Sports Media News

Keeping Up With All The Industry Press Releases

Archives for April 2015

espnW and HOMAGE Debut “Be” Apparel Collection

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espnW, ESPN Consumer Products and HOMAGE have teamed up to debut the “Be” apparel collection inspired by legendary female athletes  Hilary Knight, Billie Jean King and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

The lifestyle collection, available at HOMAGE.com and HOMAGE retail stores, features T-shirts, hoodies and pants, with graphics and silhouettes communicating the stories of these three women, whose achievements and stories of triumph have transcended sport.

The line features three distinct messages:

  • Dare to Be, inspired by Hilary Knight
  • Be Bold, inspired by Billie Jean King
  • Be the Best, inspired by Jackie Joyner-Kersee

“The collection aims to honor female athletes. We’ll tell their stories through unique graphics that inspire female athletes and fans to be their very best,” said Laura Gentile, vice president, espnW.

To extend the “Be” narrative, espnW is encouraging young women across the country to be their bold and true self through social media using #BeYourSelfie.

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 About ESPN Consumer Products

ESPN Consumer Products enhances the experience of sports fans of all ages through innovative and high-quality products.  ESPN Consumer Products oversees the development of product lines under the ESPN family, designed for sports fans by sports fans.  Products are available at a wide variety of retailers, including the ESPN Fan Shop (ESPNShop.com) and our product collections include lifestyle and collegiate co-branded apparel, headwear and accessories.

About espnW

espnW serves women who love sports. espnW.com provides an engaging environment that offers total access to female athletes and the sports they play, takes fans inside the biggest events, and shares a unique point of view on the sports stories that matter most to women. Founded in July 2010, espnW lives across digital, television, films, events, educational platforms and social media. The annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit is the leading event of its kind in the sports industry.

About HOMAGE

Founded in 2007, HOMAGE turns back the clock with shout-outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics, and popular culture. From Jesse Owens to Larry Bird, its clothing tells stories of triumph, individualism and hustle, preserving the old school and creating new legacies. Pay HOMAGE.

FOX Sports Goes On-Location to Pearl Harbor in December

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fox-sports-logoLive Broadcasts, Events from Iconic Location Set Dec. 4-7

Sports Provides Backdrop as FOX and FOX Sports 1 Remind Viewers about

“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”

New York — The sudden attack of United States military installations on the Hawaiian Islands on Dec. 7, 1941, which saw almost 2,400 lives lost, catapulted the country into World War II and united all Americans in a groundswell of patriotism.  Later this year, FOX Sports, with the help of the four branches of the United States military – Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force – pays solemn tribute to those who tragically fell that day, in that four-year conflict and the sacrifice of today’s uniformed personnel around the world in a weekend-long remembrance.

Using sports as a backdrop, FOX Sports is honored to call Pearl Harbor home Dec. 4-7, 2015, paying tribute to the nation’s military while enlightening Americans about the world-altering events that occurred there almost 75 years ago on “a date which will live in infamy.”  Activities and events associated with three of FOX Sports’ core sports – Major League Baseball, National Football League and college basketball – are planned throughout the extra-long weekend.

“FOX Sports is honored to call Pearl Harbor home during this year’s commemoration, an extremely fitting location to show our respect to the men and women of our nation’s armed forces, past and present,” said FOX Sports President and COO Eric Shanks.  “We appreciate the military’s cooperation with this endeavor, and we hope to return to Pearl Harbor in 2016 to pay solemn tribute on the 75th Anniversary.”

Leading off on Friday, Dec. 4, MLB on FOX game analyst Harold Reynolds teams with a contingent of baseball superstars, including Kansas City Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, Boston Red Sox outfielder and native

Hawaiian Shane Victorino to host a clinic for children at a local school, followed a day later by a similar event at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for children of active military personnel.  The baseball stars also plan to visit a local children’s hospital and wounded warriors at the base hospital.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, FOX Sports 1 uses a set on the bow of the Battleship Missouri Memorial as home base for the day’s studio programming.  Event programming that day includes college basketball and FOX broadcast network’s evening presentation of the Big Ten Championship football game, live from Indianapolis.

The following day, Sunday, Dec. 6, in what is sure to be its most special broadcast ever, FOX NFL SUNDAY presents a special two-hour edition live from the deck of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, with the poignant USS Arizona Memorial as a backdrop, as the sun rises over Pearl Harbor.  The USS Arizona was among the first ships bombed on Dec. 7, 1941, losing 1,177 crew members in the greatest loss of life on any U.S. warship in history, but it was aboard the USS Missouri that Gen. Douglas MacArthur accepted the Empire of Japan’s unconditional surrender on Sept. 2, 1945 in Tokyo Bay which officially signaled the end of World War II.

Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Jimmy Johnson, Howie Long and Michael Strahan, in the most reverent of settings, prepare football fans for the day’s action while offering a unique look at the surprise attack of Dec. 7, 1941, both battleships, and their unique place in U.S. history.  FOX NFL SUNDAY (12:00 PM ET/6:00 AM local time) has often paid tribute to our nation’s military, including live broadcasts from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman while on patrol in the Mediterranean Sea in 2000 and a U.S. military installation in Afghanistan in 2009.

FOX has a solid NFL doubleheader scheduled on Sunday, Dec. 6, highlighted by early regional game coverage that includes the San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears; the two-time defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks on the road against the Minnesota Vikings; and Carolina Panthers visiting the New Orleans Saints. In the national game nightcap, the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots host the Philadelphia Eagles in AMERICA’S GAME OF THE WEEK.

Following a morning ceremony on Monday, Dec. 7 marking the 74th anniversary of the 1941 attack, FOX Sports 1 coverage from Pearl Harbor culminates with its presentation of two college basketball games played in Bloch Arena, located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, which withstood the 1941 Japanese bombing.  FOX Sports 1 offers live coverage of Oklahoma vs. Villanova (2:00 PM local time/7:00 PM ET), followed by Navy vs. Oregon.

–FOX SPORTS–

Filed Under: FOX

GOLF CHANNEL POST MOST-WATCHED APRIL EVER

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Golf Channel Remains No. 1 Most-Affluent Network in All of Television for Both Total Day and Primetime in April

Golf Channel Digital Breaks Records with Best Monthly Traffic Ever

Viewership Momentum Leads to Compelling Stretch, Including World Golf Championships-Cadillac Match Play, THE PLAYERS Championship and 25 Consecutive Days of Live Golf

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 29, 2015) – Golf Channel posted its most-watched April ever and served 16.3 million unique viewers, which was driven by increases across the network’s programming schedule. For 24-hour Total Day (6AM-6AM), 132,000 average viewers per minute were tuned into Golf Channel in April, representing a 2% year-over-year increase compared to April 2014 (130,000) and the network’s most-watched month since August 2013 (138,000), as well as a 53% increase since Golf Channel joined NBC Sports Group, according to data released by The Nielsen Company.

GOLF CHANNEL APRIL VIEWERSHIP COMPARISON

2015                132,000

2014                130,000           +2%

2013                128,000           +4%

2012                115,000           +15%

2011                101,000           +31%

2010                86,000             +53%

Additionally, Golf Channel retained its status in April as No. 1 most-affluent network in all of television with the highest median household income for total day viewership (#2 NBCSN and #3 CNBC round out the top three networks for this metric). Golf Channel also was the No. 1 most-affluent network in all of television in primetime (#2 NBCSN).

GOLF CHANNEL DIGITAL POSTS RECORD TRAFFIC ACROSS ALL KEY PLATFORMS AND METRICS

While monthly digital traffic data is not final until the end of the calendar month and will include two days of live coverage of the WGC-Cadillac Match Play, Golf Channel Digital’s traffic through Tuesday, April 28 already has set several records, according to Adobe Site Catalyst:

  • Golf Channel Digital 90.98 million page views (+40% YOY) – Best Month Ever Record
  • Golf Channel Digital 17.23 million visits (+37% YOY) – Best Month Ever Record
  • GolfChannel.com 5.6 million unique visitors (+23% YOY) – Best Month Ever Record

Additionally, Golf Live Extra generated 674,000 live stream starts (+38% YOY) and 13.33 million minutes watched (+93% YOY) so far in April 2015.

UPCOMING LIVE EVENTS ON GOLF CHANNEL AND GOLF CHANNEL ON NBC

Golf Channel will carry momentum of this record viewership and traffic into May with a slate of live golf coverage and in-depth news and analysis, including:

  • World Golf Championships-Cadillac Match Play (Wednesday, April 29 – Sunday, May 3): With the new World Cup-style group format, Golf Channel and NBC will feature the match-play action from TPC Harding Park all this week. And Saturday’s Quarterfinal Matches will be featured in primetime on NBC at the conclusion of the Kentucky Derby.
  • THE PLAYERS Championship (Thursday, May 7 – Sunday, May 10): More than 90 hours of live coverage during the week devoted to featuring the year’s top field in golf, including Golf Central’s Live from THE PLAYERS and Morning Drive onsite at TPC Sawgrass.
  • 25 Consecutive Days of Live Golf (Thursday, May 14 – June 7): Starting Thursday, May 14, Golf Channel will link 25 straight days of live golf, which will include PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, European Tour, Web.com Tour and Champions Tour events, as well as coverage Mondays through Wednesdays of the LET Turkish Airlines Ladies Open (May 18-20), NCAA Women’s Golf National Championships (May 25-27) and NCAA Men’s Golf National Championships (June 1-3).

ABOUT GOLF CHANNEL

Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. Serving the most-affluent audience in all of television, Golf Channel – co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and now part of NBC Sports Group – is available in more than 200 million homes in 84 countries and 13 languages around the world. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, as well as a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s highest-quality news, instruction and original content. Golf Channel’s digital platforms, headed by GolfChannel.com, are the leading golf destinations on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf. Fans are able to enjoy 24/7 live streaming of Golf Channel content through Golf Live Extra and select programming is simulcast via SiriusXM’s PGA TOUR Radio. In addition, Golf Channel connects the world to golf through a wide array of digital and lifestyle services including Golf Channel Mobile, a comprehensive app covering golf’s latest headlines, scores and analysis; GolfNow, the world’s largest online tee time booking platform and golf course technology partner, which includes the GolfNow Mobile App, featuring on-course GPS tracking, in-round scoring and game tracking; GolfAdvisor.com, a golf course ratings and review portal for golfers, by golfers; a North American network of Golf Channel Academy instructional facilities; and Golf Channel Am Tour, the world’s largest amateur golf tour.

– NBC Sports Group –

Notes from NBA on TNT Playoff Coverage ­ Tuesday, April 28, 2015

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nba-on-tntNotes from NBA on TNT Playoff Coverage – Tuesday, April 28, 2015

TNT’s NBA coverage of the playoffs continues tonight, Wednesday, April 29, with doubleheader action featuring a pair of Game 5 matchups – the Brooklyn Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks at 7 p.m. ET and the Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies at 9:30 p.m.

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by Autotrader 

Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal

Smith on Houston’s offensive flow: “Houston can’t just shoot threes out of desperation; they have to be within the flow of their offense.”

Smith on Dallas point guard J.J. Barea: “He is a scorer.  He doesn’t change the game on the defensive end, but he does on offense.  His ability to create shots at his size is his best attribute.”

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Dallas Mavericks (94) @ Houston Rockets (103); Rockets win series 4-1
Marv Albert (play-by-play) Chris Webber (analyst) with Rebecca Haarlow (reporter)

Webber on unsung playoff heroes: “The thing about the playoffs is someone different on the bench steps up all the time…It’s usually not a player like Barea to have two or three games like [he had in Game 4] in a row.”

Webber on Al-Farouq Aminu’s hot start: “It’s the playoffs.  Note to everyone: you are allowed to contribute, you are allowed to give your energy, you are allowed to give your all!  Aminu got that memo.”

Webber on how much longer Dirk Nowitzki can play: “I feel he has another four or five more years left…He’s that talented, that great of a shooter. His skill set allows you to have bad knees the longer you go on.”

Webber on Dwight Howard’s offensive game: “It’s so pretty when he is decisive.  I love to see him efficient with his energy and moves in the post.”

Webber on Josh Smith fitting in to the Rockets’ system: “Josh Smith does a little bit of everything and, when encouraged the right way by [coach] Kevin McHale – who has put that responsibility on him – he’s trying to just finish plays.”

Webber on guard Pablo Prigioni coming off the bench: “That’s why you love having him on the floor; he’s not a liability, he’s not [going to] waste any possessions…you love seeing him knock down those threes.”

Webber on Howard’s presence in the defensive post: “He’s about the only defense in this game.  Maybe that’s why sometimes the Rockets don’t play their best defense, because they know they have that anchor in the back.  They lead guys to him and expect him to do what he does and that’s block shots out of bounds.”

Webber on some of the Rockets’ troubles from the foul line: “It is hard work…You don’t get better during the season, you get better in the off-season.  If you don’t want to get hacked, take your butt in the gym, lock yourself in there and shoot free throws.”

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San Antonio Spurs (111) @ Los Angeles Clippers (107); Spurs lead 3-2
Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) Reggie Miller (analyst) with Jaime Maggio (reporter)

Miller on Kawhi Leonard’s focus and expanding offensive game: “You talk about a young man being on a mission offensively, these last two ball games for Kawhi Leonard, he’s shown his full arsenal.”

Miller on the sharp shooting of Patty Mills: “Patty Mills has been fantastic in this series.  He has shot the Spurs right back into this ball game.”

Miller on the Spurs intentionally fouling DeAndre Jordan in the closing minutes of the first half: “It has worked.  [Clippers head coach] Doc [Rivers] has to take [Jordan] off the floor and now they’re a much smaller lineup having to bring in Jamal Crawford.”

Miller on the contributions of the full Spurs team in the win: “Wonderful effort. The bench kept them afloat early on in the game when the starters struggled and they just found a way to gut out a huge victory.”

Miller on Blake Griffin’s ability to turn defensive rebounds into offense: “It’s just so difficult when Blake Griffin secures the rebound and is able to be a one-man fast break… [He] just makes it so difficult on the defense.”

Miller on the match-up problems caused by Griffin: “He’s a nightmare match-up for the Spurs.  He can use his athleticism against taller defenders, and when he’s facing a smaller defender like Boris Diaw, he’s gonna take him straight to the post and jump over him and use his athleticism to his benefit.”

Miller on J.J. Redick scoring points without the Clippers running plays for him: “The ball will always find shooters.  I love what he’s done.  He’s been more active on the offensive end.”

Miller on the Clippers’ foul shooting: “That was the big question around them coming into the playoffs. Can they make free throws down the stretch?”

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Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, O’Neal, Barkley, Smith

Barkley on the difference in tonight’s game: “The game really came down to the bench.  They outscored [the Clippers] 48-17.  If the Clippers don’t get some help off their bench, they’re in trouble.”

O’Neal on DeAndre Jordan’s ability to score in transition: “DeAndre is one of the best big men to run the floor and one of the best finishers.”

Barkley on the Spurs’ ability to win on the road in this series: “I was impressed with the Spurs.  This is just a monster series… You’re going to have to beat the Spurs.  They won’t beat themselves.”

Barkley on Chris Paul: “He played his heart out tonight.”

Barkley on the missed rebound with a few seconds left: “That’s Matt Barnes’ rebound.  You can’t let that happen.”

Smith on the Clippers’ options late and close: “The problem was you can’t put DeAndre in there [and] he’s their best rebounder.  If they miss, he’ll get fouled right away.”

O’Neal on the Clippers coming up just short: “They relied on the jump shot way too much, especially the three point shot… Blake had a great game, but he still has to impose his will on the opponent.  If you do what you are supposed to do, it should never be left in the hands of the referees.”

Barkley on Dwight Howard: “He had a fantastic series.”

Smith on why the Rockets’ offense was so effective in the series: “They didn’t have Dwight Howard set picks at the three point line.  He stayed around the rim and he was a big guy.”

O’Neal on who the Rockets would match up best against in the second round: “I think they match up better with the Clippers… I think the Spurs would be a little too much for them… [and] I think the experience of the Spurs would capitalize on [the Rockets’] mistakes.”

Barkley on the advantage the Rockets would have over the Clippers in a potential second round match-up: “They have a huge advantage over the Clippers because of their bench… The Rockets are big and they’re deep.”

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NBC Sports Group Tournament Airtimes & Notes (April 29-May 3)

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NBC Sports Group to Air 33 Live Hours of the WGC-Cadillac Match Play, Including Primetime Coverage Following the Kentucky Derby on Saturday

Lewis Defends Volunteers of America North Texas Shootout

Nicklaus, Player, Trevino Headline the “Greats of Golf”

During Saturday’s Coverage of the Insperity Invitational

Web.com Tour in Indiana for United Leasing Championship

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 28, 2015) – NBC Sports Group will air more than 33 live hours of the new-look WGC-Cadillac Match Play from TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, with tournament coverage airing in primetime Wednesday-Saturday, including on NBC immediately following the Kentucky Derby on Saturday evening. Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, Nos. 1 and 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking, headline a field that guarantees three rounds of round-robin matches for each of the 64 players Wednesday-Friday, with players competing in 16 four-man groupings that narrow to the 16 players having won their respective pool advancing to the weekend. On the LPGA Tour, Stacy Lewis will defend her title at the Volunteers of America North Texas Shootout, with Lydia Ko – No. 1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings – also in the field. The Champions Tour also is in Texas for the Insperity Invitational, where World Golf Hall-of-Famers Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Trevino highlight the “Greats of Golf” portion of Saturday’s second round play. And, the Web.com Tour is in Indiana for the United Leasing Championship.

 

PGA TOUR

WGC-Cadillac Match Play Championship

Dates: April 29-May 3

Venue: TPC Harding Park, San Francisco, Calif.

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Wednesday     4-10 p.m. (Live) / 11 p.m.-5 a.m. (Replay)

Thursday         4-10 p.m. (Live) / 11 p.m.-4 a.m. (Replay)

Friday              5-10 p.m. (Live) / 11 p.m.-3 a.m. (Replay)

Saturday          3-7:30 p.m. (Live) / 12:30-4 a.m. (Sunday replay)

Sunday            9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Live) / 10 p.m.-2 a.m. (Replay)

Tournament Airtimes on NBC (Eastern):

Saturday          7:30-11 p.m. (Live)

Sunday            2-6 p.m. (Live)

Broadcast Notes:

New Format: This is the first time that the event will feature the 64 players being divided into 16 four-player groups who will compete in a round-robin format over the first three days, guaranteeing each player a minimum of three matches,Wednesday-Friday. At the conclusion of Friday’s matches, the player in each group with the best win-loss record will advance to single elimination match play with the Round of 16 and quarterfinals scheduled for Saturday, and the semifinals and championship match on Sunday.

Primetime coverage Wednesday-Saturday, including immediately following the Kentucky Derby on Saturday night: Golf Channel and NBC will combine to air the WGC-Cadillac Match Play in primetime, Wednesday-Saturday. Saturday, Golf Channel will air the Round of 16 beginning at 3 p.m. ET, before transitioning to NBC for the quarterfinal matches, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET immediately following the Kentucky Derby.

Day defends: Jason Day beat Victor Dubuisson in 23 holes for his second PGA TOUR victory.

Headlining the field: Tournament Field / Groupings

Golf Channel / NBC Sports  Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Terry Gannon (Golf Channel) / Dan Hicks (NBC)

Analyst: Nick Faldo (Golf Channel) / Johnny Miller (NBC)

Tower: Gary Koch / Peter Jacobsen

On-Course: Roger Maltbie / Mark Rolfing / Phil Parkin

Interviews: Steve Sands

Essays: Jimmy Roberts

 

LPGA TOUR

Volunteers of America North Texas Shootout
Dates: April 30-May 3

Venue: Las Colinas Country Club, Irving , Texas

Tournament Airtimes On Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Live) / 4-6 a.m. (Friday replay)

Friday              10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Live) / 5-7 a.m. (Saturday replay)

Saturday          1-3 p.m. (Live) / 3-4 p.m. (Live, airing exclusively on Golf Live Extra)

Sunday            2-5 p.m. (Live)

Broadcast Notes:

Conclusion of Saturday’s third round to air on Golf Live Extra, 3-4 p.m. ET: Golf Channel’s coverage of Saturday’s third round will air from 1-3 p.m. ET, and will continue from 3-4 p.m. exclusively on Golf Live Extra.

Tournament format: The format this week will feature two separate cuts: the first cut will feature the low 70 players (and ties) following 36 holes, and the second cut will include the low 50 players (and ties) following 54 holes.

Morgan Pressel featured in “Caddie Knows Best”: During Friday’s second round, Morgan Pressel will be featured in “Caddie Knows Best,” a segment testing players’ and caddies’ knowledge of one another.

Lewis defends: Stacy Lewis finished six strokes clear of the field for her ninth career LPGA Tour win.

Headlining the field: Lydia Ko, Inbee Park, Stacy Lewis, Hyo Joo Kim, So Yeon Ryu, Michelle Wie, Amy Yang, Lexi Thompson, Brooke Henderson, Cristie Kerr, Anna Nordqvist and Karrie Webb.

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Tom Abbott

Analyst: Judy Rankin

Tower: Curt Byrum

On-Course: Jerry Foltz / Karen Stupples

 

CHAMPIONS TOUR

Insperity Invitational

Dates: May 1-3

Venue: The Woodlands Country Club (Tournament Course), The Woodlands, Texas

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Friday              2:30-4:30 p.m. (Live) / 3-5 a.m. (Saturday replay)

Saturday         7:30-9:30 p.m. (Tape delay) / 5-7 p.m. (Live streaming on Golf Live Extra)

Sunday            5-7 p.m. (Live) / 4-6 a.m. (Monday replay)

Broadcast Notes:

Nicklaus, Player, Trevino to be featured in “Greats of Golf” on Saturday: World Golf Hall-of-Famers Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Trevino will be the feature group participating in the 18-hole scramble “3M Oil & Gas Greats of Golf” on Saturday. Arnold Palmer will serve as the non-competing honorary chairman. Other greats competing in the scramble format include: Raymond Floyd, Don January, David Graham, Tony Jacklin, Dave Stockton and Tom Weiskopf.

Langer defends: Bernhard Langer won by one shot over Fred Couples for his 20th career Champions Tour victory.

Headlining the Field: Bernhard Langer, Fred Couples, Colin Montgomerie, Jesper Parnevik, Kenny Perry, Corey Pavin, Tom Lehman, Kirk Triplett, Nick Price and Mark O’Meara.

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: John Swantek (Friday) / Bob Papa (Saturday, Sunday)

Analyst: Lanny Wadkins

Tower: John Mahaffey / David Marr

On-Course: Billy Ray Brown

 

WEB.COM TOUR

United Leasing Championship

Dates: April 30-May 3

Venue: Victoria National Golf Club, Newburgh, Ind.

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         1:30-3:30 p.m. (Live)

Friday              12:30-2:30 p.m. (Live)

Saturday         9:30-11:30 p.m. (Tape delay) / 4-6 p.m. (Live streaming on Golf Live Extra)

Sunday            7-9 p.m. (Tape delay) / 4-6 p.m. (Live streaming on Golf Live Extra)

Broadcast Notes:

Rodgers to be featured in “High Honors”: This week, Golf Channel’s coverage of the Web.com Tour will introduce a new player feature, “High Honors”, focusing on a recent graduate and looking back on his success in NCAA collegiate golf. Patrick Rodgers will be the first player featured, with Golf Channel’s Steve Burkowski looking back on Rodgers’ successful career at Stanford. Also included as part of the feature, Stanford Men’s Golf coach Conrad Ray will call-in to discuss Rodgers’ accomplishments for the Cardinal during his tenure at the university level.

Werenski, winner of Big Break The Palm Beaches, FL in the field: Richy Werenski, winner of Golf Channel’s Big Break the Palm Beaches, FL, which finished airing just over a week ago, is in the field this week, and will be featured during the tournament telecast.

Headlining the field: Jason Allred, Tommy Gainey, Matthew Goggin, Oliver Goss, Trevor Immelman, Patrick Rodgers, Michael Kim, Kelly Kraft, Andrew Landry and Li Haotong.

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Whit Watson

Analyst: Craig Perks

Tower: Steve Burkowski

On-Course: Phil Blackmar / Kay Cockerill

-NBC Sports Group-

espnW Original Jane McManus Signs Multiyear Extension

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espnW has signed reporter and columnist Jane McManus, one of espnW.com’s original contributors, to a multiyear extension, building upon the brand’s commitment to high-quality reporting and informed analysis and commentary with a distinct perspective.

McManus will continue as a primary voice for espnW on multiple ESPN platforms including espnW.com, ESPN television and ESPN Radio.  In addition, she will still contribute to ESPN.com and ESPNNewYork.com as an NFL reporter.

“Jane is a proven journalist who has provided espnW.com with consistently nuanced reporting since the site’s inception,” said Alison Overholt, editor-in-chief, espnW. “To that foundation, she has now added strengths as a powerful columnist and voice through her writing on the site and across social, as well as in her appearances on TV and radio, epitomizing what we look to consistently do here at espnW: serve women who love sports, with engaging and unique takes, across all of our platforms.”

“Seeing espnW grow from a blog to a platform that delves into the deeper meaning of the games we play has been incredibly gratifying,” said McManus.  “Working at ESPN, I’ve had the chance to work with great editors, and I’m indebted to colleagues like Sarah Spain and Kate Fagan, who challenge me to get under the surface and do more reporting.  I can’t wait to see how, as a group, we expand the conversations.”

McManus has written for espnW since the site’s inception in 2010.  She has covered key events like the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the NFL Draft, the Super Bowl and the US Open, as well as offered expert commentary on issues like legal cases like former NFL star Lawrence Taylor’s statutory rape case, gender equity and homophobia in sports.  She has been at the forefront of the domestic violence in sports conversation, reporting extensively and providing analysis on cases involving high-profile athletes Ray Rice, Hope Solo and Greg Hardy.

McManus has covered sports and the New York Jets since 1998. Her work has appeared in Newsday, USA Today, The Journal News and The New York Times.

espnW’s roster of voices includes host and analyst Julie Foudy, writers Kate Fagan and Sarah Spain, former ESPN The Magazine writer Allison Glock and veteran reporters Graham Hays, Melissa Isaacson, Michelle Smith and Mechelle Voepel.

About espnW

espnW serves women who love sports. espnW.com provides an engaging environment that offers total access to female athletes and the sports they play, takes fans inside the biggest events, and shares a unique point of view on the sports stories that matter most to women. Founded in July 2010, espnW lives across digital, television, films, events, educational platforms and social media. The annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit is the leading event of its kind in the sports industry.

– 30 –

Former Junior Middleweight Titlist Smith to Meet McCalla on Special Thursday Edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates

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Two days before the much-anticipated welterweight unification title fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, a special Thursday edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra will air live April 30, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and via WatchESPN. The show, from the Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, will be headlined by former world titleholder Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (26-7, 12 KOs) taking on Cecil McCalla (20-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight bout.

Commentators:
Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will describe the action on ESPN2, while studio host Todd Grisham will be on site providing the latest news on Mayweather-Pacquiao. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights ringside for Noche de Combates on ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-anchor the studio on site. Hall-of-Fame boxing referee and analyst Joe Cortez will join Trejos and González during the telecast. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna will provide live interviews and reports for both shows.

Main Event:
Las Vegas’ Smith, a former junior middleweight titleholder, is looking to rebound from a 12-round unanimous decision loss to defending junior middleweight titlist Erislandy Lara.

“I’m training in Las Vegas for this fight, right at home at the Mayweather Gym,” Smith said. “I’ve been sparring with some pretty good guys…I don’t know much about McCalla. After being in the game as long as I have, you just treat everybody the same – you don’t take anybody lightly. You just make sure you’re prepared.”

Baltimore’s McCalla is looking to get back to his winning ways following a split-decision loss to Chris Van Heerden.

“Ishe is a rough fighter, but nothing I haven’t seen before. I’m ready for this fight,” McCalla said. “I’m definitely looking forward to it. It’s a good fight for me. I’m really determined to get this win. I want to shine this fight.”

Co-Feature:
Thursday’s 10-round co-feature will pit veteran junior welterweight Ashley “Treasure” Theophane (37-6-1, 11 KOs) against Mahonri “Rusito” Montes (29-4-1, 20 KOs). In his last fight, Theophane, who hails from Las Vegas, won a 10-round unanimous decision over Hector Zuniga, while Mexico’s Montes won an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Diego Cruz.

Upcoming Schedule:

Date Time (ET) Main Event Location Networks
Thurs, Apr 30 9 p.m. Ishe Smith (26-7, 12 KOs) vs. Cecil McCalla (20-1, 7 KOs) —10 rounds, Jr. Middleweight Palms Casino Hotel,

Las Vegas

 ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN
Fri, May 8 9 p.m. Amir Mansour (21-1, 16 KOs) vs. Joey Dawejko (14-3, 7 KOs)—10 rounds, Heavyweight 2300 Arena

Philadelphia, Pa.

 ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
Fri, May 15 9 p.m. Reynaldo Ojeda (16-0, 9 KOs) vs. Monty Meza Clay (36-4, 22 KOs) Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Conn. ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
Fri, May 22 10 p.m. Boxcino 2015 Finals

 

Andrey Fedosov (27-3, 22 KOs) vs. Donovan Dennis (12-1, 10 KOs)—10 rounds, Heavyweight

 

Brandon Adams (17-1, 12 KOs) vs. John Thompson (16-1, 5 KOs)—10 Rds. Jr. Middleweight

 Omega Products Center, Corona, Calif. ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

*Schedule subject to change

ESPN Boxing Social Media and Digital Content:

ESPN “All in” from Las Vegas for Mayweather-Pacquiao
ESPN continues extensive week-long coverage from Las Vegas of Saturday’s 12-round welterweight unification title fight between undefeated five-division world champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) and eight-division world champion Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs).

Highlights:

  • SportsCenter,First Take, SportsNation, ESPN Radio’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Sirius XM’s Stephen A. Smith Show, ESPN Radio LA710 Max & Marcellus in Las Vegas;
  • Coverage from Las Vegas on ESPN Deportes’ news and information platforms,Semana de Campeones;
  • “All-Access” specials;
  • Special Thursday edition ofESPN Friday Night Fights, Noche de Combates;
  • Pre- and post-fight analysis, stories on ESPN.com, ESPN Deportes.com, ESPN The Magazine.

Full Press Release

— 30 –

BYTES: ROTOWORLD & PRO FOOTBALL TALK SURROUND THE 2015 NFL DRAFT

By

NBC SPORTS DIGITAL “BYTES”

April 28, 2015 – Vol. 55

2015 NFL Draft Previews, Recaps, News and Analysis on Rotoworld.com & ProFootballTalk.com

With the 2015 NFL Draft just two days away, Rotoworld and Pro Football Talk have comprehensive digital coverage, including each team’s needs and draft options, rankings, mock draft picks, analysis and more. In addition, Josh Norris’ latest mock draft and final rankings are available now on Rotoworld.

Following is a full schedule of Rotoworld & Pro Football Talk’s NFL Draft coverage:

  • Tuesday, April 28: Josh Norris outlines his potential injury concerns heading into the draft on Rotoworld.
  • Wednesday, April 29: Evan Sliva provides his latest mock draft on Rotoworld.
  • Thursday, April 30: Norris’ final mock draft picks, news and analysis on every key draft and trade rumor heading into the draft, every player drafted, and slideshow and recap of the first round will be available on Rotoworld. Pro Football Talk will have a pick-by-pick coverage of the first round, including the latest news updates and analysis from Chicago.
  • Friday, May 1: Rotoworld’s coverage includes an overview of the best available players, Silva’s second- and third-round mock drafts, and analysis on every key trade rumor and player drafted. Patrick Daugherty will provide a recap of the second and third rounds once they conclude. Coverage on Pro Football Talk includes a second-round mock draft, an outline of the best players still available and still in the green room, and first round pick quotes from team facilities.
  • Saturday, May 2: Rotoworld’s coverage includes an outline of the best available players, news and analysis on every player drafted, and Raymond Summerlin’s Day 3 recap. Pro Football Talk will have analysis on how teams are faring, which teams have holes to fill, and news on potential undrafted free agents.
  • Sunday, May 3: Silva gives out his AFC & NFC draft grades on Rotoworld.
  • Monday, May 4: Adam Levitan provides his fantasy winners on Rotoworld.
  • Tuesday, May 5: Each Rotoworld writer’s Top 20 Rookies in redraft leagues.
  • Friday, May 8: Levitan’s fantasy losers on Rotoworld.
  • Week of May 11- 15: Silva’s post-draft Dynasty Rookie Rankings on Rotoworld.

NFL Draft Coverage on Comcast SportsNet Regional Websites

The Comcast SportsNet regional websites will feature expert and instant reaction from Insiders Matt Maiocco (49ers), Scott Bair (Raiders), John “Moon” Mullin (Bears), Tom E. Curran (Patriots), Clifton Brown (Ravens), Tarik El-Bashir and Rich Tandler (Redskins) and Geoff Mosher (Eagles).

In addition, CSN Chicago and the Chicago Bears are co-producing Bears Draft Central – a 90-minute digital only show – on Thursday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. CT. The show will simulcast on csnchicago.com and chicagobears.com.

Fans can hop into a live chat, watch CSN Chicago’s analysis, join the social conversation and follow the 2015 NFL Draft with the NBC Regional Sports Networks.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Up in Uniques and Minutes Watched on NBC Sports Live Extra

To date, the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on NBC Sports Live Extra have totaled 565,000 uniques, up 18% vs. comparable period in 2014 Playoffs, and 63 million minutes watched, up 43%. Coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continues tomorrow night on NBCSN, featuring a Game 7 matchup between the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning.

NBC Sports Live Extra available on Roku and Apple TV

In time for the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and upcoming Triple Crown, NBC Sports Live Extra is now available on the Roku® and Apple TV streaming platforms via TV Everywhere, NBC Sports Digital announced yesterday. Consumers with Roku players or Roku TV™ models and Apple TV can now access Live Extra’s more than 3,000 live events a year, including exclusive coverage of some of the most-watched properties and events in sports.

Click here for the NBC Sports Live Extra Roku announcement.

Click here for the NBC Sports Live Extra Apple TV announcement.

Johnny Weir & Tara Lipinski Take Over NBC Sports Social Media During Derby Week

As previously announced, NBC Sports Group will present around-the-clock coverage of Kentucky Derby week across all social media platforms, featuring NBC Sports Group’s fashion and lifestyle experts and social media mavens Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski. Having previously served as correspondents for events ranging from the Academy Awards to Super Bowl XLIX, in addition to their Sochi Olympics figure skating coverage, Weir and Lipinski brought their fashion sense to the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner this past weekend.

For a full social schedule during Derby week, click here.

ICYMI on NBC SportsWorld

Joe Posnanski spent time with Joe Paterno‘s family and finds out how they are fighting to defend the name of the late Penn State coach. Click here for the full long-form story.

Joe Prince-Wright talks to Southampton captain Jose Fonte about his late rise to stardom and what it was like playing on youth teams with Cristiano Ronaldo. Click here for the full long-form story.

Posnanski cuts through the steroid fog and details just why Roger Clemens is the greatest pitcher in baseball history. Click here for the full long-form story.

Premier League Download: Pundits at the Pub is now available on NBC SportsWorld here. The Premier League Download episode, shot during NBC Sports Group’s full on-site studio coverage from the U.K., features host Rebecca Lowe and analysts Robbie Earle, Kyle Martino and Robbie Mustoe with NBC’s UK-based team of Arlo White, Lee Dixon, Graeme Le Saux and Steve Bower. The team’s discussion covers everything from English clubs’ recent struggles in European competition to the lost art of defending.

— NBC SPORTS DIGITAL —

ESPN’s Ray Lewis to Remain in Baltimore During 2015 NFL Draft

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NFL Front Office Insider Louis Riddick to fill-in for Lewis on ESPN’s Round 1 telecast Thursday Night

ESPN analyst Ray Lewis, the two-time Super Bowl champion who played his entire 17-year NFL career in Baltimore with the Ravens, will remain at home in Maryland rather than work the 2015 NFL Draft in Chicago for ESPN. Instead, Lewis will continue his efforts to help stop the violence in Baltimore following the funeral of Freddie Gray, who died of a spinal cord injury in police custody. Earlier today, Lewis released a video on his Facebook page – an impassioned plea for protestors in Baltimore.

Statement from Ray Lewis:

“I felt that it was more important for me to stay in Baltimore and try to help the city I love. I greatly appreciate ESPN’s understanding and flexibility at this late date. I did not feel right leaving the city at this time.”

ESPN Front Office Insider Louis Riddick, whose NFL front office experience spans more than a decade as a pro scout and director of pro personnel, will replace Lewis on ESPN’s Thursday night telecast of round 1, alongside Chris Berman, Jon Gruden and Mel Kiper, Jr.

ESPN senior coordinating producer Seth Markman:

“Few athletes are as connected to a city as Ray is to Baltimore, having played his entire career there and based on all the work he has done in that community. While we will miss him at the draft, we completely support him in this decision and we hope his involvement will help resolve the situation there.

“Louis, who was already scheduled to be at the NFL Draft, is one of our most knowledgeable and respected NFL Insiders. He will be a great addition to our main set on Thursday night.”

-30-

WORLD’S ELITE HOCKEY PLAYERS ON NBCSN THIS WEEK; RED WINGS-LIGHTNING GAME 7, IPC PARALYMPIC SLED HOCKEY AND IIHF WORLD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS

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Game 7 – (3) Red Wings-(2) Lightning – Series Tied 3-3 – Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN

IPC Paralympic Sled Hockey World Championship – Team USA vs. Italy Tomorrow at 10:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, Following Red Wings-Lightning

IIHF World Hockey Championship Coverage Begins Friday – Team USA vs. Finland at 10 a.m. ET

NBC’s Saturday Night Predators-Blackhawks Game Wins Night Among Broadcast Networks For Adults 18-49

2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs “By The Numbers – First Round”

 

 

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 28, 2015 – NBC Sports Group showcases the top hockey players at the NHL and international levels will this week, as NBCSN presents coverage of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, IPC Paralympic Sled Hockey World Championship and IIHF World Hockey Championship.

NBCSN presents its second Game 7 this week tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. ET, when Steven Stamkos and the (2) Tampa Bay Lightning host Pavel Datsyuk and the (3) Detroit Red Wings. Both teams look to advance in the bracket to face the (1) Montreal Canadiens in the second round. The NHL has released the schedule for the second round of the playoffs, which will begin Thursday.

In addition to Stanley Cup Playoff coverage, NBCSN will present coverage of the 2015 IPC Paralympic Sled Hockey World Championship, immediately following Red Wings-Lightning, as Team USA faces Italy in preliminary-round action.

NBCSN’s extensive coverage of the IIHF World Hockey Championship from Prague and Ostrava, Czech Republic, begins Friday morning at 10 a.m. ET, when Team USA plays Finland in their first game of the preliminary round. NBCSN will televise all Team USA games, including their seven preliminary-round contests.

 

 

GAME 7 – (3) RED WINGS-(2) LIGHTNING – SERIES TIED 3-3 – TOMORROW AT 7:30 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

Tomorrow’s Game 7 coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET with NHL Live, hosted by Liam McHugh, alongside analysts and former players Mike Milbury and Keith Jones.

Tampa Bay forced tomorrow night’s Game 7 with a 5-2 win in Detroit in Game 6 on Monday night. Tyler Johnson scored twice in Tampa’s victory, his third two-goal game of the series, making him the first player in franchise history to accomplish the feat, and first player to register three multi-goal games in one series, since the 2008 Conference Semifinals. The road team has won four of six games in this series, including Games 4-6.

Emmy Award-winning play-by-play commentator and Sports Illustrated 2014 Media Person of the Year Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick and Inside-the-Glass analyst Pierre McGuire will have the call from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.

 

 

IPC PARALYMPIC SLED HOCKEY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – TEAM USA VS. ITALY TOMORROW AT 10:30 P.M. ET ON NBCSN, FOLLOWING RED WINGS-LIGHTNING

Following Game 7 between the Red Wings and Lightning on Wednesday, NBCSN will present coverage of the 2015 IPC Paralympic Sled Hockey World Championship, as Team USA faces Italy in preliminary-round action. Team USA is 2-0 thus far in the Tournament, following a 6-1 win over Russia, and a 7-0 victory over Germany. NBC Sports Live Extra will provide exclusive, live streaming coverage of the match tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET.

Marc Zumoff (play-by-play), 2014 Sochi Sled Hockey Gold Medalist Andy Yohe, and two-time Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey medalist AJ Mleczko (reporter) will call the action on NBCSN.

IIHF WORLD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP COVERAGE BEGINS FRIDAY – TEAM USA VS. FINLAND AT 10 A.M. ET

NBC Sports Group begins its extensive coverage of the 2015 IIHF World Hockey Championship this Friday at 10 a.m. ET on NBCSN, when Team USA faces off against Finland in its tournament opener.

NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra will combine to present more than 40 hours of coverage from the IIHF World Hockey Championship, including all Team USA games. This year’s Team USA roster features 2015 Hobey Baker Award-winner Jack Eichel, widely regarded as a top prospect in this year’s NHL Draft. 

Click here for more information on NBC Sports Group’s IIHF World Hockey Championship coverage.

 

NBC’S SATURDAY NIGHT PREDATORS-BLACKHAWKS GAME WINS NIGHT AMONG BROADCAST NETWORKS FOR ADULTS 18-49

NBC’s Game 6 primetime presentation of the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks (8-11:05 p.m. ET) first-round series on Saturday night averaged 2.4 million viewers, which won the night among the four broadcast networks the Adults 18-49 demo, and all key adult-male demos. The Blackhawks’ Game 6 win delivered a 0.8 rating for the night on NBC, matching NBC’s highest Saturday average since March 7 (“Premier Boxing Champions,” “Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon,” 1.0).

 

 

2015 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS “BY THE NUMBERS – FIRST ROUND”*

971,000 – Number of viewers who tuned in for Game 6 of Montreal-Ottawa, the most-watched cable game of the first round to date.

232 – Goals scored in the first round

46 – Games played

23 – Number of NBC Sports commentators used for game and studio coverage

22 – One-goal games

17.25 – Rating in Minneapolis for the Minnesota Wild’s Game 6 win over the St. Louis Blues; highest rating in any market this year for a first-round game on NBC, and best rating ever for a Wild game on NBC

11 – Games called by Inside-the-Glass analyst Pierre McGuire, including 10 games in 10 straight days

10 – Overtime games

8 – Number of games on NBC, including two first-round primetime games for the first time ever

3 – Number of guest studio analysts; Shawn Thornton, Andrew Ference and Brian Boucher

1 – Rule book thrown off the set by studio analyst Mike Milbury

*one game remaining

 


GAMES TELEVISED SO FAR

For the fourth consecutive year, NBC, NBCSN, USA Network, CNBC and NHL Network are combining to televise every Stanley Cup Playoff game nationally.

 

Network Games
NBC 8
NBCSN 22
USA Network 6
CNBC 9
NHL-N 1
Total 46

One-goal Games: 22

OT games: 10

 


COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL COVERAGE

Comprehensive coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs will be provided daily via NBC Sports Regional Networks, available in more than 50 million U.S. households. Comcast SportsNet Chicago and Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic will provide the hometown fans of the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals, respectively, with comprehensive coverage throughout their teams’ Stanley Cup Playoff runs, including exclusive regional coverage of first-round games, pre- and post-game shows and extensive on-line coverage via Comcast SportsNet’s team of NHL Insiders.

For teams that advance past the first round, NBC Sports Regional Networks will deliver extensive pre- and post-game coverage as well as breaking news and analysis throughout each team’s playoff run.


NBC SPORTS LIVE EXTRA COVERAGE

NBC Sports Live Extra – NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will stream comprehensive coverage of games airing on NBC, NBCSN, USA Network and CNBC on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value to for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play and Windows Store.

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

— NBC Sports Group —