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☆ ESPN's layoffs underscore its desperate need for a post-cable lifeline, but analysts are split on Disney's streaming plan that puts $20 billion of revenue at risk
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

But that plan carries serious risk, as it would jeopardize still-sizable cable revenue without guaranteeing that enough sports fans would support such a product. Several other analysts — including Barton Crockett of Rosenblatt Securities, who has a buy rating for Disney shares — seconded those concerns about cannibalizing cable revenue. Nollen estimated 35 million current cable customers would switch to ESPN DTC. ESPN DTC is zero incremental cost and potentially billions in incremental revenue." An ESPN streamer (in light purple) would gradually drive revenue for Disney, Wells Fargo predicts.

Persons: Disney, that's, Jalen Rose, Todd McShay, Bob Iger, Macquarie's Tim Nollen, Nollen, Barton Crockett, —, Crockett, who'd, Will, you've, they'll, William Cohan, Cohan, Joe Bonner, Bonner, Brandon Nispel, Iger, Nispel, We've, Jason Bazinet, Bazinet, Hulu —, Wells Fargo's Steven Cahall, Cahall, Wells Organizations: ESPN, Disney, Bank of America, NBA, Sports, ESPN Disney's ESPN, Rosenblatt Securities, ESPN DTC, Will Disney, Citigroup, NFL, NBC, Apple, Comcast, NBC Sports, Netflix Netflix, Hearst, Argus Research, Netflix, KeyBanc, Hulu, DIS, Wells Fargo Sports Locations: Wells Fargo, it's, Wells, Hulu, Puck

☆ Stephen A. Smith speaks out about ESPN’s layoffs: ‘I could be next’
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( Michael Nam | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

New York CNN —ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is wondering if he too might soon be out of a job. ESPN’s cuts are only the latest layoffs across several media companies, including The Athletic, National Geographic and CNN. But a person familiar with the staff reductions at the sports network told CNN that ESPN’s layoffs were unconnected with Disney (DIS)’s larger layoff plans. Aside from those mentioned by Smith, cuts included “College GameDay” analyst LaPhonso Ellis and NFL sideline reporter Suzy Kolber. Smith also briefly touched on the issue of race in his discussion about feeling uncomfortable about his job security.

Persons: New York CNN — ESPN’s Stephen A, Smith, ”, —, Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, Keyshawn Johnson —, ” Smith, “, ESPN’s, LaPhonso Ellis, Suzy Kolber, “ Don’t, “ I’ve Organizations: New, New York CNN, The Athletic, National Geographic, CNN, ESPN, Disney, “, GameDay, NFL Locations: New York

☆ ESPN Lays Off Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose and Other On-Air Talent in Cost-Cutting Move
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Ben Glickman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/articles/espn-lays-off-jeff-van-gundy-jalen-rose-and-other-on-air-talent-in-cost-cutting-move-87749366

Persons: Dow Jones Organizations: espn

New York CNN —ESPN is laying off around 20 high-profile sports commentators as part of a cost-cutting initiative, a source with knowledge of the layoffs told CNN. “Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries,” ESPN said in a statement. But the source stressed that the cuts were simply a matter of cost-cutting, and not related to job performance. Disney (DIS), which owns ESPN, is laying off 7,000 employees. The person familiar with the plans said that ESPN’s layoffs were unrelated to the broader layoffs at Disney (DIS).

Persons: Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, LaPhonso Ellis, Suzy Kolber, “, ”, ” Kolber Organizations: New, New York CNN, ESPN, CNN, ” ESPN, Twitter, Disney Locations: New York

☆ ESPN lays off on-air talent including NBA analyst Van Gundy
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Houston Rockets Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy shouts about a call during the second half of NBA basketball action against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City April 18, 2007. REUTERS/Steve Wilson (UNITED STATES)/File PhotoJune 30 (Reuters) - ESPN laid off about 20 of its sports personalities on Friday as the Walt Disney (DIS.N) unit seeks to more closely manage costs, a source said. Among those affected by the cuts were long-time NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, former head coach of the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, and studio analyst Jalen Rose, a former NBA player at six teams including the Indiana Pacers. It also laid off ESPN Radio's morning show co-hosts, Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson. ESPN has already undergone two rounds of layoffs that did not impact talent as part of parent company Disney's announced plans to eliminate 7,000 jobs.

Persons: Jeff Van Gundy, Steve Wilson, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, “, ”, Disney's, pare, Dawn Chmielewski, Ken Ferris Organizations: Houston Rockets, NBA, Utah Jazz, REUTERS, UNITED STATES, ESPN, Walt Disney, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, ” ESPN, Reuters, Burbank, Thomson Locations: Salt Lake, Los Angeles

☆ ESPN lays off about 20 on-air personalities including NBA analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Disney' s ESPN on Friday is informing about 20 of its on-air personalities that they will no longer appear on any of the network's platforms. Cuts include former National Basketball Association head coach and current game analyst Jeff Van Gundy and ex-NBA player and studio analyst Jalen Rose, according to a person familiar with the matter. "These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth." The cuts are part of ESPN's efforts to meet its financial targets for 2023 and beyond. Targeting on-air employees with large salaries will allow ESPN to keep more staffers throughout the organization.

Persons: Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Hulu — Organizations: Disney, ESPN, National Basketball Association, Hulu

☆ How influencer couples use relationships to reach new followers and build content strategies as partners, according to a talent manager
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Nhari Djan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A talent manager explains how he strategizes with influencer couples. Toteda and Cushion are the type of influencer couple Duncan and Ingenuity Live are looking to work with more. This is not dissimilar to how they would deal with an individual influencer, but there is a difference in application. Duncan thinks more influencer couples should collaborate with other couples, as well. "A lot of couples aren't looking to other couples that maybe have a small crossover of the same audience," Duncan said.

Persons: TikTok, influencers Monet McMichael, Jalen Noble, McMichael, Noble, Jeff Duncan, Nick Toteda, Anthony, Toteda, Duncan, it's, There's, Liza Koshy, David Dobrik, Nick Viall Locations: London

☆ A talent manager who works with influencer couples explains how creators use relationships to reach new followers — and the type of couple he'll never work with
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-24 | by ( Nhari Djan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Victor Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4 Frenchman who some NBA commentators think could be a generational talent, was the No. 1 pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Draft on Thursday night. “It’s a tough league,” Wembanyama told draft broadcaster ESPN through tears after he was selected. G-League player Scoot Henderson, a 6-foot-2 guard, was the third pick, going to the Portland Trail Blazers. The 6-foot-7 brothers are the first siblings to be picked in the top five (or top 10, even) of the NBA Draft in the same year.

Persons: CNN — Victor Wembanyama, Frenchman, – David Robinson, Tim Duncan, ” Wembanyama, “, Adam Silver, Wembanyama, LeBron James, we’ll, Victor, ”, Gregg Popovich, “ He’s, James, Duncan, Bryant, He’s Victor, that’s, I’ve, Wembanyama’s, Bilal Coulibaly, Washington, Jarace Walker, Brandon Miller, Miller, “ I’m, Scoot Henderson, “ They’re, Amen Thompson, Ausar, Jalen, we’ve, Ausar Thompson, FaceTime, Marcus, Markieff Morris, Robin Lopez, Kris Murray, Keegan Organizations: CNN, San Antonio Spurs, NBA, of Fame, ESPN, Levallois Metropolitans, Mets, ” Spurs, Wembanyama, Indiana, University of Houston, Pacers, Hornets, SEC, Charlotte Hornets, University of Alabama, Southeastern Conference, Portland Trail Blazers, “, NBA.com Twins, Houston Rockets, Rockets, Detroit Pistons, University of Iowa, Sacramento Kings Locations: Kobe, San Antonio, Washington, Alabama, Atlanta

☆ Dozens of transgender people in Florida are crowdfunding to flee the state, and they've raised more than $200,000
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Thalia Beaty | Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Dozens of transgender people in Florida are using crowdfunding to help them flee the state. In addition to banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, the law places new restrictions on adults seeking treatment. Chelf began making plans to leave the state after Florida legislation caused her to lose access to gender affirming care. A marked increase in fundraisers to help trans people leave FloridaPeople have given more than $200,000 since January to fundraisers on GoFundMe started by trans people seeking to leave Florida, according to data from the platform. Sage Chelf shows her GoFundMe campaign to move out of Florida in Orlando, Fla., May 27, 2023.

Persons: —, Sage Chelf, Chelf, Laura Bargfeld, I'm, GoFundMe, Jalen Drummond, Ron DeSantis, Laura Bargfeld That's, Una Osili, Indiana University Lilly, Elise Colomer, it's, Jasmine Beach Organizations: Service, AP, Williams Institute, University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, Indiana University, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Southern Equality Locations: Florida, GoFundMe . Florida, Fla, Orlando, Orlando Fla, Chelf, Cheadle, Illinois, Ferrara

☆ MLB roundup: Rays win shootout, take series from Dodgers
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +12 min

Rays starter Josh Fleming allowed 10 runs (eight earned) on 12 hits, including five home runs, in six innings. Dylan Covey (0-1) retired only two batters in his first start since 2019 and was tagged for seven runs (five earned) on six hits. Darvish (3-4) allowed a season-high seven runs and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings. Gerrit Cole (6-0) allowed a homer to Jake Cronenworth two batters into the game and a two-run homer to Rougned Odor in the seventh. Alex Cobb (4-2) gave up a season-high seven runs on seven hits in four innings.

☆ What Carmelo Anthony Meant to New York City
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-27 | by ( Kris Rhim | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

There were many moments that evoked roars inside Madison Square Garden when the Knicks faced the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals this month: when Jalen Brunson hit a 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, prompting a Heat timeout, or any of the five times RJ Barrett sank a 3, sending the Garden’s white-knuckled Knicks fans into a frenzy. But the loudest roar that night came during a stoppage in play when a large video screen showed Carmelo Anthony sitting courtside. Anthony stood with one hand raised as most of the fans gave him a standing ovation, showering him with applause and cheers as if he had just made a game-winning shot. Anthony never won a title for the Knicks or even made a conference finals in his six and a half seasons with the team, but the moment was a reminder of how much he still means to New York. The city had yearned for a star after years of mediocrity and got one in Anthony, a Brooklyn native ready to make Knicks games exciting again.

☆ Jalen Ramsey Asks $13.995 Million for L.A.-Area Home Following Rams Trade
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Katherine Clarke | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/articles/jalen-lists-los-angeles-following-trade-to-miami-dolphins-8ddc9960

☆ The Going Rate for Elite NFL Quarterbacks Is Now $50 Million a Year
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Fresh off a run to the last Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles handed star quarterback Jalen Hurts a contract worth $255 million over five years in April. The deal was the richest by annual value in NFL history. It was a record that lasted for less than two weeks.

☆ MLB roundup: White Sox surge past Rays, snap 10-game skid
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +12 min

[1/6] Apr 30, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn (25) watches his game-winning three-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Christian Bethancourt added a solo homer and two RBIs. Orioles 5, Tigers 3Adam Frazier and Jorge Mateo hit solo home runs and visiting Baltimore continued its dominance of Detroit. Evan Phillips closed out the ninth inning to earn his third save. Reliever Zack Thompson (1-2) allowed two runs on one hit and two walks while retiring just two batters.

☆ Knicks Absorb First Blow in Throwback Battle With Miami Heat
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-30 | by ( Tania Ganguli | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Knicks walked off the court at Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon with their shoulders slumped. The energy that gripped the arena at the start of the game against Miami had dissolved into a mélange of people shuffling out, Heat fans boasting and a few Knicks fans shouting insults, mostly at the game officials and the Heat fans. “I was horrific,” said Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, who scored 25 points but missed all seven of his 3-point attempts. On Sunday, the Knicks lost to the Heat, 108-101, in Game 1 of the N.B.A.’s Eastern Conference semifinals. But despite the dour mood that engulfed the Garden after the game, it would be unwise to bury the Knicks for their performance.

☆ Who Won, and Who Lost, in the 2023 N.F.L. Draft
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( Mike Tanier | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Detroit Lions’ coach, Dan Campbell, displayed his rugged individualism. And the Green Bay Packers, playing the role of a merry divorcé post-Aaron Rodgers trade, dallied with new playmakers. draft provided an opportunity for some of the league’s most fascinating decision makers and franchises to truly express themselves. Eagles, ReloadedThe Eagles should not be able to do the things they do. A team that won 14 games and reached the Super Bowl last season should not have a top 10 pick in the next draft.

☆ NBA roundup: Jimmy Butler, Heat eliminate Bucks
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/3] Apr 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives against Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) during game five of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Butler followed up his franchise-playoff-record, 56-point performance in Game 4 by helping the eighth-seeded Heat overcome a 16-point, fourth-quarter deficit with 12 straight Heat points during one stretch before converting an alley-oop in the final second to force overtime. Bam Adebayo collected 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Heat, who will face the fifth-seeded New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Antetokounmpo recorded 38 points and 20 rebounds and Khris Middleton pumped in 33 points for the Bucks. Anthony Davis amassed 31 points and 19 rebounds and Austin Reaves registered 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the seventh-seeded Lakers.

PinnedQuarterbacks, top-10 trades and a bull market for running backs headlined the first round of this year’s N.F.L. The Carolina Panthers chose Alabama quarterback Bryce Young at No. After the Texans picked Stroud, they struck again, leaping from pick No. One unexpected development was the move toward running backs, a position that has been devalued in the N.F.L. But teams picked other quarterbacks or filled other needs, this year’s reminder that pre-draft speculation is just that.

☆ Will Georgia’s Jalen Carter Still Be a Top N.F.L. Draft Pick?
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Kris Rhim | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

But that changed on March 1 at the N.F.L. He was sentenced to 12 months’ probation and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, perform 80 hours of community service and complete a state-approved defensive driving course. Since then, Carter, 22, has not done much to allay the concerns that teams now have about him. He drew criticism when he and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, decided not to take pre-draft visits with teams picking outside the top 10. scouts and has gone from a surefire top pick to one of the most inscrutable prospects in this year’s draft, which will begin in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday.

☆ Anthony Richardson: NFL Draft prospect who says he is 'not from Earth'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Heading into the NFL Draft, there’s always one prospect coming out of college who everyone becomes infatuated with, despite not being the finished article. This year’s golden boy is Anthony Richardson and, in his unique case, he’s impressed at every stage of the process. Richardson ran the fastest 40-yard dash time of all quarterbacks, as well as jumping the highest and furthest at the Combine. With potentially nine picks in the opening 12 being held by quarterback-needy teams, Richardson could be finding a new home anywhere across the league. David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire/Getty ImagesIt means that Richardson has just 13 career college starts to his name entering the draft.

☆ NBA roundup: Warriors survive late gaffe, tie series with Kings
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Mike Conley added 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out for the Wolves. Nikola Jokic had 43 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Nuggets. Josh Hart chipped in 19 points and seven rebounds for the Knicks, who outrebounded the Cavaliers 47-33. The Hawks were within five points with 3:36 to play, but the Celtics took control by scoring the next seven points. Dejounte Murray finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

☆ NBA roundup: Nikola Jokic, Nuggets take command over Wolves
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The top-seeded Nuggets grabbed a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and will aim for a sweep on Sunday in Minnesota. Julius Randle contributed 11 points and eight rebounds despite 3-of-15 shooting, and Immanuel Quickley also scored 11 points. Dejounte Murray added 25 points for Atlanta, which lost the first two games of the series in Boston. Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points and 10 rebounds and added five assists. Marcus Smart finished with 24 points, eight assists and three steals, and Malcolm Brogdon scored 17 points.

☆ Lauri Markkanen: NBA star undertaking military service in Finland
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Utah Jazz All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen is undertaking military service in Finland following the conclusion of his NBA season. He added that he doesn’t know exactly how long he will spend on military service over the coming months, explaining that he has the option to complete it across two summers. “I definitely don’t want it to affect the basketball part, so we’ll figure out how to do a combination,” said Markkanen. Markkanen starts his military service at the Finnish Defence Forces Sports School in Helsinki. CNN has contacted the Jazz and Markkanen’s representative for further comment on his military service.

☆ Jalen Hurts' $255 million contract sets an NFL record—and he got it with an all-women management team
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Of course, Hurts' strong performance over the past two seasons contributed to his landing the biggest contract in NFL history. But it also came down to his management team. Hurts is managed by an all-women management team from the sports agency Klutch Sports Group. And that's how I am on the field and off the field," Hurts told Sports Illustrated in August 2022. Lynn and the management team have continued breaking convention and setting records with this new deal.

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