal games starting Friday, July 2, on ESPN and ABC. Coverage is also available on ESPN3.com, ESPN Radio, ESPN 3D, ESPN Mobile TV and ESPN Deportes.

ESPN Inc.’s 2010 FIFA World Cup Coverage in the United States

South Africa 2010 is ESPN’s seventh 2010 FIFA World Cup and coverage of the event is the most comprehensive in company history. ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will air all 64 matches live and in high definition. ESPN3.com, ESPN’s signature broadband network available in more than 50 million homes, will feature live English-language simulcasts of matches on ESPN and ESPN2. ESPN 3D will feature 25 matches.  ESPN Mobile TV will show all matches. ESPN Deportes, the Spanish-language all sports network, will air more than 50 matches in Portuguese live in the U.S., and ESPN Radio will broadcast all 64 matches. Additionally, ESPN will present television studio programming from site in South Africa, offering U.S. sports fans the most comprehensive news and information coverage throughout the month-long soccer showcase.

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Filed Under: ABC, ESPN, FIFA, Ratings, Soccer

2010 NBA Finals Most-Viewed Ever on ABC

June 21, 2010 By admin

2010 NBA Finals Most-Viewed Ever on ABC

Game 7: Most-Viewed NBA Game Since 1998

ABC’s exclusive coverage of The Finals (Games 1-7) averaged 18,144,000 viewers to become the most-viewed ever on the network.  Additionally, Game 7 generated a 15.6 rating and 28,203,000 viewers to become the highest-rated and most-viewed NBA game since The Finals in 1998 (Bulls/Jazz, Game 6). The Finals led ABC to win the night in prime time for all seven nights of the series.

This year’s Finals were up 26 percent in rating (10.6 vs. 8.4) and viewers (18,144,000 vs. 14,347,000) versus last year.  The seven-game series was up 45 percent in viewership (vs. 12,543,000 viewers) and 29 percent in rating (8.2) compared to the last seven-game Finals (Spurs/Pistons, 2005).

Last night’s Game 7 is the most-viewed NBA game ever on ABC and the second highest-rated broadcast on television since March (trailing only the Academy Awards).  In total viewers, Game 7 propelled ABC to post its top summer Thursday in more than 18 years.

In Los Angeles, Game 7 delivered a 39.7 local rating, its highest-rated broadcast to date in 2010.

Digital Media Growth

Visits to ESPN.com’s NBA section were up 24 percent during the 2010 Finals. ESPN.com’s online video starts during The Finals were up 19 percent from last year. On mobile devices, visits to the ESPN.com NBA section were up 64 percent over 2009.

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Filed Under: ABC, NBA, Ratings

NBA Finals Game 7 Generates Highest Overnight Rating Since 1998

June 18, 2010 By admin

NBA Finals Game 7 Generates Highest Overnight Rating Since 1998

Record-Setting 18.2 Overnight Rating for ABC

ABC’s exclusive coverage of The Finals Game 7 – Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers – delivered an 18.2 overnight rating, the highest-rated NBA game since 1998 (Bulls/Jazz). The overnight rating for last night’s Game 7 marks the highest-rated NBA Finals game ever on ABC (surpassing Lakers/Pistons, Game 5, in 2005 – 15.5 overnight rating; ABC overnight records go back to 2003).

Last night’s Game 7 overnight rating was up 32 percent compared to the last Game 7 in 2005 (Pistons/Spurs – 13.8 overnight rating).

The Finals led ABC to win the night in prime time for all seven nights of the series.  Thursday’s Game 7 broadcast was the highest-rated show of the night for all of television, as was the case for the previous six games.  The game peaked with a 23.7 rating from 11:45 p.m. to midnight ET.

In Los Angeles, Game 7 delivered a 39.7 metered market rating to become ABC’s highest-rated NBA game ever in the market.  Boston’s 33.9 rating is ABC’s second highest-rated game locally, trailing only the Celtics’ championship-clinching victory in 2008 (Game 6).

Through six games of national ratings, The Finals on ABC have averaged 16,434,000 viewers and a 9.7 rating, the highest six-game averages since 2004 (Pistons/Lakers).

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Filed Under: ABC, NBA, Ratings

NBA Finals Deliver Sixth Straight Primetime Win for ABC

June 17, 2010 By admin

NBA Finals Deliver Sixth Straight Primetime Win for ABC

Third NBA Finals Game 7 in 22 Years to be Played Thursday on ABC

ABC’s exclusive coverage of The Finals Game 6 – Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers – delivered a 12.3 overnight rating, propelling the network to win the night in prime time for the sixth straight game. Tuesday’s Game 6 broadcast was the highest-rated show of the night for all of television, as was the case for the previous five games.

The Lakers’ 89-67 victory forced a decisive Game 7 – only the third NBA Finals Game 7 in the last 22 years – Thursday, June 17, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN Radio.  Mike Breen calls The Finals on ABC with analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy and reporter Doris Burke.  Jim Durham provides play-by-play on ESPN Radio with Hall of Famers Hubie Brown and Dr. Jack Ramsay. ABC’s GMC Sierra NBA Countdown, with host Stuart Scott and analysts Magic Johnson, Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon, will preview Game 7 at 8:30 p.m.

Through five games of national ratings, The Finals have averaged 16,155,000 viewers and a 9.6 rating, the highest five-game averages since 2004 (Pistons/Lakers).  The Finals’ viewership is up 13 percent (vs. 14,347,000 viewers) and ratings are up 14 percent (vs. 8.4) vs. last year (Lakers/Magic).

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Filed Under: ABC, NBA, Ratings

NBA Finals Game 5 on ABC Overnight Rating up 36 Percent

June 14, 2010 By admin
NBA Finals Game 5 on ABC Overnight Rating up 36 Percent
Celtics-Lakers Wins the Night for ABC; Highest Game 5 Rating in Six Years

ABC’s exclusive coverage of The Finals Game 5 – Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics – delivered a 12.8 overnight rating, the highest of the series so far and a 36 percent increase from 2009 (Lakers vs. Orlando, 9.4 overnight).

Thursday night’s Game 5 broadcast was the highest-rated show of the night for all of television, helping ABC to win the night for all networks in primetime, as was the case the previous four games.  The game peaked with a 16.5 rating from 10:30-10:45 p.m. ET.

The broadcast received the highest Game 5 overnight rating since 2004 (Lakers/Detroit, 15.5 overnight rating), a mark that has been achieved by each game of The Finals.

Coverage will continue with Game 6 on Tuesday, June 15, at 9 p.m. on ABC and ESPN Radio.  The Celtics currently lead the series 3-2, with the Lakers facing elimination in Game 6.

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Filed Under: ABC, NBA, Ratings

NBA Finals Game 4 on ABC Overnight Rating up 6 Percent

June 11, 2010 By admin

NBA Finals Game 4 on ABC Overnight Rating up 6 Percent

Celtics-Lakers Wins the Night for ABC; Highest Game 4 Rating in Past Six Years

ABC’s exclusive coverage of The Finals Game 4 – Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics – delivered an 11.6 overnight rating, the highest of the series so far and a 6 percent increase from 2009 (Lakers vs. Orlando, 10.9 overnight).

Thursday night’s Game 4 broadcast was the highest-rated show of the night for all of television, helping ABC to win the night for all networks in primetime, as was the case the previous three games. The game peaked with a 15.3 rating from 11:30-11:45 p.m. ET.

The broadcast received the highest Game 4 overnight rating since 2004 (Lakers/Detroit, 14.5 overnight rating), a mark that has been achieved by each game of The Finals.

Coverage will continue with Game 5 on Sunday, June 13, at 8 p.m. on ABC and ESPN Radio.

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Filed Under: ABC, NBA, Ratings
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