The NBA is looking to triple its revenues in its next national broadcasting deal. Which streaming partners will help it achieve that goal?
The NBA wants to get paid. The league’s current broadcasting rights deal expires following the 2024-25 season, and reports indicate it wants to make anywhere from double to triple the $24 billion it makes from its current broadcasting partners ESPN and TNT. In early 2023, reports surfaced that the league wanted to create a new package of games that will be sold exclusively to a streaming service, which gained further credence when it was reported that ESPN and TNT wanted to buy smaller packages of games in the next deal. When considering the league’s goals in growing its audience, increasing revenue, and being available to as many viewers as possible, it seems that Amazon’s Prime Video is the ideal streaming partner to purchase a new package of games.
The NBA wants to get paid. The league’s current broadcasting rights deal expires following the 2024-25 season, and reports indicate it wants to make anywhere from double to triple the $24 billion it makes from its current broadcasting partners ESPN and TNT. In early 2023, reports surfaced that the league wanted to create a new package of games that will be sold exclusively to a streaming service, which gained further credence when it was reported that ESPN and TNT wanted to buy smaller packages of games in the next deal. When considering the league’s goals in growing its audience, increasing revenue, and being available to as many viewers as possible, it seems that Amazon’s Prime Video is the ideal streaming partner to purchase a new package of games.
- 3/25/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
On WWE SmackDown, things got wild when The Rock went off on a verbal rampage, taking aim at Seth Rollins and leaving everyone stunned. Fans couldn’t believe what they were hearing as Dwayne Johnson went all out, not just on the 37-year-old, but also roping in Becky Lynch and Ja Morant.
Dwayne Johnson in The Scorpion King
It was chaos! The Rock’s fury knew no bounds as he unleashed an unhinged song, making history on SmackDown. This wasn’t your usual wrestling drama; it had next-level intensity, and nobody was safe from The Rock’s verbal punches.
The Rock Goes After Seth Rollins Using Becky Lynch And Ja Morant
Alright, so The Rock made quite a splash when he showed up in Memphis for WWE SmackDown. You know, Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock? Yeah, him.
Anyway, he started off by reminiscing about his wrestling roots in Memphis, which got everyone feeling nostalgic.
Dwayne Johnson in The Scorpion King
It was chaos! The Rock’s fury knew no bounds as he unleashed an unhinged song, making history on SmackDown. This wasn’t your usual wrestling drama; it had next-level intensity, and nobody was safe from The Rock’s verbal punches.
The Rock Goes After Seth Rollins Using Becky Lynch And Ja Morant
Alright, so The Rock made quite a splash when he showed up in Memphis for WWE SmackDown. You know, Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock? Yeah, him.
Anyway, he started off by reminiscing about his wrestling roots in Memphis, which got everyone feeling nostalgic.
- 3/16/2024
- by Muskan Chaudhary
- FandomWire
Awards Jamboree
The Asian Film Awards Academy has revealed several events around the annual Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong. Veteran filmmakers, jury president of this year’s awards, Japan’s Kurosawa Kiyoshi and Hong Kong’s Fruit Chan, will share their filmmaking experiences and artistic concepts in a joint masterclass. Thai star Metawin Opas-Iamkajorn (“2gether” series and film) known as Win, will be honored with the Afa Rising Star Award and the event will host the world premiere of his new film “Under Parallel Skies.”
There will also be six themed panel discussions featuring actors Wan Fang (Taiwan), Rachel Leung and Yoyo Tse (both Hong Kong), Tergel Bold-Erdene (Mongolia), Awat Ratanapintha (Thailand) and Shirata Mihaya (Japan). The discussions will also include filmmakers Nick Cheuk, Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir, Dominic Sangma, Oscar-winning production designer Tim Yip, production and costume designers Eric Lam, Man Lim Chung, Mitsumatsu Keiko, Elaine Ng, Zhang Menglun, editors Keith Chan Hiu Chun,...
The Asian Film Awards Academy has revealed several events around the annual Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong. Veteran filmmakers, jury president of this year’s awards, Japan’s Kurosawa Kiyoshi and Hong Kong’s Fruit Chan, will share their filmmaking experiences and artistic concepts in a joint masterclass. Thai star Metawin Opas-Iamkajorn (“2gether” series and film) known as Win, will be honored with the Afa Rising Star Award and the event will host the world premiere of his new film “Under Parallel Skies.”
There will also be six themed panel discussions featuring actors Wan Fang (Taiwan), Rachel Leung and Yoyo Tse (both Hong Kong), Tergel Bold-Erdene (Mongolia), Awat Ratanapintha (Thailand) and Shirata Mihaya (Japan). The discussions will also include filmmakers Nick Cheuk, Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir, Dominic Sangma, Oscar-winning production designer Tim Yip, production and costume designers Eric Lam, Man Lim Chung, Mitsumatsu Keiko, Elaine Ng, Zhang Menglun, editors Keith Chan Hiu Chun,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Sitting in Pat McAfee’s studio in Indianapolis Feb. 14, NBA commissioner Adam Silver engaged in an extended conversation about the state of streaming sports.
McAfee, whose show is simulcast on ESPN, brought up the recently-announced joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery seems like a game-changing development. “We knew nothing about until it got announced,” McAfee said.
“Neither did I,” Silver responded dryly.
Indeed, multiple sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the major sports leagues were all caught off guard by the announcement of the joint venture, though executives at the media companies endeavored to reach out and loop them in a few hours before it was revealed. The same is true of the cable and satellite companies that pay to distribute ESPN, TNT, TBS and Fox.
One of those distributors, FuboTV, would even sue to block the Jv from launching.
The surprise by their league and distribution...
McAfee, whose show is simulcast on ESPN, brought up the recently-announced joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery seems like a game-changing development. “We knew nothing about until it got announced,” McAfee said.
“Neither did I,” Silver responded dryly.
Indeed, multiple sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the major sports leagues were all caught off guard by the announcement of the joint venture, though executives at the media companies endeavored to reach out and loop them in a few hours before it was revealed. The same is true of the cable and satellite companies that pay to distribute ESPN, TNT, TBS and Fox.
One of those distributors, FuboTV, would even sue to block the Jv from launching.
The surprise by their league and distribution...
- 2/26/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Over the past few years, Artificial Intelligence has come a long way, oftentimes confusing people over what’s real and what’s not. And now, AI is all set to take over the NBA with its new system which is quite cleverly called, ‘Nb-ai.” However, producer Chris Miller does not seem too happy with this feature that lets the viewer personalize his viewing experience.
Chris Miller (via Chris Miller’s Instagram)
Chris Miller called out the NBA’s new AI system, which can turn any live basketball game animated with just one voice command. According to Chris Miller, animation created by Artificial Intelligence will never compare to the old-school filmmaking style.
Suggested“Imagine the movie without him”: Not Oscar Isaac’s Spider-Man 2099, Across the Spider-Verse Nearly Kicked Out Fan-Favorite Character
Chris Miller Criticizes NBA’s Nb-ai
Adam Silver and Victor Wembanyama unveil Nb-ai
Recently, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and...
Chris Miller (via Chris Miller’s Instagram)
Chris Miller called out the NBA’s new AI system, which can turn any live basketball game animated with just one voice command. According to Chris Miller, animation created by Artificial Intelligence will never compare to the old-school filmmaking style.
Suggested“Imagine the movie without him”: Not Oscar Isaac’s Spider-Man 2099, Across the Spider-Verse Nearly Kicked Out Fan-Favorite Character
Chris Miller Criticizes NBA’s Nb-ai
Adam Silver and Victor Wembanyama unveil Nb-ai
Recently, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and...
- 2/19/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Spider-Verse writer Chris Miller slammed the NBA for trying to copy the animation style of the famed Sony movie to liven up basketball games, allowing artificial intelligence technology to let the audience watch games in “movie mode.”
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
In addition, Miller also claimed that the NBA never asked permission or reached out to the studio in any way before “scraping” the style of the animated movie.
SUGGESTEDAcross the Spider-Verse Director Confirms Movie’s Insane Twist Ending Inspired by $51.8 Billion Franchise
NBA Releases AI Technology That Turns Basketball Games Into Spider-Verse Style Movie
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama introduced and demonstrated the latest innovation on the NBA app. During the league’s annual tech summit, they showed a demo of the Nb-ai, a voice assistant that uses AI technology to personalize fans’ viewing experience on the app.
The demo offered a...
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
In addition, Miller also claimed that the NBA never asked permission or reached out to the studio in any way before “scraping” the style of the animated movie.
SUGGESTEDAcross the Spider-Verse Director Confirms Movie’s Insane Twist Ending Inspired by $51.8 Billion Franchise
NBA Releases AI Technology That Turns Basketball Games Into Spider-Verse Style Movie
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama introduced and demonstrated the latest innovation on the NBA app. During the league’s annual tech summit, they showed a demo of the Nb-ai, a voice assistant that uses AI technology to personalize fans’ viewing experience on the app.
The demo offered a...
- 2/19/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Tim Cook wanted to know more about the stats.
The Apple CEO was huddled over an iMac in the NBA’s league headquarters in New York alongside NBA commissioner Adam Silver, flanked by a wall of regulation basketballs. On the white table in front of them was the computer, and a piece of hardware that Cook says “really changes everything.”
Apple Vision Pro.
The NBA had been hard at work on a dedicated app for the device, and two of its developers, senior software engineers Lauren Marshall and Matthew Parrott, were walking Cook and Silver through its features, like the ability to watch up to five games at once, the possibilities of immersive video, and, as Cook inquired about, real-time stats that can be displayed next to the live games.
Cook and Silver, in a joint interview shortly after the demo, were effusive about the potential of the device to...
The Apple CEO was huddled over an iMac in the NBA’s league headquarters in New York alongside NBA commissioner Adam Silver, flanked by a wall of regulation basketballs. On the white table in front of them was the computer, and a piece of hardware that Cook says “really changes everything.”
Apple Vision Pro.
The NBA had been hard at work on a dedicated app for the device, and two of its developers, senior software engineers Lauren Marshall and Matthew Parrott, were walking Cook and Silver through its features, like the ability to watch up to five games at once, the possibilities of immersive video, and, as Cook inquired about, real-time stats that can be displayed next to the live games.
Cook and Silver, in a joint interview shortly after the demo, were effusive about the potential of the device to...
- 2/5/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kyrie Irving — the singular basketball talent and moth-to-the-flame of NBA controversy — has embarked on a rebranding campaign with his new corporate benefactor, Chinese apparel giant Anta. Irving is now the superstar face of Anta Basketball — in a deal that also makes him the brand’s chief creative officer. In late September, Irving and Anta unveiled Kyrie’s new logo called “Enlightened Warrior.”
This Anta debut turns the page on a disturbing chapter in Irving’s career. But has his deal with the Chinese shoe giant simply opened the lid on even darker controversy?...
This Anta debut turns the page on a disturbing chapter in Irving’s career. But has his deal with the Chinese shoe giant simply opened the lid on even darker controversy?...
- 10/5/2023
- by Tim Dickinson
- Rollingstone.com
In a move to inject some excitement into its regular season, the National Basketball Association has unveiled its new in-season tournament.
The NBA Cup is a European cup-style competition that adds some sizzle to the early season schedule. Players on the winning team will get $500,000 each.
“This is a concept that has been rumbling around the league office for around 15 years,” Commissioner Adam Silver said on a special episode of “NBA Today” from “NBA Con” as part of the league’s annual gathering in Las Vegas. “We thought what a perfect opportunity for a global league like the NBA, and it’s a perfect fit for our game.
“New traditions take time. But, all throughout sports, we are seeing new innovations, and now is the time for this NBA in-season tournament.”
The league unveiled the six five-team groups — three made up of Eastern Conference teams and three made up of...
The NBA Cup is a European cup-style competition that adds some sizzle to the early season schedule. Players on the winning team will get $500,000 each.
“This is a concept that has been rumbling around the league office for around 15 years,” Commissioner Adam Silver said on a special episode of “NBA Today” from “NBA Con” as part of the league’s annual gathering in Las Vegas. “We thought what a perfect opportunity for a global league like the NBA, and it’s a perfect fit for our game.
“New traditions take time. But, all throughout sports, we are seeing new innovations, and now is the time for this NBA in-season tournament.”
The league unveiled the six five-team groups — three made up of Eastern Conference teams and three made up of...
- 7/9/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies’ guard who is among the NBA’s most dynamic players, has been suspended without pay by the league for 25 games after repeatedly brandishing a gun on social media. Pro rated, the suspension could cost Morant $10-plus million, based on his $33.5 million annual salary this past year. It will also cost the Grizzlies, who came in second in the Western Conference last year, their best player for a good chunk of the 82-game season.
Morant was suspended by the Grizzlies after the latest mid-May incident, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver decided the league would wait to impose its own punishment until after the Finals so as not to distract from that event. Now that the Denver Nuggets have been crowned NBA champs, Silver was free to make the announcement.
Morant was shown in the Mid-may video holding a gun, the second such incident this year for him.
Morant was suspended by the Grizzlies after the latest mid-May incident, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver decided the league would wait to impose its own punishment until after the Finals so as not to distract from that event. Now that the Denver Nuggets have been crowned NBA champs, Silver was free to make the announcement.
Morant was shown in the Mid-may video holding a gun, the second such incident this year for him.
- 6/16/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Ja Morant has been suspended for the first 25 games of the upcoming NBA season without pay following a second incident where the Memphis Grizzlies star allegedly flashed a firearm on social media.
Following the conclusion of the NBA Finals — during which commissioner Adam Silver said he didn’t want to overshadow the championships with any Morant decision — the NBA handed down their punishment following the May 2023 incident.
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March...
Following the conclusion of the NBA Finals — during which commissioner Adam Silver said he didn’t want to overshadow the championships with any Morant decision — the NBA handed down their punishment following the May 2023 incident.
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March...
- 6/16/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Gas up the Learjets and break out the Moncler vests, it’s time for corporate chieftains to let their hair down, as only the one percent of the one percent knows how.
Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, Warner Bros. Discovery honcho David Zaslav, Paramount Global chair Shari Redstone, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple head Tim Cook, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates are heading to Idaho in July to attend the annual “summer camp for moguls,” known more formally as Sun Valley. And Bob Iger, back on the throne at the Walt Disney Company, will also be touching down in the resort town after a brief, unhappy (for shareholders) interregnum. They’ll be mixing and mingling with other media barons, Silicon Valley heavyweights and political players at the media finance retreat hosted by Allen & Co.
Among those getting tapped to dust off their Brooks Brothers casual wear are two former treasury secretaries,...
Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, Warner Bros. Discovery honcho David Zaslav, Paramount Global chair Shari Redstone, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple head Tim Cook, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates are heading to Idaho in July to attend the annual “summer camp for moguls,” known more formally as Sun Valley. And Bob Iger, back on the throne at the Walt Disney Company, will also be touching down in the resort town after a brief, unhappy (for shareholders) interregnum. They’ll be mixing and mingling with other media barons, Silicon Valley heavyweights and political players at the media finance retreat hosted by Allen & Co.
Among those getting tapped to dust off their Brooks Brothers casual wear are two former treasury secretaries,...
- 6/8/2023
- by Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The enmity between Major League Baseball and Diamond Sports Group was on full display on Wednesday this week, as the two sides met in a long-planned emergency hearing to determine how much of its contracts Dsg had to pay to four MLB teams.
At first, Dsg wanted to pay only half of what it owed to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, and Texas Rangers, then upped the number to 75%. But on Thursday, Judge Christopher Lopez ruled Diamond has to pay those teams the full amount they're owed, which could lead to the company simply rejecting their contracts instead.
7-Day Free Trial $19.99 / month ballysports.com
Reporting from The Athletic indicates that as part of the proceedings, MLB outside counsel forced Dsg representatives to reveal that Diamond’s nascent streaming platform Bally Sports+ — which provides in-market streaming of games without the need for a pay-tv subscription for five MLB, 16 NBA,...
At first, Dsg wanted to pay only half of what it owed to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, and Texas Rangers, then upped the number to 75%. But on Thursday, Judge Christopher Lopez ruled Diamond has to pay those teams the full amount they're owed, which could lead to the company simply rejecting their contracts instead.
7-Day Free Trial $19.99 / month ballysports.com
Reporting from The Athletic indicates that as part of the proceedings, MLB outside counsel forced Dsg representatives to reveal that Diamond’s nascent streaming platform Bally Sports+ — which provides in-market streaming of games without the need for a pay-tv subscription for five MLB, 16 NBA,...
- 6/2/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Berlin-based sales outfit M-Appeal has closed two multi-territory deals for Bulgarian gay summer-romance film “Liuben,” directed by Venci Kostov.
The film has been acquired by Tla Entertainment for North America, France, U.K. and Ireland, and Cinemien for Germany, Austria, German-speaking Switzerland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Israel, Italy and Sweden.
“Liuben,” which has its world premiere at Guadalajara Intl. Film Festival in June, is the first openly gay film from Bulgaria. Roma actors, who are usually absent from Bulgarian cinema, play lead roles in the film.
The film follows Victor, 27, who returns to his childhood home in Bulgaria for his grandfather’s funeral, and decides to stay for the summer. While reconnecting with his father and the village way of life, he unexpectedly finds love in the form of Liuben, an 18-year-old Roma boy. Despite their differences, and the conflicts around them, Victor and Liuben find refuge in each other.
The film has been acquired by Tla Entertainment for North America, France, U.K. and Ireland, and Cinemien for Germany, Austria, German-speaking Switzerland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Israel, Italy and Sweden.
“Liuben,” which has its world premiere at Guadalajara Intl. Film Festival in June, is the first openly gay film from Bulgaria. Roma actors, who are usually absent from Bulgarian cinema, play lead roles in the film.
The film follows Victor, 27, who returns to his childhood home in Bulgaria for his grandfather’s funeral, and decides to stay for the summer. While reconnecting with his father and the village way of life, he unexpectedly finds love in the form of Liuben, an 18-year-old Roma boy. Despite their differences, and the conflicts around them, Victor and Liuben find refuge in each other.
- 5/18/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Ja Morant is speaking out after a second video of the Memphis Grizzlies star brandishing a gun surfaced over the weekend, saying he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.
In a statement obtained by ESPN, Morant said: “I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me. This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full responsibility for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”
Over the weekend,...
In a statement obtained by ESPN, Morant said: “I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me. This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full responsibility for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”
Over the weekend,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Jodi Guglielmi
- Rollingstone.com
Two months after Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was suspended for flashing a firearm on social media, the guard is once again heading down a dark path by brandishing a gun in another video this weekend.
The Grizzles announced Sunday they were suspending Morant from all team activities and the NBA said it is investigating after yet another video emerged of Morant briefly holding a weapon, this time on an associate’s Instagram Live broadcast.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant was allegedly seen holding a gun on an Ig Live yesterday.
The Grizzles announced Sunday they were suspending Morant from all team activities and the NBA said it is investigating after yet another video emerged of Morant briefly holding a weapon, this time on an associate’s Instagram Live broadcast.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant was allegedly seen holding a gun on an Ig Live yesterday.
- 5/14/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The Phoenix Suns’ attempt to leave cable behind has been blocked so hard, some fans might be wondering if Dikembe Mutombo was judging the case.
In late April, the NBA’s Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury announced that they had struck a deal with Gray Television, who henceforward would distribute the teams’ games on local broadcast television stations. As part of the deal, the streaming startup Kiswe would provide a direct-to-consumer (Dtc) streaming option that would not require a pay-tv subscription to access.
Suns and Mercury games are currently broadcast by Bally Sports Arizona during the regular season. The regional sports network’s parent company Diamond Sports Group (Dsg) is currently in bankruptcy court, attempting to restructure a debt load of more than $8 billion. Dsg objected to the deal between Gray and the two teams, saying it violated bankruptcy code and constituted a breach of contract.
Judge Christopher Lopez,...
In late April, the NBA’s Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury announced that they had struck a deal with Gray Television, who henceforward would distribute the teams’ games on local broadcast television stations. As part of the deal, the streaming startup Kiswe would provide a direct-to-consumer (Dtc) streaming option that would not require a pay-tv subscription to access.
Suns and Mercury games are currently broadcast by Bally Sports Arizona during the regular season. The regional sports network’s parent company Diamond Sports Group (Dsg) is currently in bankruptcy court, attempting to restructure a debt load of more than $8 billion. Dsg objected to the deal between Gray and the two teams, saying it violated bankruptcy code and constituted a breach of contract.
Judge Christopher Lopez,...
- 5/11/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
The NBA playoffs are underway, and that means that if your team is still playing, you’re likely watching ESPN, TNT, or another national network for your playoff basketball needs. Regional sports networks (RSNs) like those from Bally Sports do the heavy broadcasting lifting during the regular season, however, and more than half the league are covered by such channels.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver thinks that relationship needs to be looked at, however. Speaking with Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand at the CAA World Congress of Sports, Silver talked about the decline of cable as a whole, and how the league may not be in business with RSNs for much longer.
“There’s no doubt that…we need to reimagine these relationships,” Silver said. There’s the specific issue in terms of [Diamond Sports Group] with the debt they had and correcting that issue. Then in terms of the fundamentals of the business,...
NBA commissioner Adam Silver thinks that relationship needs to be looked at, however. Speaking with Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand at the CAA World Congress of Sports, Silver talked about the decline of cable as a whole, and how the league may not be in business with RSNs for much longer.
“There’s no doubt that…we need to reimagine these relationships,” Silver said. There’s the specific issue in terms of [Diamond Sports Group] with the debt they had and correcting that issue. Then in terms of the fundamentals of the business,...
- 4/24/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party plan to meet this week with Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger and Apple CEO Tim Cook, as well as screenwriters and other studio executives.
The chairman of the committee, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wi) has previously said that he wanted Iger to testify over Disney’s business dealings in the country, along with NBA commissioner Adam Silver. In an appearance on Face the Nation in February, Gallagher said, “I think we can have a productive conversation with companies that have substantial business interests in China, and we want to make sure that the power of the Chinese economy is not seducing certain companies into betraying American values.”
Disney and other studios have been criticized by lawmakers for self-censorship of movies as a way of gaining entry into the Chinese marketplace. In the Face the Nation interview, Gallagher said...
The chairman of the committee, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wi) has previously said that he wanted Iger to testify over Disney’s business dealings in the country, along with NBA commissioner Adam Silver. In an appearance on Face the Nation in February, Gallagher said, “I think we can have a productive conversation with companies that have substantial business interests in China, and we want to make sure that the power of the Chinese economy is not seducing certain companies into betraying American values.”
Disney and other studios have been criticized by lawmakers for self-censorship of movies as a way of gaining entry into the Chinese marketplace. In the Face the Nation interview, Gallagher said...
- 4/2/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
In terms of money, the players involved, and the overall business it has already generated and is likely to create once the action starts, the inaugural edition of the Wpl is turning out to be richer than the best cricket leagues and is comparable with the top leagues in football and basketball.
The league, which has five city-based teams, has raised Rs 4,669 crore ($580 million) through the auction of franchise rights. Several big corporates showed interest and five of them bought franchise rights for five years – from 2023 to 2027 – generating huge interest.
The Adani Group won the rights to the Ahmedabad franchise for Rs 1,289 crore ($155 million), the Reliance Group-owned Indiawin Sports Pvt Ltd bagged the Mumbai franchise for Rs 912.99 crore ($110 million), Gmr-jsw Cricket Pvt Ltd won the Delhi franchise for Rs 810 crore ($100 million), Capri Global holdings won the Lucknow franchise for Rs 757 crore ($95 million) while the Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd,...
The league, which has five city-based teams, has raised Rs 4,669 crore ($580 million) through the auction of franchise rights. Several big corporates showed interest and five of them bought franchise rights for five years – from 2023 to 2027 – generating huge interest.
The Adani Group won the rights to the Ahmedabad franchise for Rs 1,289 crore ($155 million), the Reliance Group-owned Indiawin Sports Pvt Ltd bagged the Mumbai franchise for Rs 912.99 crore ($110 million), Gmr-jsw Cricket Pvt Ltd won the Delhi franchise for Rs 810 crore ($100 million), Capri Global holdings won the Lucknow franchise for Rs 757 crore ($95 million) while the Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd,...
- 2/26/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
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With the Super Bowl in our rearview, it’s time to turn our attention to basketball for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.
As usual, the 2023 NBA All-Star Game promises a battle between the league’s best players in each conference. This year, the Lakers’ LeBron James will captain the Western Conference team, marking his sixth consecutive year as an All-Star captain. This will also be James’ 19th All-Star Game,...
With the Super Bowl in our rearview, it’s time to turn our attention to basketball for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.
As usual, the 2023 NBA All-Star Game promises a battle between the league’s best players in each conference. This year, the Lakers’ LeBron James will captain the Western Conference team, marking his sixth consecutive year as an All-Star captain. This will also be James’ 19th All-Star Game,...
- 2/19/2023
- by Oscar Hartzog
- Rollingstone.com
Pascal Siakam is going to the 2023 NBA All-Star game.
After the Toronto Raptors forward was initially snubbed of All-Star status earlier this month — to the chagrin of many in the 6ix — a spot was freed up for Siakam as an All-Star replacement due to Kevin Durant’s injury.
Siakam was named Friday as one of three reserve replacements by NBA commissioner Adam Silver for the Feb. 19 game in Salt Lake City, along with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards and the Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox and Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam have been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as injury replacements for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/JEkb07WPYa
— NBA Communications (@Nbapr) February 10, 2023
This will mark Siakam’s second NBA All-Star appearance after previously receiving the honour in 2020.
The 28-year-old’s numbers have certainly earned him the...
After the Toronto Raptors forward was initially snubbed of All-Star status earlier this month — to the chagrin of many in the 6ix — a spot was freed up for Siakam as an All-Star replacement due to Kevin Durant’s injury.
Siakam was named Friday as one of three reserve replacements by NBA commissioner Adam Silver for the Feb. 19 game in Salt Lake City, along with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards and the Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox and Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam have been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as injury replacements for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/JEkb07WPYa
— NBA Communications (@Nbapr) February 10, 2023
This will mark Siakam’s second NBA All-Star appearance after previously receiving the honour in 2020.
The 28-year-old’s numbers have certainly earned him the...
- 2/10/2023
- by Alex Nino Gheciu
- ET Canada
Two days after the Grammy Awards, the stars filed back inside Crypto.com Arena, this time to witness history at the hands of LeBron James.
The Los Angeles Lakers star needed to score 36 points during the team’s matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. By netting a fadeaway jumper with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter, James broke the record, threw his arms up in the air and the arena erupted with a finals-like celebration.
Taking in the moment were a slew of stars, most sitting courtside, like Jay-Z, Bad Bunny, Denzel Washington, LL Cool J (with longtime agent, close friend and WME co-chairman Richard Weitz), Usher, Woody Harrelson, Floyd Mayweather, Dwyane Wade, Andy Garcia, Shannon Sharpe, Lisa Rinna, John McEnroe, power sports agent Rich Paul and more. James’s family rushed the court to hug the legendary athlete,...
The Los Angeles Lakers star needed to score 36 points during the team’s matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. By netting a fadeaway jumper with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter, James broke the record, threw his arms up in the air and the arena erupted with a finals-like celebration.
Taking in the moment were a slew of stars, most sitting courtside, like Jay-Z, Bad Bunny, Denzel Washington, LL Cool J (with longtime agent, close friend and WME co-chairman Richard Weitz), Usher, Woody Harrelson, Floyd Mayweather, Dwyane Wade, Andy Garcia, Shannon Sharpe, Lisa Rinna, John McEnroe, power sports agent Rich Paul and more. James’s family rushed the court to hug the legendary athlete,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Lebron James continues to add to his legacy by passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s All-Time leading scorer on Tuesday night.
38,388 Points
LeBron James hits the fadeaway jumper to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer! #ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/P5LyTZAZn3
— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2023
It took only 20 seasons, and 1,410 games, for James to score 38,388 points, marking him the scoring king of the NBA.
It happened against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter with 10.9 seconds left. James backed down his opponent, shot a fadeaway jump shot, and etched himself in history forever. The crowd at Crypto.com Arena erupted in thunderous cheers to congratulate the four-time NBA Champion.
Coming into Tuesday’s game, James needed 36 points to surpass Abdul-Jabbar, who had held the title as the all-time scorer for 39 years. Abdul-Jabbar sat in the front row and watched as James made history.
Afterward,...
38,388 Points
LeBron James hits the fadeaway jumper to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer! #ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/P5LyTZAZn3
— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2023
It took only 20 seasons, and 1,410 games, for James to score 38,388 points, marking him the scoring king of the NBA.
It happened against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter with 10.9 seconds left. James backed down his opponent, shot a fadeaway jump shot, and etched himself in history forever. The crowd at Crypto.com Arena erupted in thunderous cheers to congratulate the four-time NBA Champion.
Coming into Tuesday’s game, James needed 36 points to surpass Abdul-Jabbar, who had held the title as the all-time scorer for 39 years. Abdul-Jabbar sat in the front row and watched as James made history.
Afterward,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Joshua Vinson
- The Wrap
LeBron James became the most prolific scorer in pro basketball history on Tuesday.
With his 38,388th career point, James, aka the King, became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Los Angeles Lakers forward set the record in front a home crowd — which included Laker legend Abdul-Jabbar sitting courtside. James came into Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder needing 36 points to break the record; he did so with a 15-foot step-back jumper with 11 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
The game stopped as James’ teammates and family joined him on the floor and the video boards in Crypto.com Arena played a retrospective highlight package of big moments from his NBA career. Abdul-Jabbar also came on the court to embrace James and hand him the ball that broke the record as the crowd — raucous every time James touched the ball — chanted “Mvp! Mvp!” James teared...
With his 38,388th career point, James, aka the King, became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Los Angeles Lakers forward set the record in front a home crowd — which included Laker legend Abdul-Jabbar sitting courtside. James came into Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder needing 36 points to break the record; he did so with a 15-foot step-back jumper with 11 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
The game stopped as James’ teammates and family joined him on the floor and the video boards in Crypto.com Arena played a retrospective highlight package of big moments from his NBA career. Abdul-Jabbar also came on the court to embrace James and hand him the ball that broke the record as the crowd — raucous every time James touched the ball — chanted “Mvp! Mvp!” James teared...
- 2/8/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There hasn’t been a lot to celebrate for Lakers fans this season, but tonight LeBron James delivered something special. Off a pass from Russell Westbrook, James unleashed his trademark step-back fallaway jumper at the end of third quarter and scored his 38,388th point, making him the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.
“He’s done it! He’s done it!” shouted Lakers play-by-play announcer Bill Macdonald.
LeBron James. Greatness.#ScoringKing https://t.co/E8IRNGxzsU pic.twitter.com/VdHuonIefX
— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2023
It was a made-for-tv moment as The King moved past fellow Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with Jabbar in attendance to see the record broken. Once the basket was made, play stopped and James flashed his trademark broad smile as his sons Bryce and Bronny, daughter Zhuri and wife Savannah rushed the court followed by a phalanx of camerapeople .
Then came Kareem and NBA commissioner Adam Silver to present...
“He’s done it! He’s done it!” shouted Lakers play-by-play announcer Bill Macdonald.
LeBron James. Greatness.#ScoringKing https://t.co/E8IRNGxzsU pic.twitter.com/VdHuonIefX
— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2023
It was a made-for-tv moment as The King moved past fellow Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with Jabbar in attendance to see the record broken. Once the basket was made, play stopped and James flashed his trademark broad smile as his sons Bryce and Bronny, daughter Zhuri and wife Savannah rushed the court followed by a phalanx of camerapeople .
Then came Kareem and NBA commissioner Adam Silver to present...
- 2/8/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: With demand continuing to surge for sports podcasts, Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions is backing a new entry hosted by Golden State Warriors President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Bob Myers.
The new podcast, Lead By Example, will debut on Tuesday with Warriors point guard Stephen Curry as the guest. The show will be carried on the Omaha Audio Network and feature interviews by Myers with a range of figures from all walks of life. A two-time NBA Executive of the Year, Myers has overseen a Warriors team that has won NBA titles in four of the past eight years.
Myers will invite guests from sports, entrepreneurship, politics, entertainment and beyond to share their experiences and lessons they have learned along the way. Confirmed guests to follow Curry include Disney CEO Bob Iger; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver; California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Las Vegas Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon,...
The new podcast, Lead By Example, will debut on Tuesday with Warriors point guard Stephen Curry as the guest. The show will be carried on the Omaha Audio Network and feature interviews by Myers with a range of figures from all walks of life. A two-time NBA Executive of the Year, Myers has overseen a Warriors team that has won NBA titles in four of the past eight years.
Myers will invite guests from sports, entrepreneurship, politics, entertainment and beyond to share their experiences and lessons they have learned along the way. Confirmed guests to follow Curry include Disney CEO Bob Iger; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver; California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Las Vegas Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Reigning NBA Mvp Nikola Jokic has been suspended for one game by the league for an altercation that occurred during the Denver Nuggets’ game with the Miami Heat on Monday.
As the 6’11” Jokic brought the ball up on a 5 on 4 fast break, the Heat’s Markieff Morris took a run at the 280-pound Jokic and delivered what looked like a hockey shoulder check at midcourt. Then, as Morris turned his back to walk away, Jokic threw his shoulder into Morris from behind. The Heat player crumpled to the ground.
Heat play by play announcer Eric Reid reacted in real time on Sinclair’s local Bally Sports Florida telecast.
“Oh my! Jokic just clobbered Markieff Morris from behind,” Reid said as the Nuggets center retaliated.
Both players were ejected.
Denver went on to win the game 113-96.
Morris was fined $50,000 for his part in the altercation. His Heat guard Jimmy Butler...
As the 6’11” Jokic brought the ball up on a 5 on 4 fast break, the Heat’s Markieff Morris took a run at the 280-pound Jokic and delivered what looked like a hockey shoulder check at midcourt. Then, as Morris turned his back to walk away, Jokic threw his shoulder into Morris from behind. The Heat player crumpled to the ground.
Heat play by play announcer Eric Reid reacted in real time on Sinclair’s local Bally Sports Florida telecast.
“Oh my! Jokic just clobbered Markieff Morris from behind,” Reid said as the Nuggets center retaliated.
Both players were ejected.
Denver went on to win the game 113-96.
Morris was fined $50,000 for his part in the altercation. His Heat guard Jimmy Butler...
- 11/10/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: Less than a week after his team’s games were pulled from Tencent-run streaming platforms in China over his criticism of the country’s treatment of Tibetans, Boston Celtics Center Enes Kanter upped the ante, calling out the country and Nike over treatment of ethnic minority Uigher workers in factories there.
“Dear @Nike,” tweeted Kanter today, “Stop the modern day Slavery, now!!!”
The Washington Post published an exposé last year documenting what appeared to be forced labor conditions among Uigher workers at one Chinese factory that supplies the sneaker giant. Nike shoes are, of course, worn by most NBA players in every game. Nike also supplies the league’s uniforms and provides its top stars with massively lucrative shoe contracts.
Nike told the post of the Uigher report last year that “we respect human rights in our extended value chain, and always strive to conduct business ethically and responsibly.
“Dear @Nike,” tweeted Kanter today, “Stop the modern day Slavery, now!!!”
The Washington Post published an exposé last year documenting what appeared to be forced labor conditions among Uigher workers at one Chinese factory that supplies the sneaker giant. Nike shoes are, of course, worn by most NBA players in every game. Nike also supplies the league’s uniforms and provides its top stars with massively lucrative shoe contracts.
Nike told the post of the Uigher report last year that “we respect human rights in our extended value chain, and always strive to conduct business ethically and responsibly.
- 10/26/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN used to rely on two talented female sportscasters, Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor, for some of its top basketball coverage. Going forward, the network isn’t going to have either.
ESPN has decided to cancel “The Jump,” the Nichols-led weekday daily basketball-news program and take the sportscaster off of NBA coverage. The decision comes after Nichols had become embroiled in a controversy after a video recording of her complaining about a colleague, Maria Taylor, getting a role she had been promised, spurring internal complaints and division within the Disney-owned sports-media giant. Taylor recently left ESPN and moved to NBC Sports.
“We mutually agreed that this approach regarding our NBA coverage was best for all concerned,” said David Roberts, senior vice president for NBA production at ESPN, in a statement. “Rachel is an excellent reporter, host and journalist, and we thank her for her many contributions to our NBA content.
ESPN has decided to cancel “The Jump,” the Nichols-led weekday daily basketball-news program and take the sportscaster off of NBA coverage. The decision comes after Nichols had become embroiled in a controversy after a video recording of her complaining about a colleague, Maria Taylor, getting a role she had been promised, spurring internal complaints and division within the Disney-owned sports-media giant. Taylor recently left ESPN and moved to NBC Sports.
“We mutually agreed that this approach regarding our NBA coverage was best for all concerned,” said David Roberts, senior vice president for NBA production at ESPN, in a statement. “Rachel is an excellent reporter, host and journalist, and we thank her for her many contributions to our NBA content.
- 8/25/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
The NBA paid tribute to late college basketball standout Terrence Clarke with an emotional gesture during its annual draft. During the event that took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Thursday, July 29, NBA commissioner Adam Silver took a pause before announcing the 15th pick and selected Terrence with an honorary pick. Terrence was just 19 years old when he passed away in April following a car crash in Los Angeles. A month prior to the accident, he had entered the NBA draft after completing his freshman season at the University of Kentucky. "His extraordinary talent, commitment and dedication to the game deserve to be recognized on this stage," Adam said from the...
- 7/30/2021
- E! Online
Sportscaster Maria Taylor has moved into a new role at NBC Sports, where she made her first appearance Friday during the network’s Olympics coverage. The move comes days after Taylor exited ESPN following controversy that erupted over remarks made about her by a fellow employee.
The popular sportscaster, who parted ways with ESPN earlier this week, appeared on camera Friday night during NBC Sports’ coverage of the Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremonies, where she narrated a short feature on the U.S women’s gymnastics team.
NBC Sports said Taylor will work across various NBC Sports properties, including as a host for “Football Night in America” and NBC’s coverage of Super Bowls. At the Tokyo Olympics, she will join Mike Tirico as a host for some late-night coverage, and will also work as a correspondent.
“Maria has excelled in a wide range of roles at marquee events, and will...
The popular sportscaster, who parted ways with ESPN earlier this week, appeared on camera Friday night during NBC Sports’ coverage of the Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremonies, where she narrated a short feature on the U.S women’s gymnastics team.
NBC Sports said Taylor will work across various NBC Sports properties, including as a host for “Football Night in America” and NBC’s coverage of Super Bowls. At the Tokyo Olympics, she will join Mike Tirico as a host for some late-night coverage, and will also work as a correspondent.
“Maria has excelled in a wide range of roles at marquee events, and will...
- 7/24/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
ESPN and Maria Taylor, an up-and-coming on-air personality, have parted ways in the wake of an internal controversy that spilled into the public arena and drew new scrutiny of diversity policies at the Disney-owned sports-media giant.
“There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, in a prepared statement. “While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together.”
Taylor’s last on-air appearance for ESPN came Tuesday night during coverage of the last game of the NBA Finals.
Her departure would seem to cap a period of inner discord at ESPN. In July of last year, basketball correspondent Rachel Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James...
“There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, in a prepared statement. “While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together.”
Taylor’s last on-air appearance for ESPN came Tuesday night during coverage of the last game of the NBA Finals.
Her departure would seem to cap a period of inner discord at ESPN. In July of last year, basketball correspondent Rachel Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James...
- 7/21/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
In a memo sent to ESPN employees on Friday, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro addressed what he called “nuanced and complicated personnel matters” related to “recent events.” Those events revolve around leaked comments made by one of the the network’s highest-profile female hosts Rachel Nichols, who is white, and another of the network’s highest-profile female hosts Maria Taylor, who is Black.
Subsequent to the revelation of Nichols’ comments and her on-air apology to Taylor, the network announced that Taylor would be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals, which began last week. Those duties have been at the center of the controversy. In her comments as reported by the Times, Nichols, host of ESPN’s The Jump, worried about Taylor potentially assuming the Finals hosting role, which she also coveted.
ESPN said last week that Nichols would no longer would be the network’s...
Subsequent to the revelation of Nichols’ comments and her on-air apology to Taylor, the network announced that Taylor would be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals, which began last week. Those duties have been at the center of the controversy. In her comments as reported by the Times, Nichols, host of ESPN’s The Jump, worried about Taylor potentially assuming the Finals hosting role, which she also coveted.
ESPN said last week that Nichols would no longer would be the network’s...
- 7/14/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN plans to drill deeper into issues of diversity and inclusion, going as far as to examine the exit interviews of recently departed employees, in the wake of a dispute that has engulfed two of the network’s basketball reporters, the chairman of the Disney-backed outlet told staffers in a memo.
“Change takes time, and I ask for your partnership on this journey,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said to employees in the memo, which was circulated last week. “Know that our leadership is committed to accelerating our efforts and working toward a collective goal — an ESPN where everyone feels they belong.”
The note surfaced just days after ESPN tried to put out an inflammatory situation that has been heating up for months. In July of last year, basketball reporter Rachel Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James about ESPN’s decision to have Maria Taylor host...
“Change takes time, and I ask for your partnership on this journey,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said to employees in the memo, which was circulated last week. “Know that our leadership is committed to accelerating our efforts and working toward a collective goal — an ESPN where everyone feels they belong.”
The note surfaced just days after ESPN tried to put out an inflammatory situation that has been heating up for months. In July of last year, basketball reporter Rachel Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James about ESPN’s decision to have Maria Taylor host...
- 7/13/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Spike Lee is marrying two of the great loves of his life: filmmaking and pro hoops.
ESPN tapped the Oscar-winner — and notorious New York Knicks superfan — to direct and appear in the broadcast opens for the 2021 NBA Finals on ABC. The first of the two-minute opens will debut next week, airing just before the tip-off to Game 1 (the dates for the finals have yet to be announced).
Each game on ABC will air one of Lee’s four episodes, inspired by NBA legends of both yesterday and today. The openers use a combination of video footage and still images, incorporating historical highlights of the players who have made their marks on the league’s championship series.
See Also: How to Stream the 2021 NBA Playoffs
“As a basketball aficionado and an orange-and-blue faithful it is my honor and pleasure to direct the NBA Finals opens,” Lee said in a statement provided to Variety.
ESPN tapped the Oscar-winner — and notorious New York Knicks superfan — to direct and appear in the broadcast opens for the 2021 NBA Finals on ABC. The first of the two-minute opens will debut next week, airing just before the tip-off to Game 1 (the dates for the finals have yet to be announced).
Each game on ABC will air one of Lee’s four episodes, inspired by NBA legends of both yesterday and today. The openers use a combination of video footage and still images, incorporating historical highlights of the players who have made their marks on the league’s championship series.
See Also: How to Stream the 2021 NBA Playoffs
“As a basketball aficionado and an orange-and-blue faithful it is my honor and pleasure to direct the NBA Finals opens,” Lee said in a statement provided to Variety.
- 7/1/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Major corporations, celebrities and other prominent figures signed on to a two-page ad opposing “any discriminatory legislation or measures” that restrict eligible voters from having “an equal and fair opportunity to cast a ballot.”
Netflix, UTA, CAA and ViacomCBS were among the media and entertainment companies to sign the ad, which comes amid concerns over the impact of voting legislation in Georgia, Texas and other states. Also signing were tech companies including Amazon, Alphabet, Apple, Facebook, Pinterest, Reddit and Salesforce, as well as live event businesses Live Nation Entertainment and Jazz Lincoln Center.
The ad featured the headline, “We stand for democracy.” “Voting is the lifeblood of our democracy and we call upon all Americans to join us in taking a nonpartisan stand for this most basic and fundamental right of all Americans.”
Among the individuals who signed the ad was James Murdoch, the CEO of Lupa Systems. His brother,...
Netflix, UTA, CAA and ViacomCBS were among the media and entertainment companies to sign the ad, which comes amid concerns over the impact of voting legislation in Georgia, Texas and other states. Also signing were tech companies including Amazon, Alphabet, Apple, Facebook, Pinterest, Reddit and Salesforce, as well as live event businesses Live Nation Entertainment and Jazz Lincoln Center.
The ad featured the headline, “We stand for democracy.” “Voting is the lifeblood of our democracy and we call upon all Americans to join us in taking a nonpartisan stand for this most basic and fundamental right of all Americans.”
Among the individuals who signed the ad was James Murdoch, the CEO of Lupa Systems. His brother,...
- 4/14/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Day Sports Stood Still,” a documentary about the unprecedented sports shutdown of March 2020, will debut on March 24 on HBO Sports.
The film centers on NBA All-Star and NBA Players Association president Chris Paul, who is also an executive producer. At the time, Paul played point guard for Oklahoma City Thunder and was up against the Utah Jazz on March 11, 2020, when the game suddenly stopped. He’ll relive his journey over the last year, reflecting on living in quarantine, his crucial role in helping the NBA reopen and what it was like playing in “the bubble.”
It is directed and produced by Antoine Fuqua and executive produced by Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein and Marc Gilbar. Brian Grazer and Justin Wilkes also serve as producers.
The NBA bubble infamously had no Covid-19 cases over a three-month period, culminating in a championship season for the Lakers. Not all organizations were quite so successful.
The film centers on NBA All-Star and NBA Players Association president Chris Paul, who is also an executive producer. At the time, Paul played point guard for Oklahoma City Thunder and was up against the Utah Jazz on March 11, 2020, when the game suddenly stopped. He’ll relive his journey over the last year, reflecting on living in quarantine, his crucial role in helping the NBA reopen and what it was like playing in “the bubble.”
It is directed and produced by Antoine Fuqua and executive produced by Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein and Marc Gilbar. Brian Grazer and Justin Wilkes also serve as producers.
The NBA bubble infamously had no Covid-19 cases over a three-month period, culminating in a championship season for the Lakers. Not all organizations were quite so successful.
- 3/2/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
Sekou Smith, who covered pro basketball for more than 20 including the past decade-plus at NBA TV, died today of Covid-19. He was 48.
Sekou was a popular presence on the Turner Sports-managed NBA TV, serving as a television analyst and writer. He also hosted the podcast NBA Hang Time, which has run three times a week and broke down the latest news and storylines from the league with guests from around the NBA world.
“The NBA mourns the passing of Sekou Smith, a beloved member of the NBA family,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement today. “Sekou was one of the most affable and dedicated reporters in the NBA and a terrific friend to so many across the league. … Sekou’s love of basketball was clear to everyone who knew him and it always shined through in his work.”
Sekou is survived by his wife, Heather, and their children,...
Sekou was a popular presence on the Turner Sports-managed NBA TV, serving as a television analyst and writer. He also hosted the podcast NBA Hang Time, which has run three times a week and broke down the latest news and storylines from the league with guests from around the NBA world.
“The NBA mourns the passing of Sekou Smith, a beloved member of the NBA family,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement today. “Sekou was one of the most affable and dedicated reporters in the NBA and a terrific friend to so many across the league. … Sekou’s love of basketball was clear to everyone who knew him and it always shined through in his work.”
Sekou is survived by his wife, Heather, and their children,...
- 1/27/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
New York City-based leaders from across the business spectrum have urged Congress to certify the presidential election results as scheduled on Wednesday, warning that any delays would “run counter to the essential tenets of our democracy.”
The letter, issued today, comes as Congress braces for a showdown on Wednesday between 11 incumbent and incoming U.S. senators and some 140 GOP members of the House vowing to contest the electoral college results from their states. The push is part of President Donald Trump’s increasingly desperate campaign to falsely claim that he prevailed in the Nov. 3 presidential election over his Democratic challenger, President-elect Joe Biden. Trump’s legal challenges to the election have been dismissed by judges in multiple states.
The two-paragraph statement from the Partnership for New York City organization was signed by more than 170 business leaders, including Hearst CEO Steve Swartz, Altice CEO Dexter Goei, Conde Nast CEO Roger Lynch,...
The letter, issued today, comes as Congress braces for a showdown on Wednesday between 11 incumbent and incoming U.S. senators and some 140 GOP members of the House vowing to contest the electoral college results from their states. The push is part of President Donald Trump’s increasingly desperate campaign to falsely claim that he prevailed in the Nov. 3 presidential election over his Democratic challenger, President-elect Joe Biden. Trump’s legal challenges to the election have been dismissed by judges in multiple states.
The two-paragraph statement from the Partnership for New York City organization was signed by more than 170 business leaders, including Hearst CEO Steve Swartz, Altice CEO Dexter Goei, Conde Nast CEO Roger Lynch,...
- 1/4/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Westphal, a Hall of Fame basketball player who starred for USC and later in the NBA, died Saturday from complications of brain cancer. He was 70.
NBA teams honored Westphal with moments of silence before Saturday night’s games. NBA commissioner Adam Silver called him, “One of the great all-around players of his era.”
Born on Nov. 30, 1950, in Torrance, Calif., Westphal surprised many by choosing USC over UCLA, which was in its heyday of national championships under the purview of legendary coach John Wooden.
Westphal led the Trojans to a 24-2 record and a No. 5 ranking as a junior, its only two losses to UCLA. He was recognized as an All-American as a junior and senior before he was selected 10th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1972 NBA draft.
His NBA career was equally successful. He won an NBA championship in 1974 with Boston. After the1975 season, he was traded to Phoenix,...
NBA teams honored Westphal with moments of silence before Saturday night’s games. NBA commissioner Adam Silver called him, “One of the great all-around players of his era.”
Born on Nov. 30, 1950, in Torrance, Calif., Westphal surprised many by choosing USC over UCLA, which was in its heyday of national championships under the purview of legendary coach John Wooden.
Westphal led the Trojans to a 24-2 record and a No. 5 ranking as a junior, its only two losses to UCLA. He was recognized as an All-American as a junior and senior before he was selected 10th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1972 NBA draft.
His NBA career was equally successful. He won an NBA championship in 1974 with Boston. After the1975 season, he was traded to Phoenix,...
- 1/3/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
It wasn’t a great night for reigning champs the LA Lakers or past champs the Golden State Warriors, but the opening of the 2020-2021 season last night was great for the NBA and TNT.
Played under Covid-19 safety protocols in the City of Angels and the Republic of Brooklyn, the tip-off doubleheader snagged 2.9 million viewers in Tuesday’s primetime, according to Nielsen.
With the Clippers taking down LeBron James and the Lakers 116-109 and the now Kevin Durant starring Nets schooling Steph Curry and crew 125 – 99, last night’s Opening Night was up 1% over the 2019 tip-off on October 22 last year. Coming just over two months after the Lakers and the NBA wrapped up the coronavirus elongated season in the bubble playoffs, Tuesday’s overall tip-off viewership was up 5% from the July restart of the 2019-2020 season.
Overall, with big market teams filling the screen, the start of the season last...
Played under Covid-19 safety protocols in the City of Angels and the Republic of Brooklyn, the tip-off doubleheader snagged 2.9 million viewers in Tuesday’s primetime, according to Nielsen.
With the Clippers taking down LeBron James and the Lakers 116-109 and the now Kevin Durant starring Nets schooling Steph Curry and crew 125 – 99, last night’s Opening Night was up 1% over the 2019 tip-off on October 22 last year. Coming just over two months after the Lakers and the NBA wrapped up the coronavirus elongated season in the bubble playoffs, Tuesday’s overall tip-off viewership was up 5% from the July restart of the 2019-2020 season.
Overall, with big market teams filling the screen, the start of the season last...
- 12/24/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
LeBron James said his emerging political nonprofit More Than a Vote has a lot more activity ahead of it beyond 2020.
“We didn’t want this to just be a one-off. Everyone heard about the election and we knew how important that was. But we’re not a one-off group and we’re not a one-off team,” he said Wednesday at the New York Times DealBook Online Summit. “The fight isn’t over. The fight is still there, and we know that, especially in the Black community. We’re fighting every day to be heard, to be respected, and to be inspired.”
Appearing alongside James was Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. The NAACP and More Than a Vote both worked to secure safe voting options despite Covid-19 as well as providing voters, especially in minority communities, with information and encouragement.
Along with the coronavirus,...
“We didn’t want this to just be a one-off. Everyone heard about the election and we knew how important that was. But we’re not a one-off group and we’re not a one-off team,” he said Wednesday at the New York Times DealBook Online Summit. “The fight isn’t over. The fight is still there, and we know that, especially in the Black community. We’re fighting every day to be heard, to be respected, and to be inspired.”
Appearing alongside James was Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. The NAACP and More Than a Vote both worked to secure safe voting options despite Covid-19 as well as providing voters, especially in minority communities, with information and encouragement.
Along with the coronavirus,...
- 11/18/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The commissioners of the NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball addressed the impact of Covid-19 on their sports as well as TV ratings, rules changes and plans for next season during a virtual panel hosted by the Paley Center.
With rates of coronavirus infection now surging nationwide, the feat of each league managing to complete their respective seasons and crown champions in 2020 has given way to the next challenge: starting back up again. With billions of dollars on the line and a patchwork of local, state and international health and safety protocols in place, there are no easy solutions. The NBA and MLB expect a significant number of fans to attend games, while the NHL is exploring a “hub” system to minimize travel. For a host of reasons, no league is looking at a “bubble” setup to start the season.
Adam Silver of the NBA described the daunting “psychological impact...
With rates of coronavirus infection now surging nationwide, the feat of each league managing to complete their respective seasons and crown champions in 2020 has given way to the next challenge: starting back up again. With billions of dollars on the line and a patchwork of local, state and international health and safety protocols in place, there are no easy solutions. The NBA and MLB expect a significant number of fans to attend games, while the NHL is exploring a “hub” system to minimize travel. For a host of reasons, no league is looking at a “bubble” setup to start the season.
Adam Silver of the NBA described the daunting “psychological impact...
- 11/10/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The controversy surrounding Disney’s live-action update on 1998 animated classic Mulan is heating up just as the film is about to be released in China. In recent days, backlash outside the Middle Kingdom has increased over a line in the movie’s credits roll that reportedly thanks the Xinjiang authorities, including one entity that is on the U.S.-sanctions list, for their cooperation in making Mulan. Xinjiang province is an area where Uighur Muslims have been detained in mass internment camps.
On Wednesday, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo) sent a letter to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, condemning the company for what Hawley called “whitewashing the ongoing genocide of Uighurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities during the production of Mulan.” The film partly shot in the province.
Hawley’s letter (in full below) asks Disney whether it will pull Mulan from Disney+ “to avoid further glorifying Ccp officials and agencies responsible for the atrocities in Xinjiang.
On Wednesday, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo) sent a letter to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, condemning the company for what Hawley called “whitewashing the ongoing genocide of Uighurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities during the production of Mulan.” The film partly shot in the province.
Hawley’s letter (in full below) asks Disney whether it will pull Mulan from Disney+ “to avoid further glorifying Ccp officials and agencies responsible for the atrocities in Xinjiang.
- 9/10/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association have agreed that the playoffs will resume today after a tumultuous couple of days that saw players almost cancel the season.
The league and players union released a joint statement Friday announcing resumption of the games, and said that the league and its players will work together on several initiatives to promote voting access, combat social injustice and racial inequality, and advocate for police reform.
Among the initiatives is advertising that will promote social justice as part of the broadcasts.
“These commitments follow months of close collaboration around designing a safe and healthy environment to restart the NBA season, providing a platform to promote social justice, as well as creating an NBA Foundation focused on economic empowerment in the Black community,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Nbpa executive director Michele Roberts said in a joint statement. “We look forward to the resumption of...
The league and players union released a joint statement Friday announcing resumption of the games, and said that the league and its players will work together on several initiatives to promote voting access, combat social injustice and racial inequality, and advocate for police reform.
Among the initiatives is advertising that will promote social justice as part of the broadcasts.
“These commitments follow months of close collaboration around designing a safe and healthy environment to restart the NBA season, providing a platform to promote social justice, as well as creating an NBA Foundation focused on economic empowerment in the Black community,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Nbpa executive director Michele Roberts said in a joint statement. “We look forward to the resumption of...
- 8/29/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Following a strike during the NBA playoffs in protest of the Jacob Blake shooting, the league and its players announced the forming of a social justice coalition that will work together on issues like expanding voter access and advocating for criminal justice reform.
In a subsequent statement, the NBA announced that the playoffs in Orlando would resume Saturday, three days after the Milwaukee Bucks became the first NBA team to sit out a game, a protest that sparked a league- and sports-wide strike in response to the Kenosha, Wisconsin shooting.
In a subsequent statement, the NBA announced that the playoffs in Orlando would resume Saturday, three days after the Milwaukee Bucks became the first NBA team to sit out a game, a protest that sparked a league- and sports-wide strike in response to the Kenosha, Wisconsin shooting.
- 8/28/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The NBA and its players union said today that the playoffs will resume Saturday after a three-day pause in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.
After a meeting among players, coaches and team officials, the league has committed to “further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality.”
“We had a candid, impassioned and productive conversation yesterday between NBA players, coaches and team governors regarding next steps to further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality,” National Basketball Players Association Executive Director Michele Roberts and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a joint statement (read it in full below).
LA Clippers Coach Doc Rivers Unloads Over Latest Police Shooting: “We’re The Ones Getting Killed”
The news comes after NBA players staged a strike over Sunday’s shooting of Blake, a Black man, by white officers in Kenosha.
After a meeting among players, coaches and team officials, the league has committed to “further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality.”
“We had a candid, impassioned and productive conversation yesterday between NBA players, coaches and team governors regarding next steps to further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality,” National Basketball Players Association Executive Director Michele Roberts and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a joint statement (read it in full below).
LA Clippers Coach Doc Rivers Unloads Over Latest Police Shooting: “We’re The Ones Getting Killed”
The news comes after NBA players staged a strike over Sunday’s shooting of Blake, a Black man, by white officers in Kenosha.
- 8/28/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Akin to how the Mlb opened its own pandemic-derailed season — but even more so — the teams that restarted the NBA season on Thursday night donned Black Lives Matters shirts and took a knee ahead of their tip-offs.
Ahead of the basketball league’s re-opening game on TNT, players on the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz kneeled, and some raised fists, as a pre-recorded national anthem, by New Orleans native Jon Batiste, played. Later in the night, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers did same, as a rendition of the national anthem by the Compton Kidz Club played...
Ahead of the basketball league’s re-opening game on TNT, players on the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz kneeled, and some raised fists, as a pre-recorded national anthem, by New Orleans native Jon Batiste, played. Later in the night, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers did same, as a rendition of the national anthem by the Compton Kidz Club played...
- 7/31/2020
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Every player, coach and referee on the court for the National Basketball Association’s restart tonight took a knee during the national anthem.
The move included locking arms together. Players of both teams — the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans — wore “Black Lives Matter” T-shirts during warmups, and the same message was emblazoned on the court in Orlando, where the NBA’s complete schedule will be played. Several players also had league-approved social justice messages on their jerseys where their names usually appear, including “Say Her Name,” “Equality,” “Listen to Us” and “I Am a Man.” Watch a clip below.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said prior to the game that he supported teams kneeling.
“I respect our teams’ unified act of peaceful protest for social justice and under these unique circumstances will not enforce our long-standing rule requiring standing during the playing of our national anthem,” Silver said.
Numerous NBA...
The move included locking arms together. Players of both teams — the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans — wore “Black Lives Matter” T-shirts during warmups, and the same message was emblazoned on the court in Orlando, where the NBA’s complete schedule will be played. Several players also had league-approved social justice messages on their jerseys where their names usually appear, including “Say Her Name,” “Equality,” “Listen to Us” and “I Am a Man.” Watch a clip below.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said prior to the game that he supported teams kneeling.
“I respect our teams’ unified act of peaceful protest for social justice and under these unique circumstances will not enforce our long-standing rule requiring standing during the playing of our national anthem,” Silver said.
Numerous NBA...
- 7/31/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
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