Keeping Up With All The Industry Press Releases
Three National Rugby League Round 8 Telstra Premiership matches hit FS1 this week, highlighted by the third-place Sydney Roosters facing the fourth-place Melbourne Storm on Thursday live at 5:30 AM ET.
The 2020 Australian Football League Premiership Season heads into Round 4 this weekend with four live matches across the FOX Sports family of networks, including top-ranked Port Adelaide looking to stay undefeated on Friday at 11:00 PM ET on FS2.
Three National Rugby League Round 7 Telstra Premiership matches come to FS1 this week, highlighted by the top-ranked Parramatta Eels against the fifth-place Canberra Raiders live at 5:30 AM ET on Saturday.
n the eve of the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s monumental win over Algeria in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ group stage, U.S. Soccer legend Landon Donovan, former Men’s National Team midfielder Maurice Edu and former head coach Bob Bradley join a special episode of FOX INDOOR SOCCER. Produced remotely and hosted by Rob Stone, alongside analysts Alexi Lalas and Stu Holden, FOX INDOOR SOCCER airs at 7:00 PM ET on FS1.
Donovan, Edu and Bradley will discuss the 10-year anniversary of the historic match, the 2010 US team and MLS’ upcoming return to play. Additionally, Edu will detail the new Black Players Coalition of MLS.
Following the episode, FOX Sports offers an encore presentation of USA vs. Algeria at 7:30 PM ET on FS1 in addition to a second half live watch party with Donovan, Stone, Holden, Edu and several other U.S. Soccer stars on the @FOXSoccer Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channels as well as on the FOX Sports app. In one of U.S. Soccer’s most historic moments, Landon Donovan netted the match’s only goal in stoppage time to lift the Red, White and Blue past Algeria. With the victory, the USA won its group for the first time in 80 years and advanced to the knockout stage.
Acho to Join Marcellus Wiley as Co-Host of FS1’s SPEAK FOR YOURSELF
Los Angeles – Today, FOX Sports announced that former NFL linebacker and celebrated broadcaster Emmanuel Acho has joined FOX Sports as co-host of SPEAK FOR YOURSELF on FS1. Acho will partner with Marcellus Wiley for a revamped version of the show airing weekdays at 3:00 PM ET on FS1 beginning the week of Monday, June 22.
“Emmanuel is the perfect fit for the FOX Sports family because he is thoughtful, inspiring and passionate,” said Charlie Dixon, Executive Vice President, Content, FS1. “He has already achieved an extraordinary amount of success in his short broadcasting career, and we all firmly believe this is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Acho was taken in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns after a four-year college career with the Texas Longhorns. After spending four seasons in the NFL, largely with the Philadelphia Eagles, he transitioned into broadcasting as an analyst for the Longhorn Network in 2016. Acho quickly emerged as one of the sport’s preeminent voices and made the leap to ESPN in 2018, appearing on college football Saturday programming as well as the network’s studio shows. In 2019, he was recognized for his exemplary on-air work as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.
“To join the FOX Sports family and have the opportunity to co-host one of the most notable sports talk shows in sports entertainment is an absolute dream come true,” said Acho. “Marcellus is like a big brother to me, he’s provided tremendous advice throughout this process, so I’m beyond eager to begin working with him.”
Outside of broadcasting, Acho is well known for his advocacy work, most recently producing a video series titled “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” which opened a virtual conversation with white America to educate and inform on racism and social injustice. The series has been a resounding success, debuting with over 22 million views across social media platforms and garnering widespread media coverage. Acho also takes an active role in his family’s non-profit organization, Living Hope Christian Ministries, which provides medical care to rural communities in Nigeria.
A Dallas native, Acho holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a master’s degree in sports psychology from The University of Texas at Austin.
– FOX SPORTS –
Preview Airs on Eve of Mexico-U.S. Winner-Take-All Playoff
FS1 Primes Fans with Classic Mexico-U.S. Encores
Los Angeles – As the excitement and anticipation builds for the CONCACAF CUP, a one-match winner-take-all playoff between Mexico and the United States on Saturday, Oct. 10, FS1 kicks off its coverage the night before, Friday, Oct. 9, with COUNTDOWN TO THE CONCACAF CUP (7:30 PM ET, FS1 & FOX Sports GO), an hour-long preview offering an in-depth look at the two teams in their quest to represent the region in the prestigious 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. The Mexico-U.S. showdown marks the beginning of FOX Sports’ Road to Russia and the network’s coverage of FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018™.
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena provides the backdrop for COUNTDOWN TO THE CONCACAF CUP. Rob Stone hosts with comprehensive analysis from a formidable panel featuring U.S. Soccer Hall of Famers Alexi Lalas and Eric Wynalda as well as retired USMNT and Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel and former Mexican National Team defender Mariano Trujillo. Also contributing to the show are Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl and three-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Fernando Fiore who makes his English-language television debut.
COUNTDOWN TO THE CONCACAF CUP looks at the storied rivalry between Mexico and the U.S. on and off the field, breaks down the key players and highlights the history of soccer at the venerable Rose Bowl. The program also features an exclusive interview with USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
In addition to COUNTDOWN TO THE CONCACAF CUP, FS1 readies fans in the week leading up to the big match by re-airing two classic Mexico-U.S. matchups: the high-scoring 2011 Gold Cup Final, which Mexico won, 4-2, in front of more than 93,000 fans at the Rose Bowl (Tuesday, Oct. 6 (3:00 PM ET); and the historic August 2012 friendly in which USA beat Mexico, 1-0, for the first time on Mexico’s home soil at Estadio Azteca (Wednesday, Oct. 7 (3:00 PM ET).
The Mexico-U.S. CONCACAF Cup match airs live in prime time on FS1 Saturday, Oct. 10 (9:30 PM ET) from what is expected to be a raucous, sold-out Rose Bowl and is also available via the FOX Sports GO app and online at FOXSportsGO.com. Play-by-play announcer John Strong alls the match with analysis from former USMNT midfielder Stu Holden. Wahl reports from the U.S. sideline with Francisco X. Rivera reporting on the Mexican side.
A special 90-minute pregame show begins at 8:00 PM ET on FS1 live from two sets at the Rose Bowl. Stone hosts with analysis from Lalas, Wynalda, Friedel, Trujillo, Wahl and Julie Stewart-Binks. The team makes its predictions for the coveted berth in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia and examines Klinsmann’s decision to name Brad Guzan the team’s starting goalkeeper over 2014 World Cup hero Tim Howard, among other topics.
FS1 has partnered with Fathom Events to give the marquee Mexico-USA clash the big screen treatment with over 200 movie theaters across the country airing the game and the last 30 minutes of the extensive pregame show live.
Two years ago, CONCACAF split the region’s berth to the Confederations Cup between two editions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, assuring that both editions in a four-year cycle have the same importance from a competitive perspective. The USMNT qualified for the CONCACAF Cup with its 2013 Gold Cup championship, while Mexico was able to capture the tournament this summer to set up next month’s showdown in Pasadena.
– FOX SPORTS –
FOX SPORTS 1 HOME TO 30TH ANNIVERSARY
NASCAR SPRINT ALL-STAR RACE; COCA-COLA 600 ON FOX
10 DAYS OF THUNDER Loaded with Racing, Special Programs, Social Interaction
Highly Anticipated 100,000 CAMERAS: TALLADEGA Premieres May 14
FOX Sports 1 opens its annual 10 DAYS OF THUNDER Presented by Polaris programming block with a full calendar of racing from 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway and a selection of special original programs, including the anxiously awaited 100,000 CAMERAS: TALLADEGA.
Highlighting the opening weekend on track, NASCAR SPRINT ALL-STAR RACE action gets started under the lights with the NASCAR SPRINT ALL-STAR SHOWDOWN on Friday, May 15 (7:00 PM ET), the last-chance qualifier for Saturday’s high-powered All-Star race, with winners of each segment advancing to the All-Star Race.
NASCAR SPRINT ALL-STAR RACE QUALIFYING airs live on FOX Sports 1 on Saturday, May 16 (7:00 PM ET), followed by the one-of-a-kind, surprise-filled driver and crew introductions at 8:30 PM ET and green-flag racing at 9:00 PM ET.
The popular FOX NASCAR broadcast team, headlined by inaugural NASCAR SPRINT ALL-STAR RACE winner Darrell Waltrip (1985), includes two-time All-Star race-winning crew chief Larry McReynolds and host Mike Joy in the booth, Chris Myers and Michael Waltrip in the Hollywood Hotel and Jamie Little, Chris Neville and Matt Yocum reporting from the pits.
10 DAYS OF THUNDER opens Thursday, May 14 on FOX Sports 1 with NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES PRACTICE live at 3:00 PM ET and FINAL PRACTICE beginning at 7:00 PM ET.
An evening of special programming follows, with UNCOMPROMISING: KEVIN HARVICK premiering at 9:00 PM ET, leading in to the highly anticipated NASCAR Productions crowd-sourcing special, 100,000 CAMERAS: TALLADEGA, at 9:30 PM ET and a replay of the popular NASCAR MASTERS OF THE CLOCK: THE LEGEND OF MARTINSVILLE at 10:00 PM ET. For more information on 100,000 CAMERAS: TALLADEGA – http://foxs.pt/1GA2TJT.
NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES racing takes center stage on Friday, May 15 on FOX Sports 1, with NCWTS SETUP live from Charlotte at 8:00 PM ET, followed by green-flag racing at 8:30 PM ET. Adam Alexander handles play-by-play with analysis from Phil Parsons and Michael Waltrip. Hermie Sadler and Vince Welch report from the pits,
On Sunday, May 17, FOX Sports 1 delivers live coverage of the NASCAR XFINITY SERIES race from Iowa Speedway, beginning with NASCAR RACEDAY – XFINITY at 1:30 PM ET and racing at 2:00 PM ET. The team of Alexander, Parsons and Michael Waltrip handles the race call, with Sadler and Welch in the pits.
Week two programming heats up Thursday, May 21, with NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES and NASCAR XFINITY SERIES cars on track, along with the premiere of ONE HOT NIGHT: THE 1992 NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE at 8:30 PM ET on FOX Sports 1.
The Memorial Day weekend airing of the 56th running of the COCA-COLA 600 on FOX on Sunday, May 24 (5:30 PM ET) puts the exclamation point on 10 DAYS OF THUNDER, with Darrell Waltrip, McReynolds and Joy again calling the race. Myers and Michael Waltrip work from the Hollywood Hotel and Little, Neville and Yocum report from the pits.
First run in 1960, the Coca-Cola 600 is the longest race on the NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES circuit. Six-time champion Jimmie Johnson is the defending race winner.
NASCAR RACE HUB offers special weekend editions during 10 DAYS OF THUNDER, with hosts Danielle Trotta and Alexander, analysts McReynolds, Jeff Hammond and Wally Dallenbach, as well as reporters Alan Cavanna, Andrew Doud and Kaitlyn Vincie.
FOX NASCAR received an Emmy Award last week, its 18th in 14 years, for Outstanding Live Sports Series as the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences presented its 36th Annual Sports Emmy Awards in New York.
FOX Sports’ award-winning digital, video and social teams are set to engage throughout the 10 DAYS OF THUNDER. All available resources are trained on Charlotte Motor Speedway, where teams are set up to create and share content, and engage with race fans. Follow @NASCARonFOX on Twitter (467,500+ Followers) and like “NASCAR on FOX” on Facebook (1.4M+ Likes) for breaking news updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes access from the garage.
NASCAR @TheBuzzer delivers micro-news and entertainment to Facebook walls and Twitter feeds. NASCAR @TheBuzzer content has produced more than 15 million video views via social networking platforms so far in 2015 and will be a presence throughout the NASCAR SPRINT ALL-STAR RACE with FOX Sports’ Daryl Motte, Alexander, Hammond and AJ Allmendinger. Visit Facebook.com/TheBuzzer.
FOX Sports GO, the critically acclaimed app that provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content at home or on the go, now is available in 70 million households and offers live streaming of all 10 DAYS OF THUNDER programming. Customers of participating video providers may access the live stream of the race through the FOX Sports GO app for iOS, Android, Fire Tablets and Fire Phones, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, select Windows devices, and on desktops through FOXSportsGO.com. Fans can download the mobile app for free from the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Amazon App Store and Windows Store.
10 DAYS OF THUNDER NASCAR PROGRAMMING LINEUP
(All times ET and subject to change)
Thursday, May 14
NCWTS Practice (3:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR Race Hub (6:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NCWTS Final Practice (7:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
Uncompromising: Kevin Harvick (9:00 PM, Premiere on FOX Sports 1)
100,000 Cameras: Talladega (9:30 PM, Premiere on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR Masters of the Clock: The Legend of Martinsville, (10:00 PM Encore on FOX Sports 1)
Friday, May 15
NASCAR Final Practice: Showdown (12:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR Final Practice: All-Star (1:45 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR Race Hub Weekend Edition: All-Star (3:30 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying: Showdown (4:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NCWTS Qualifying (5:30 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR Sprint All-Star Showdown (7:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NCWTS Setup (8:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NCWTS Race from Charlotte (8:30 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
Saturday, May 16
NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying: All-Star (7:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR RaceDay (8:30 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
30th Anniversary NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race (9:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
Sunday, May 17
NASCAR RaceDay: XFINITY (1:30 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR XFINITY Series Race from Iowa (2:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
Monday, May 18
NASCAR Race Hub (6:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
Tuesday, May 19
NASCAR Race Hub (6:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
Wednesday, May 20
NASCAR Race Hub (6:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
Thursday, May 21
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice (2:30 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR XFINITY Series Practice (4:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR Race Hub (5:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR XFINITY Series Final Practice (5:30 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Qualifying (7:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
One Hot Night: The 1992 NASCAR All-Star Race (8:30 PM, Premiere on FOX Sports 1)
Friday, May 22
NASCAR Race Hub (6:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
Saturday, May 23
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice (10:00 AM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR XFINITY Series Qualifying (11:00 AM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR Race Hub Weekend Edition (12:30 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Final Practice (1:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports 1)
NASCAR XFINITY Series from Charlotte (2:00 PM, LIVE on FOX)
Sunday, May 24
NASCAR RaceDay (4:00 PM, LIVE on FOX Sports1)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 (5:30 PM, LIVE on FOX)
About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FOX Sports 1; FOX Sports 2; Fox’s 22 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Soccer 2Go; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, which includes FOXSports.com, FOX Sports GO, Whatifsports.com and Yardbarker.com. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network.
–FOX SPORTS–
Hour-Long Program Previews 115th U.S. Open at Chambers Bay
Joe Buck, Greg Norman, Holly Sonders and Brad Faxon Host
New York – With the U.S. Open Championship just around the corner, FOX Sports presents U.S. OPEN MEDIA DAY SPECIAL, a one-hour showcase previewing the 115th U.S. Open Championship. Originating from the United States Golf Association’s Media Day at Chambers Bay, the program, recorded earlier in the day, airs in primetime Monday, April 27, (9:30 PM ET) on FOX Sports 1.
Hosted by Holly Sonders and Joe Buck, with insights and special features from analysts Greg Norman and Brad Faxon, the special also includes sit-down interviews with USGA Executive Director Mike Davis and President Tom O’Toole Jr., who provide a comprehensive preview of our country’s national championship.
“We are excited to present the first ever U.S. Open Media Day show,” said Bill Richards, senior vice president of FOX Sports production. “Chambers Bay is one of the most unique courses in the country, and we look to capture those iconic images for viewers and bring a one of a kind behind-the-scenes look at the preparation for golf’s greatest championship event.”
Course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. also joins the show, providing a detailed look at the course layout and challenging links design. Reigning U.S. Open champion Martin Kaymer appears via satellite, sharing insights on his championship experience and what he expects from this year’s venue. Norman and Faxon walk viewers through each hole, offering analysis on particular points of interest and spots that could spell trouble for competitors during championship week.
U.S. OPEN MEDIA DAY SPECIAL also showcases the innovative technology which FOX Sports expects to integrate into the U.S. Open telecast. Featuring never-before-seen enhancements, such as augmented reality graphics illustrating the contours of greens as well as wind speed and direction, in addition to drone fly-overs and 4k Flex technology that brings super slow motion shots and drop down robotic cameras for unique angles throughout the course, FOX Sports promises a golf broadcast with new and distinct perspectives.
FOX Sports’ coverage of the 2015 U.S. Open begins Thursday, June 18, at 12:00 PM ET on FOX Sports 1, culminating with the final round Sunday, June 21, at 2:00 PM ET on FOX.
– FOX SPORTS-
D-TRAIN ARRIVES AT FOX SPORTS 1
Network Adds Charismatic Dontrelle Willis to FOX MLB Studio Team
A World Series Champion, Rookie of the Year and two-time National League All-Star, former starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis has been added to FOX Sports 1’s Major League Baseball coverage as a studio analyst.
The recently retired left-hander, who was given the nickname “D-Train” during his playing career, makes his broadcast debut on FOX Sports 1’s flagship highlight, news and opinion program, FOX SPORTS LIVE, on Monday, April 20 (11:00 PM ET). Willis also contributes to MLB WHIPAROUND, the cable network’s weeknight highlights and analysis studio show that features live look-ins at games from across the country and AMERICA’S PREGAME, FOX Sports 1’s weeknight preview show. The two-time All-Star joins former big leaguers Frank Thomas, C.J. Nitkowski, Raúl Ibañez, Mark Sweeney and Eric Karros as FOX Sports 1 MLB studio analysts.
“Dontrelle is a guy who was so fun to watch as a player, because he brought so much enthusiasm and passion to the mound,” FOX Sports coordinating producer Bardia Shah-Rais said. “We are looking forward to seeing that same energy from him as an analyst and feel like he has a lot to offer to our viewers.”
Willis spent nine seasons in the major leagues with four different clubs, but is best remembered for his time with then-Florida Marlins from 2003 to 2007. He stormed onto the scene as a rookie in 2003, posting a 14-6 record and 3.30 earned run average over 27 starts, earning National League Rookie of the Year and All-Star honors for a Marlins team that would make an improbable run through the playoffs and claim the franchise’s second World Series title.
In 2005, Willis turned in the finest season of his career, once again earning National League All-Star honors, placing second in the circuit’s voting for the Cy Young Award and finishing the season with career bests in wins (22), ERA (2.63), innings pitched (236.1), strikeouts (170), complete games (7) and shutouts (5).
Also highly regarded for his aptitude with the bat, Willis registered a lifetime .244 batting average, 95 hits and clubbed nine home runs during his career. After spending his first five seasons with Florida, he also appeared in regular season games as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, before ultimately retiring in March 2015.
– FOX SPORTS –
Strong Viewership Also Reported for MLS, FOX SPORTS LIVE, JOCKEY CLUB TOUR
And NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES
Charlotte, N.C. — College hoops isn’t the only sport to see sizable audiences last weekend.
On Sunday (3/29), FOX Sports televised its first ever regularly scheduled NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points race on FOX Sports 1, and the audience from Martinsville (VA) Speedway was record-setting. Overcoming intense competition, the race attracted 4,061,000 viewers making it the most-watched motorsports event in network history, the fourth most-watched telecast ever on the network and the only non-MLB postseason event among the network’s top five.
According to Nielsen, the race propelled FOX Sports 1 to its most-watched Sunday from 6:00 AM-3:00 AM since launch, averaging 1,068,000 viewers over that span. Moreover, FOX Sports 1 was the most-watched ad supported cable network from 1:00-5:15 PM ET on Sunday (4,089,000 viewers), posting a +170% advantage over the next closest network (Nickelodeon, 1,511,000 viewers). The audience for the race peaked at 5,450,000 from 5:00-5:11 PM ET as Denny Hamlin held off a final-lap charge from Brad Keselowski to cop his first win of the season.
The audience for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race supplanted the previous FOX Sports 1 motorsports record of 3,526,000 set Feb. 15, 2014 for the SPRINT UNLIMITED. The only other Sprint Cup points event on FOX Sports 1 was last season’s Bristol race on March 16 which was moved from FOX to FOX Sports 1 due to rain. That race averaged 3,227,000 viewers.
Preceding the race, NASCAR RACEDAY posted 1,008,000 viewers, +52% above last year’s edition from Martinsville (661,000). Immediately following the race, a special airing of FOX SPORTS LIVE posted 1,904,000 viewers marking the show’s seventh most-watched edition ever.
Later in the evening, Real Salt Lake’s 2-1 victory over Toronto in MLS action tallied 211,000 viewers, the largest audience for a FOX Sports 1 MLS match since opening weekend, and +50% above the comparable package’s 2014 season average (141,000).
Saturday (3/28) was a good day for racing of all kinds on FOX Sports 1. The JOCKEY CLUB TOUR from Dubai delivered 291,000 viewers making it the second-most watched horse race in FOX Sports 1 history and more than doubled the average of the 12 previous races (120,000). Later that day, the NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES race from Martinsville scored 1,100,000 viewers, +22% from the 2013 race on SPEED (902,000). Last year’s race was rained out and moved to Sunday at 5:30pm and delivered 532,000 viewers.
– FOX SPORTS –