The Athletic’s 38th Media Mailbag: Part 1 – Tom Brady, TV Rights, and More
The 38th Media Mailbag for The Athletic has sparked a lot of interest with over 170 questions being sent in, leading to a two-part series. One of the questions raised was about the impact of hiring personalities like Tom Brady to broadcast football games on viewership. The response highlighted that while viewers primarily watch games for the game itself, having well-known figures like Brady can draw in extra viewers out of curiosity. Brady’s regular-season debut is expected to attract a significant audience, especially since it features a high-profile matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns.
Additionally, the discussion touched on the broadcasting rights for major events like the World Cup and Euros, with Fox holding the rights for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Euros. The question of whether networks like Fox could be prohibited from broadcasting future events was raised, along with the possibility of Tom Brady being a lead analyst for the 2026 World Cup.
The conversation also delved into the idea of reducing the number of commercials during streaming games to attract more viewers. While ad-free tiers on streaming services are feasible, the high cost of sports content acquisition often necessitates ad revenue to recoup expenses. The potential for a pay-per-view football game with limited commercial interruptions was also discussed.
Furthermore, the topic of mic’ing up players during games, particularly in baseball, was addressed. While some fans find it distracting, others appreciate the access it provides. The conversation also touched on the escalating costs of TV rights for sports leagues and the impact on traditional linear TV providers.
Lastly, the discussion turned to the growing popularity of women’s sports and their potential to draw viewers back to linear TV. With significant growth potential in leagues like the WNBA, women’s college basketball, and college softball, these properties are seen as valuable assets for networks. The conversation also took a playful turn with a suggestion for a wrestling match between sports personalities Pat McAfee and Alexi Lalas, highlighting the entertainment value in sports media.
