Bodyslams!: Memoirs of A Wrestling Pitchman (PDF)

They’re held captive by the glamour and the grotesque of the oldest spectacle known to man. But the inquisitive public at large, along with a vast international network of pro wrestling aficionados, yearn for more than the intriguing soap opera scenarios and daring athleticism that they view every week on television and live at venues around the world. They want a behind-the-scenes view beyond what is routinely represented to the public. In short, curious observers and ardent wrestling fans will be captivated by what Gary Michael Cappetta has delivered in Bodyslams! Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman. A tome about one of those guys who rents a tuxedo and tells us who's about to enter the ring? How informative could that be? The answer is: “Very, if you open your mind and open the book.” Unenlightened fans may be quick to dismiss ring announcers when considering who is part of wrestling's inner circle. They fail to realize these people occupy the same locker rooms, hotels and vehicles as their athletic counterparts, and deal with the same bosses, road temptations and co-workers. Though a mike man shares only a fraction of the glory, he is definitely “one of the boys.” Originally a schoolteacher, Cappetta spent over 20 years working the wrestling arenas. Starting as a part-timer with the WWWF in 1974, when he was paid the sum of $25 per show, Cappetta stuck with it until he lost his spot in the asylum that was WCW in 1995. It would be an exaggeration to say Gary has known everyone and seen everything - but only a slight one. The author was in the thick of things when Vince McMahon began his take-no-prisoners national expansion, and later watched Verne Gagne destroy the once-mighty AWA and Eric Bischoff resurrect WCW. Who was there when the infamous hotel bloodbath between Arn Anderson and Sid Vicious erupted? Who wound up with Mick Foley's ear when it was torn off in Germany? The only witness to an incident wherein rookie Mark Callaway nearly sent Buzz Sawyer to meet a real undertaker? The one and the same G.M. Cappetta. Bodyslams! seamlessly weaves commentary about the business and the people who populate it, travel tales and insight into the personal life of its author. Unlike many other mat biographies, this is neither a boast or a bitch-fest―and there is no promotion behind the publication attempting to rewrite history to its liking. Bodyslams! is the first book to shed light on the dangerous games that both the performing wrestlers and their corporate employers play in order to acquire power, fame and wealth. The book runs chronologically and serves as both a history and an expose of American wrestling as Mr. Cappetta has witnessed during the three decades he spent as an announcer for America's two dominant wrestling promotions.

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MultiChoice Teasing Something Regarding To M-Net 101 And SuperSport For DStv Compact Consumers

As some users had already seen on DStv's social platforms, the pay-tv platform had begun teasing something new for their Compact consumers in November using the hashtag #GetMoreWithDStv. If you look at the teaser below Dune: Prophecy and HBO's Penguin has been spotted alongside SA Cricket.

Kukhulu this November on DStv Compact. 🤩 Stay Connected to #GetMoreWithDStv. 🎁 pic.twitter.com/GaYcvuAyW7

— DStv (@DStv) October 21, 2024

After MultiChoice and M-Net decided to axe/merge both Me and 1Magic to form 1Max consumers on Compact have been left with no alternative options to access the content on DStv. This has led to an onslaught of angry consumers wondering how they'll view content like The Block or Why Women Kill.

With M-Net likely being spotted in this promo, we could only assume that MultiChoice is giving Compact consumers an open window to the channel (if not permanent) as Dune: Prophecy is slated to rollout on the channel in that month. Another would be a possible extension of M-Net's Open Time which takes up half an hour on the platform.

Like we mentioned, MultiChoice had axed Me and I get it all the focus is going to Showmax and Netflix controls how you view TV but DStv still has competition i.e. Openview. Despite offering older seasons to shows like The Voice and 9-1-1, this is currently the only other way DStv consumers without Showmax can access the content.

So why pay for something others can get for free??? All in all this teaser involves M-Net 101

As for SA Cricket, this is something MultiChoice televises on SuperSport Cricket or SuperSport Variety 2 so I can only assume one of the two are going to DStv Compact likely Variety. MultiChoice Africa had merged what we know as Variety 2 onto SuperSport Action during the month.

Then again, SuperSport La Liga is scheduled to air 1 rebroadcast of SA Cricket so I doubt it's that especially with the amount of publicity they're giving this promotion. It would have to be something more meaningful and what better way then the possible extension of Variety 2 to DStv Compact.

Interesting to note, Disney Channel is also said to be undergoing changes in the month of November similar to that of TLC and Nickelodeon. This saw the feed within South Africa divided from MultiChoice's operations in other countries it's what led to a delay in Disney Channel's November highlights in parts of Europe.

How DStv Easyview Tries To Compete With Openview When It Comes To Sports?

Despite MultiChoice attempts to lure consumers to their most cheapest package this has proven to challenging as Openview has over 20 channels which incorporate telenovelas, movies, reality shows and drama series. Easyview is still reliant on provincial and news brands despite the inclusion of TNT and Real Time.

One of the main factors that drive people away from Easyview would be sports as eMedia Investments distribute SABC Sport on Openview and all Easyview has got is Blitz their news channel. One could as well establish that Blitz is superior for its news coverage for which SABC Sport lacks but from a consumers perspective live sports is a necessity.

Openview draws over 3 million households of course when it comes to viewership particularly sports it is estimated to reach 50000-100000 viewers and although MultiChoice hasn't mentioned Easyview consumer numbers their lower mass market which include Access and Family amount to 4 million.

When it comes to sports, MultiChoice injects a lot of funding there which is the main factor to the inflation rates on the Premium to Access packages. If or when MultiChoice decides to offer sports on the Easyview package full-time they'd be various challenges awaiting them one would be keeping the rates intact.

DStv Easyview was R39 per month before it dropped to R29 as MultiChoice was struggling to retain consumers and part of the blame went to Openview. As mentioned, despite the package seeing an increase in content is under threat and although being the most affordable it isn't the most attractive of packages.

One way Easyview is able to give a channel like SABC Sport a run for their money would be provincial stations. Despite being the reliant on when it comes to premium entertainment has seen a number of events under their wing including DStv Diski Challenge, World Wrestling Professionals RPT and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

During certain sporting events, SuperSport either launches a dedicated TV channel or temporarily opens up an existing channel to their consumers.

Heck even the movie channel TNT had opted to offer sports with the inclusion of wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling. If anything, I think the only other way MultiChoice can help Easyview compete even further with SABC Sport is by licensing some of its content from SuperSport to Magic Showcase. 

Magic Showcase broadcasts 16-18 hours a day and one way they could help extend those hours would be the inclusion of sporting event like Betway Premiership and compliment this with Jambo WWE. The content would broadcast on Magic Showcase weekly and could as well help them minimize costs.

Reminder: MultiChoice Africa Will Be Axing SuperSport Variety 2-4 By Next Week, When Or If MultiChoice South Africa Will Follow?

A few weeks ago, it was reported that MultiChoice Africa will be axing SuperSport Variety 2-4 on DStv after being introduced to consumers in September 2020 alongside SuperSport Select 1-3 on GOtv. The switch is expected to go live from October 9th with SuperSport Action being added to DStv Compact.

SuperSport Africa formerly SuperSport Variety 4 will offer football, athletics, MMA, boxing and wrestling to GOtv Lite and DStv Access consumers on channel 227. While SuperSport Africa 2 formerly SuperSport Variety 3 will launch on channel 228 which offers mainly football to DStv Family and GOtv Max consumers.

SuperSport Variety 2 will be merged into a new repositioned SuperSport Action channel which moves from channel 230 to 226 to DStv Compact consumers. This channel is currently residing on the Compact+ and Premium bouquet offering mixed martial arts and MMA will offer cricket, rugby and tennis.

Questions flooding is how MultiChoice Africa was able to do this without any input from MultiChoice South Africa which is simple as SuperSport maintains two feeds one for Southern Africa with the other for the remaining parts. The content and pricing differs immensely for these regions which brings up another agenda.

SuperSport Variety existence in South Africa could be numbered I mean this is what happened to Novela Magic and Maisha Magic Movies. These were brands that were stripped from consumers within Southern Africa before migrating to other parts of Africa and MultiChoice has a tendency of making changes in phases.

If I had to guess why SuperSport Action is not coming to DStv Compact or SuperSport Variety switching to SuperSport Africa or simply SuperSport has to deal with the content. MultiChoice is probably trying to piece out the structure of these brands and will probably announce it in the coming months if not 2025.

But what's certain here is that MultiChoice may not refer to them as SuperSport Africa but simply SuperSport and revert back to the numbering system if not a local trademark like SuperSport Mzansi. MultiChoice Africa has a lot of channels under its belt with the Africa trademark including TLC, Nickelodeon and M-Net Movies.

NFL Is In Talks To Acquire Some Of Skydance's Assets Ahead Of Merger With Paramount Global

The National Football League is in talks with David Ellison’s Skydance Media and one of his major investors, RedBird Capital Partners, that could result in some of the league’s media assets changing hands, according to people familiar with the conversations.

The talks could include a sale of NFL Media and its NFL Network cable channel, or an acquisition by Paramount Global of the league’s interest in Skydance Sports, a joint venture that produces movies and TV shows, according to the people, who asked to not be identified because the discussions are private.

Paramount, which holds rights to broadcast NFL games, is in the process of merging with Skydance, an independent film and TV studio, in a deal expected to close next year. Paramount’s contract with the league includes a change of control provision that could allow the NFL to seek another media partner, the people said. The NFL’s deal with Paramount’s CBS network is worth about $2.1 billion a year through 2033.

Although it is unlikely that the NFL will seek to replace CBS as its broadcast partner, the provision has prompted a wider conversation about business opportunities between the league, Skydance and RedBird. The league is already in business with both parties and Commissioner Roger Goodell has praised Skydance in interviews.

In 2022, the NFL invested $45 million in Skydance Sports in a deal that valued the entity at about $100 million. Skydance and NFL Films produced a new season of HBO’s Hard Knocks documentary series, focusing on the New York Giants, this year. The two companies are also working on a 10-part documentary series on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

The league and RedBird are partners in EverPass Media, which distributes the NFL Sunday Ticket games to bars and restaurants. RedBird is also an owner of the United Football League, which plays in the spring season. Larry Ellison, the father of the Skydance founder and one of the world’s richest men, has previously expressed interest in owning a professional football team.

The NFL has been shopping its media assets for a few years. NFL Media includes the league’s digital operations, the NFL cable network, the film unit and NFL RedZone, a subscription service. Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN sports division had been in talks about a potential deal that could have seen the company acquire NFL Media, giving the league a stake in ESPN in return. Those talks have stalled, however.

MultiChoice Africa To Make UFC Available 24 Hours A Day To DStv Compact With The Inclusion Of SuperSport Action, Also Planning To Replace SuperSport Variety 2-4 With SuperSport Africa 1 & 2

After MultiChoice and SuperSport announced plans to revamp its sporting lineup from September 2020 which saw sporting events PSL and La Liga alongside other sports like tennis and cricket get its own branded TV channel. The broadcaster is said to be making some adjustments to this offering by October 9th particularly with SuperSport Variety.

SuperSport Variety comprised of 4 overflow channels served featuring various sporting events from other SuperSport channels alongside other content that don't have a channel of its own like swimming and hockey. These were the only brands of SuperSport that followed that previous iterations and retained the numbering system.

The pay-tv company had already lost 12 channels including PBS Kids, People's Weather, WildEarth, Ginx TV, B4U Movies and Emmanuel TV. By adding SuperSport Variety 2-4 should it include South Africa would skyrocket to 15 making it the biggest loss they've experienced throughout its existence.

According to various consumers, they received a notification on their decoders alerting them to the cancellation of SuperSport Variety 2-4 as these would be replaced by SuperSport Africa 1 and Africa 2 (SS Africa 1 & 2). This changes will also be reflected on GOtv's SuperSport Select channels.

• SuperSport Africa 1 (formerly SuperSport Variety 4) will be available to GOtv Lite packages going up 

• SuperSport Africa 2 (formerly SuperSport Variety 3) will be available to Family packages going up

SuperSport Action will also be allocated to DStv Compact with a major revamp after being made available to Compact+ and Premium meaning 1 more channel for them and 1 less for those paying more. DStv's lower mass market aren't getting much here either except for a new fur coat.

So I think the bigger question is why SuperSport Variety 1 is not part of this restructure as it leans towards the same path as it's other comrades (repeats). Theoretically, we believe similar to what M-Net did when merging Me and 1Magic to form 1Max a similar outcome awaits Variety 1 and Variety 2.

SuperSport had commissioned content for Variety 3 and 4 so maybe they'll string those along to what's left of SuperSport Variety 1 and Variety 2. In the end, it's the lesser paying customers that are losing out.

As for the demise of Variety and Select, SuperSport is likely streamlining their operations and trying to reduce duplications for which these brands had a lot of especially during live WWE events. They probably feel that by doing this, the remnants of these channels will get more exposure plus a channel like WWE doesn't have much live content.

Why Openview Consumers Are Now Able To Watch Games Exclusive To SuperSport And DStv?

A few years ago, SuperSport which serves as one of the largest sports broadcasters in Africa offering a wide range of sports ranging from football, rugby, tennis, boxing and wrestling formalised an agreement with the SABC for Betway Premiership. Initially, these games could have been viewed on rival broadcasters like Openview alongside SABC:s DTT.

In recent years, SuperSport decided to add some restrictions to these agreements when licensing them to the SABC that included blocking transmission from being received to Openview consumers. This benefited the SABC as they would be paying much less for these rights and it prompted eMedia Investments to take legal action.

Several punches were thrown during this time with eMedia Investments accusing SuperSport of an abuse in power while they accused them of "free riding". eMedia Investments' didn't need to pay for these games as they were being broadcast on SABC 1 so this was basically burdened to the SABC at the time eMedia Investments lost this battle.

They built up another case this time pertaining to the restrictions put up by SuperSport and they took this matter to the Competition Tribunal who deemed such agreement "unlawful" or "unethical" and requested both SABC and SuperSport make their games accessible to Openview. SuperSport did warn in advance that if this were to be the predicted outcome the whole agreement would be scrapped which is exactly what happened.

Several months later, both broadcasters are able to hold hands and announce a new agreement for PSL but what caught the media's attention is the number of games being offered on the table. When SuperSport would offer 240-260 PSL games SABC would offer almost half of that but that wasn't the case here as the offering was lessened to 51 games.

In short, when SuperSport and SABC were told to lift the veil from Openview these matches became expensive and following increased pressure by several governing bodies SuperSport couldn't just refuse to sell the matches to the SABC. So rather whatever amount SABC was willing to put on the table would determine how many games they'd get being 51.

In light of this one could say that SuperSport's free-to-air rights had been limited to the amount of games a broadcaster can carry of course they can't oppose who can or cannot use the exact platforms for the same offering.

Why Impact Wrestling (Now TNA Impact!) Failed On Openview?

After losing rights to WWE a few years ago, eMedia Investments opted to rather put their focus in their remaining lineup which ranged from international movies and series to local content. By 2021, they made a strategic move by supplementing this with Impact Wrestling (now TNA) after SuperSport opted to discontinue carriage of the wrestling promotion from their platforms.

The news of TNA's inclusion on e.tv wasn't met with the best responses from wrestling and sporting fans with some making comparisons to rival WWE. This showed as TNA failed to chart in e.tv's top 20 watched shows likely due to the poor scheduling choices another being competition from both SABC 1 and SuperSport weirdly enough only of the two offered wrestling on the same day as TNA.

If there's another thing, eMedia Investments handled poorly when it comes to TNA was how they'd distribute this content while WWE's flagship shows and PPVs were all allocated on e.tv with eExtra serving as a catch-up platform. With TNA, most of its catalogue was burnt off to Openview while the flagship show was in an on/off relationship on e.tv before moving to Openview exclusively.

If anyone had to guess it's possible that TNA's viewership was rather low on e.tv and they were changing its timeslot consistently in the hopes to attract more viewers but that proved to be challenging. When they decided 4pm would be its permanent timeslot it's likely the viewership continued to plummet that it led to them burning what little was left.

StarTimes eventually snatched those rights from eMedia Investments for their consumers in the African market (including South Africa) which would give TNA's extensive lineup of content more exposure compared to when it was on Openview. 

Now the problems pertaining to TNA have nothing to do with the wrestling promotion as it is one of those top 10 wrestling promotions in the world but rather eMedia Investments. WWE had been gone for so long and viewers who couldn't afford to get DStv were forced to move on and TNA was viewed as the enemy to e.tv's extensive history with WWE.

Viewers weren't accustomed to change and ignoring it was the only way they knew this problem would fade away and eMedia Investments wasn't sports oriented like the SABC so you could say that also played a factor. Again these consumers weren't accustomed to alternative methods this is what happened when Bleach was switched for Yu-Gi-Oh on SABC 2.

Before Naruto and Bleach, SABC once held to Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh but this part of their lineup was discarded for a decade with one being picked up by e.tv so when this format was revived it received very little notice from fans. Dragon Ball was able to rank in the top 10 watched shows on SABC 2 yet Yu-Gi-Oh an old placement long forgotten by fans couldn't even chart in the top 20.

SuperSport And SABC Agree On Sub-Licensing Terms Of PSL Broadcast Rights

SuperSport and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have reached an agreement regarding the sub-licensing of Premier Soccer League (PSL) broadcast rights ahead of the start of the new Betway Premiership season.

 

The move comes after strong relations between the two South African broadcasters following the agreement of sub-licence agreements for the MTN8 tournament as well as the Currie Cup semi-final match which was contested this past weekend and upcoming final match.

 

The PSL saw the dawn of the new Betway Premiership last Saturday, 14 September 2024, with millions of fans seeing their favourite team content the biggest prize in South African football.

 

SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha said “The latest sub-licence agreement with the SABC is another step towards a strong relationship with the public broadcaster, for the benefit of the millions of football lovers across the country and the African continent. The PSL has proven itself time and again to be the most coveted football product among South Africans and we look forward to delivering another outstanding season of football action on Your World of Champions, SuperSport.”

SABC Group CEO Nomsa Chabeli said: “We are pleased with this acquisition, and it is another demonstration of our commitment to delivering exceptional sport content to our diverse audiences. Our rights package includes a total of 51 matches comprising of 23 Betway Premiership matches, 10 Carling Black Label Cup matches, 12 Nedbank Cup matches, and 6 National First Division matches. We will broadcast league matches every Saturday on SABC 1 during the league season, ensuring our audience has access to exciting live local football”.

 

 

 

Ms Chabeli further stated that “We will also be enhancing our coverage by strengthening the analysis team. This move will ensure that we provide insightful commentary and in-depth analysis for our viewers. The added new members to the team are Itumeleng Khune, Jabu Mahlangu as well as Coach Thabo Senong who will be joining our resident analysts Doctor Khumalo, Simphiwe Dludlu and Hlompho Kekana in studio”.

MultiChoice Is Working On A SuperSport AM/PM Channel

During the week, several consumers had noticed that MultiChoice is working on a sports channel known as SuperSport Variety AM/PM. There is currently no details on when the mysterious TV channel will be announced but from the esteemed outcome it could be another pop-up channel. 

AM/PM could imply a TV channel that constructs its content in a particular order during certain hours of the day only to repeats this format throughout the day. 

This channel is currently using the frequencies of Ginx eSports TV which could be the likely cause for the channel's description eSports/Gaming. From the lineup, AM/PM features a lot of highlights from the paralympics alongside some actual events with Premier League as an overflow. 

MultiChoice with the inclusion of this channel is probably trying to do what SWITCH'D ON and Zambezi Reloaded is doing and trying to accommodate viewers different preferences and schedules. This would further maximize its viewership and reach and engage with viewers at different times.

SuperSport AM/PM is basically a mashup of SuperScreen and Olympic News as it offers highlights from the Paralympics. It also broadcasts sporting events mainly opening and closing ceremonies or events which range from football, rugby, archery and swimming. 

How Warner Bros. Discovery May Look Into Rolling Out TNT Sports In Africa And Global?

TNT Sports is a brand name Warner Bros. Discovery which serves as the parent company had trademarked for its sports channels and prior a division within America. It currently maintains an active presence in Latin America, United Kingdom, Argentina and Chile with more international territories to be added.

After obtaining rights to select content from wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling, Warner Bros. Discovery is planning/exploring to get this brand trademarked within Africa. The current structure of the brand has yet to disclosed but if we had to guess they'll be time sharing with the current TNT channel. 

Another would be obtaining a structure similar to that of ESPN channels on DStv which is basically a SuperSport Blitz infused channel with NFL and NBA. Or rivaling with SuperSport's WWE and making TNT Sports an AEW oriented channel with doccies, films and highlights. 

Warner Bros. Discovery already operates the Eurosport channel in parts of Europe and with its division branded TNT Sports International. That is likely to all fold under one branding and the only other means Warner Bros. Discovery has in the establishment of such brand.

On top of licensing agreements, Warner Bros. Discovery is also producing original content so similar to Cartoonito's rollout globally. The likely scenario is that content from TNT Sports will just pop-up on Eurosport in an attempt to get consumers accustomed to a new brand name. 

Eurosport is basically SuperSport so there's not really much it has to offer for consumers in Africa that consumers aren't getting. There's a bidding war various sporting events and Warner Bros. Discovery wouldn't be able to outbid a broadcaster like SuperSport for something like PSL.

The question arises as to how Warner Bros. Discovery would balance a wider collection of sports content onto TNT's existing offering. For decades even dating back to TCM, it garnered prestige for its movies lineup and AEW's inclusion has caused conflict which led to numerous timeslot changes.

America's TruTV Becomes TNT Sports In October

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced that it will rebrand TruTV’s primetime lineup as “TNT Sports” beginning this October, which could be a seismic shift for sports broadcasting and wrestling entertainment.

The news came from WBD CEO David Zaslav during the company’s Q2 earnings call. This move is seen as a potential win for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) amid ongoing talks about its future on WBD networks. Media analyst Brian Steinberg tweeted details of the rebranding strategy, noting that TruTV will transition to become a home for sports under the TNT banner.

According to sources, this new programming block will operate similarly to Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block, which functions as its brand despite sharing channel space.

Strategic Sports Expansion

The focus on sports is timely for WBD after NBA broadcasting rights recently shifted to Amazon Prime.

With AEW potentially joining Ring of Honor (ROH) whose importance within AEW Khan said has not been overstated but was not yet confirmed for TV on WBD airwaves at some point soon, it would appear the company wants more hours of live sports content under its belt.

In fact, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp pointed out earlier today that AEW talents are being featured prominently in early promotions for “TNT Overdrive,” suggesting Khan’s team will play a key role in the new TNT Sports lineup that night -- and grow more influential within the broader sphere of televised athletics-entertainment.

At present, though, these are only good signs; Khan himself called talks with WBD “complicated," but recently expressed optimism following a meeting with Zaslav during the Olympics when reached by @SeanRossSapp. The exclusive negotiating window between parties expired yesterday, allowing AEW to engage with other networks unless/until WBD closes a deal.

Regardless of whether or not anything comes from current conversations between AEW and WBD, the ripples from this news could fundamentally change how wrestling is presented to audiences, aligning AEW with WBD’s rekindled focus on sports and entertainment.

Such an alliance would be expected to ensure All Elite Wrestling continues growing as a major player in the increasingly crowded field of televised athletics entertainment.

NBA Signs New 11-Year Media Agreements With The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal And Amazon Prime Video

The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced the renewal of its partnership with The Walt Disney Company and new agreements with NBCUniversal (NBCU) and Amazon under which ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock and Prime Video will telecast NBA games beginning with the 2025-26 season and running through the 2035-36 season.

The NBA App will be a universal access point – seamlessly directing fans to every national game on Disney, NBCU and Amazon platforms.

The new media deals will expand the reach of NBA telecasts, with all national games available on broadly distributed streaming services – Prime Video, Peacock and ESPN’s forthcoming direct-to-consumer service – and with dramatically increased exposure on broadcast television.  Approximately 75 regular-season games will be on broadcast TV each season, up from the minimum of 15 games under the current agreement.

“Our new global media agreements with Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon will maximize the reach and accessibility of NBA games for fans in the United States and around the world,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “These partners will distribute our content across a wide range of platforms and help transform the fan experience over the next decade.”

“We look forward to building upon our incredible legacy of innovation and growth with our longstanding partners at the NBA,” said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.  “The NBA is a vibrant, ascendant league and through this premium collection of rights, including every NBA Finals on our platforms, we will continue to evolve together while successfully navigating the global digital transition and delivering the highest quality coverage for fans.”

“We are proud to once again partner with the NBA and WNBA, two iconic brands and the home of the best basketball in the world,” said Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation.  “We look forward to presenting our best-in-class coverage of both leagues with our innovative programming and distribution plan across NBC and Peacock to entertain fans and help grow the game.”

“We are honored that the NBA has entrusted Prime Video to deliver its one-of-a-kind action and excitement to viewers around the world,” said Mike Hopkins, Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.  “We look forward to continuing to innovate and evolve live sports coverage for our customers, and are fully committed to building an incredible video experience for millions of NBA fans starting in 2025.”

Disney, NBCU and Amazon also secured the right to distribute an unprecedented number of WNBA live game telecasts, with a significant increase in the reach of WNBA games across broadcast, cable and streaming.  Full details regarding the WNBA’s media agreements will be issued in a separate press release.

The Walt Disney Company

Disney (ABC/ESPN) will distribute a total of 80 NBA regular-season games per season, including more than 20 games on ABC (generally on Saturday nights with NBA Saturday Primetime and on Sunday afternoons with NBA Sunday Showcase) and up to 60 games on ESPN (generally on Wednesday nights and, on occasion, Friday nights).  ABC/ESPN will continue to telecast all five NBA games on Christmas Day and provide exclusive national coverage of the final day of the regular season.

During the playoffs, ABC/ESPN will telecast approximately 18 games in the first two rounds each year and one of the two Conference Finals series in 10 of the 11 years of the agreement.  ABC will remain the exclusive home of the NBA Finals, which it has broadcast since 2003.

All NBA games and events on ABC/ESPN will be available on ESPN’s forthcoming direct-to-consumer service.  ABC/ESPN will continue to telecast the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, NBA Draft, NBA Draft Lottery and half of all NBA Summer League games.  ABC/ESPN platforms will also continue to distribute a package of WNBA and NBA G League regular-season and postseason games.

Disney will distribute NBA games on ESPN-branded assets in several international markets, including Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania and the Netherlands, and via Disney+ in select markets in Asia and Europe.

By the end of this renewal, the NBA’s partnership with ABC/ESPN will reach 34 years.

NBCUniversal

NBCU (NBC/Peacock) will distribute up to 100 NBA regular-season games per season – with more than half of the games airing on NBC (on Sunday and Tuesday nights).  NBCU will telecast the league’s opening night doubleheader on NBC each year and at least two games on MLK Day on NBC and/or Peacock each season.

Peacock will stream a doubleheader each Monday night of the season.  Every Tuesday night, NBC will telecast two games across certain NBC affiliate broadcast stations in different regions of the country.  The first game will start at 8 p.m. ET and be available on NBC across affiliate stations in the Eastern and Central time zones.  The second game will start at 8 p.m. PT and be available on NBC affiliate stations across the Pacific and Mountain time zones.  All Tuesday games will be available on Peacock nationally and certain stations may choose to televise both games.

NBC will become the home of NBA All-Star, including Rising Stars, State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, featuring AT&T Slam Dunk, Starry 3-Point Contest and Kia Skills Challenge, and the All-Star Game.  In the playoffs, NBC and/or Peacock will telecast approximately 28 games in the first two rounds of the playoffs, with at least half of those games airing on NBC.  NBC will also telecast one of the two Conference Finals series in six of the 11 years on a rotating basis with Amazon, beginning with the 2025-26 season.

As part of the partnership, NBCU will distribute NBA games in several European markets through Sky Sports as well as in the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa.  Additionally, NBCU will distribute WNBA games and be the home of all USA Basketball Senior Men’s and Women’s National Team games.

Xfinity will become the Official TV Service of the NBA, WNBA and USA Basketball.  The partnership includes collaboration on marketing and storytelling opportunities, virtual signage during game telecasts and activations at marquee NBA, WNBA and USA Basketball events.

Amazon

Amazon will distribute 66 NBA regular-season games on Prime Video each season, including Thursday night doubleheaders beginning in January, Friday evening doubleheaders, select Saturday afternoon games, at least one game on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), and the Quarterfinals and Semifinals in the Knockout Round of the Emirates NBA Cup.  In addition, Prime Video will stream the Championship Game of the Emirates NBA Cup.

Prime Video will also distribute all six SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament games.  In the playoffs, Prime Video will stream approximately one-third of the first and second rounds each year.  Additionally, Prime Video will stream one of the two Conference Finals series in six of the 11 years on a rotating basis with NBCU, beginning with the 2026-27 NBA season.

Amazon will distribute NBA games globally as part of Prime Video, with an expanded package of games in select territories, including Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom and Ireland.  This expanded package includes a minimum of 20 additional primetime regular season games each year, a Conference Finals series each year, and the NBA Finals in six of the 11 years.  Prime Video will also become the NBA’s strategic partner and third-party global destination of NBA League Pass – the league’s live NBA game subscription service, with expanded distribution rights for NBA League Pass in the U.S. and internationally.   Additionally, as part of the agreement, Prime Video will stream half of all NBA Summer League games as well as a package of WNBA and NBA G League regular-season and postseason games.

PSL Partners With Betway To Launch The Betway Premiership

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is proud to announce Betway, South Africa’s leading online sports and gaming brand, as the premier division’s new title sponsor.

The premier division of football will now be known as the Betway Premiership.

Chairman of the Premier Soccer League, Dr Irvin Khoza welcomed the new deal as a major boost to the sport: “This is a massive boost for every lover of football in this country. Our partnership with Betway confirms our league’s standing as one of the best in the world and heralds a wonderful future for our game. Betway’s energy and enthusiasm will have immediate impact across all facets of the game, and on behalf of the PSL, I am proud to welcome them on board as title sponsor and partner.”

Laurence Michel, Betway Africa, believes that the deal marks the beginning of a new era for the premier division, adding that Betway looks forward to help in writing a new chapter in the PSL’s rich soccer history.

“Football is a fundamental part of South African life. It really is in our blood and has been for generations. We are incredibly proud to be the title partner of the Betway Premiership. It further demonstrates not only our respect of the history of the league, but our vision for the development for its future. The PSL aligns with our values as a brand that commonly champions great South African success stories,” Michel said

Formally established in 1996, but with roots that go back nearly a century, the Premier Soccer League is indisputably the most popular sporting competition in South Africa, with legendary characters, dearly-loved clubs and rivalries that capture the essence of football and culture in this country.

Michel explained that the Betway Premiership will lean heavily on the legacy and rich history of a football league already entrenched as one of the top ten domestic league competitions in the world and is excited by what the future holds for football in South Africa.

“We appreciate how much football has done for people and for our country. As we begin this partnership, we want to acknowledge and celebrate what the game has accomplished in the past. We also want to enhance the game as it stands today and, most importantly, we want to help build an even better future for the next generation of footballing stars from this country,”

Michel added, “We are so excited by what this partnership will do for football fans in South Africa. As a brand, we are known globally for our sponsorships of the world’s biggest clubs and tournaments and that experience is going to play a huge part in driving the PSL forward.”

This partnership further reaffirms the brand’s commitment to the South African sporting industry. It is the latest addition to an enviable sporting partnership portfolio, which spans across a number of sports, which also includes the world champion Springboks, as well as the Betway SA20.

SuperSport To Debut Olympic Update Channel In Time For The Paris 2024 Olympic Games On DStv Channel 217

SuperSport is proud to announce its comprehensive Paris 2024 Olympic Games coverage, designed to bring you Closer to Your Champions and immerse viewers into the heart of the action.

From 26 July to 11 August, SuperSport will broadcast all gold medal events live, ensuring that sports enthusiasts across Africa experience every triumphant moment as it unfolds.

SuperSport will boast an elite line-up of Olympic analysts, including South African gold medallists Ryk Neethling, Lyndon Ferns, and Sizwe Lawrence Ndlovu, silver medallist Godfrey Khotso Mokoena, and bronze medallist Bridgitte Hartley, plus Olympians such as Geraldine Pillay and Alyssa Conley.

SuperSport’s rest of Africa content offering will also boast strong insights from stars such as former Nigeria women's national football team striker Ugochi Oparanozie, Kenya’s 2008 Beijing Olympics 800m gold medallist Wilfred Bungei and Nigerian football legend Victor Ikpeba, who was part of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medal-winning men’s team.

NON-STOP ACTION 

From the riveting and historic opening ceremony, where a flotilla of boats will make their way down the Seine River that runs through the heart of the city, to non-stop action from 35 venues around Paris, SuperSport will bring you every nail-biting moment as the world’s best athletes go for gold.

From athletics, swimming, football, rugby and boxing to gymnastics, diving, surfing and skateboarding, and much more – the Games promise something for everyone.

DEDICATED SUPERSCREEN

We’re excited to introduce our dedicated SuperScreen channel on DStv channel 199, available in Sub–Saharan Africa.

This innovative channel features eight split screens, providing viewers with an overview of all our Olympic channels, ensuring that viewers never miss a moment.

“We’ve truly pulled out all the stops to ensure that SuperSport viewers are immersed in the action during this year’s Paris Olympic Games,” says SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha.

“In what world can you get all the gold medal events live, one dedicated DStv channel with eight screens showing the action as it unfolds plus big-name analysts that will unpack the drama for viewers at home?

“The more we ask the question, In What World?, the more apparent it becomes that you get a whole galaxy of sporting entertainment on Your World of Champions. And this is especially true for the tournament that’s a celebration of the sporting and human spirit, the Olympic Games.”

Sports fans can effortlessly navigate across SuperSport’s eight dedicated Olympic linear channels, five streaming channels and four overflow channels, ensuring they never miss a moment of their favourite events.

24-HOUR NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS CHANNEL

And if you just want to catch the highlights, our SuperSport Grandstand channel has you covered, curating the best of Paris 2024 to bring you the must-watch events and most memorable performances.

SuperSport's commitment extends beyond live events with the launch of our 24-hour Olympic Update Channel (DStv channel 217), a dedicated news and highlights channel available to DStv Access subscribers across the continent.

That’s right, we’re offering viewers 24/7 continuous viewing of iconic moments and compelling stories from the Games, celebrating the essence of the Olympic movement.

EXCLUSIVE OLYMPIC-THEMED FILMS

To further enrich our viewers experience, SuperSport is premiering two exclusive Olympic themed films, to enhance our storytelling around the Games:

Pierre De Coubertin: An Olympic Life – which premiered on 10 July on SuperSport Variety 4, a film that explores the legacy of the visionary who revived the ancient Olympics in 1896.

Told through the eyes of Lauren Rembi, Olympic Fencing Champion, we learn more about Coubertin’s vision and commitment that led to an enduring sporting legacy.

Paris Olympic 1924 – first airing on 11 July, is a remastered film commemorating the centennial return of the Games to Paris, capturing a pivotal moment of unity and celebration post-World War I.

The beautifully shot footage, which was the first Olympic Games to be captured on film, has endured for 100 years and vividly captures the electrifying atmosphere of the Games.

Both films are available on SuperSport, Showmax and DStv CatchUp, as well as to GOtv channels in the rest of Africa.

PROFILE PIECES

In keeping with the consistent storytelling throughout the Games, SuperSport will feature regular content pieces profiling our current Olympic stars, including Akani Simbine, Ferdinand Omanyala, Lythe Pillay, Miyanda Maseti, Patrick Chinyemba, Worknesh Mesele and Noah Lyles.

These segments, available on DStv CatchUp, aim to connect audiences with the personal journeys and achievements of their favourite athletes, bringing you even Closer to Your Champions.

The PFL Partners With CANAL+ To Broadcast Live MMA Action In French-Speaking Sub-Saharan Africa, Myanmar, And Haiti

The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, has announced a multi-year media rights agreement with CANAL+, the longest standing and market share leader in French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa, for French language rights. The partnership also includes Myanmar and Haiti where CANAL+ broadcasts several top sports competitions. 

CANAL+ will provide live localized programming, continuing across all PFL Global, PFL Europe, PFL MENA, Bellator Champions Series, PFL Super Fights, selected PFL and Bellator archives, and also PFL Africa which will launch in 2025 and will benefit from the prime exposure offered by Canal+ Sport channels in Sub-Saharan Africa, where CANAL+ will carry PFL action live with French commentary on linear channels to nearly 8 million homes.

The Professional Fighters League could not be more excited to partner with Canal+ bringing our brand to French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa. The PFL believes strongly in connecting with MMA fans in areas that have been traditionally underserved in the sport and doing so in their native languages. Canal+ is the sports media brand that lives in the hearts and minds of the French speaking population in Sub-Saharan Africa and is synonymous with premium sport.

James Frewin, Managing Director International, PFL

We are proud to bring PFL to our African subscribers. Fighting competitions, and MMA leagues in particular, attract ever larger audiences of fans among African audience. And we are all the more thrilled to partner with a dedicated PFL franchise in Africa and broadcast top fights with stars such as Francis Ngannou or Cedric Doumbe. This perfectly fits our strategy of promoting African sport on the continent and beyond.

Jacques du Puy, CEO, CANAL+ International

The 2024 PFL Global Season and Global Season Playoffs are available live across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and via DAZN in Canada, Europe and additional premium sports platforms internationally.

PFL is the only organization in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight-class. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is available on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S., DAZN in Canada and Europe and broadcast and streamed in 160 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.

The PFL Partners With SuperSport To Broadcast Live MMA Action In English Speaking Countries Across Sub-Saharan Africa

The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest-growing and most innovative sports league, on Wednesday announced a media rights deal with SuperSport, for all PFL and Bellator programming to air across SuperSport channels.

The partnership kicked off in thrilling fashion as fans in the region were able tune into the opening event of the 2024 PFL Europe Season on March 7 when global superstar Cedric ‘The Best’ Doumbe took on Baissangour ‘Baki’ Chamsoudinov at the Accor Arena in Paris.

Through the partnership, all PFL programming - including live coverage of PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Europe and newly announced PFL MENA - will be available on SuperSport, Africa's premier sports broadcaster.

The promotion is set to launch its third international league - PFL Africa - in 2025.

Through its exclusive global strategic partnership with Francis Ngannou, the world’s greatest combat sports athlete today and the baddest man on the planet, the linear heavyweight champion will be an equity owner in and Chairman of PFL Africa, the region’s premier MMA league.

Events will be staged in key countries across the continent live in primetime to meet the major demand for premium and consistent MMA content. More details will be announced later this year.

“Sub-Saharan Africa represents a priority market for the Professional Fighters League as we continue our rapid global expansion,” said PFL SVP, International James Frewin. “We’re thrilled to partner with SuperSport so viewers across the region can watch premium PFL and Bellator MMA content all year-round on SuperSport.”

PFL is the only organisation in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year.

The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30 per cent of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same per centage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development.

PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience.

PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the US and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.

SABC Sport Is In Talks To Replace DStv As The Sponsor For PSL

SABC Sport has established that the Premier Soccer League [PSL] is currently in advanced talks to replace DStv as a title sponsor.

This will come as a huge shock to the football fraternity considering the service company operated by Multichoice still has a year remaining on a deal that was struck in September 2020 after taking over from ABSA.

An investigation by the public broadcaster has revealed that the discussion now is around whether to cut ties with immediate effect or attempt to find ways to see out the final year without any severe financial implications.

Furthermore, it’s emerged that DStv are concerned about continuing to carry the costs of a partnership that runs into multimillions per season.

With the mooted change of ownership after French media conglomerate Vivendi, the owner of Canal+, announced a firm offer for DStv and Showmax owner MultiChoice, there remains uncertainty over the future of Africa’s biggest pay tv company.

DStv had stepped in when ABSA pulled the plug on a link that existed for more than a decade as the Premier Division backers since 2007, with the PSL financials at the time showing that the revenue from the bank was in the region of R137-million.

It’s not clear just how much DStv put on the table when the five-year deal was confirmed and announced because the league hasn’t made available its financials to the public since the 2019/20 campaign, which was largely affected by the Covid pandemic.

But SABC Sport has been informed it has been slightly lowered, although still well over R100-million per annum.

What was evident is that there was not a lot of disruption given it was business as usual in the domestic league, especially with SuperSport International as broadcasters forking out R600-million per season.

PSL chairman Irvin Khoza has always been adamant that the television rights deal was the lifeblood of a lot of the clubs, some who do not have sponsors and rely on the R2-million grant from the league.

Talks are ongoing to find a replacement title partner either before the 2024/25 season gets underway next month or in the campaign that follows.

Betway, the online gambling company, has been mentioned as a strong candidate.

Efforts to get a comment from both DStv and the PSL proved futile with no response from either organisation at the time of going to print.

The only communication to come from the league to clubs was last week requesting Premiership teams to hold off on finalising their kits as there was work being done on the new “Premier Division logo” for the upcoming season.

Weird Development. Canal+ Super Sport Logo Bares Similarities To M-Net's SuperSport Logo

During the month, Canal+ Group opted to make some minor adjustment to the Canal+ Sport trademark in Poland. The company opted to separate the trademark with Canal+ retaining its linear presence but now as Canal+ Extra with Sport forming Super Sport.

Speculation going around is that brand name derives from the acquired company MultiChoice who used the trademark since its launch in 1986. Similar to Canal+, MultiChoice at some point had stylised the trademark as two separate words as seen above. 

Notice how the spacing from M-Net's SuperSport resembles that of Canal+ for starters. Both logos "Super" is aligned to the left with different font and styling while "Sport" on the other hand is aligned to the right and both are displayed in bold.

As for the linear lineup, Canal+ is now using a blue background for this revamped offering as opposed to when it was green with Canal+ Sport. Interesting to note, SuperSport's font color is also blue while it's previous logo had a blue background. 

Speaking of M-Net's SuperSport, they'd often had been spotted using the 2D "S" logo with some curious on whether a potential rebrand could be on the cards with the latest one in black and white like Canal+ version. 

It kind of seems a bit coincidental that Canal+ Sport arrangements comes around the time Canal+ is finalizing terms of its acquisition of MultiChoice. What's funny is that MultiChoice once owned the Canal+ Premium channel in Poland when it was FilmNet.

Now Canal+ is basically uniting estranged relatives in the hopes to survive a Netflix dominant world. 

Development Alert: MultiChoice Using Ginx TV's Frequencies For Another DStv Channel

After MultiChoice shuttered the UK based gaming channel Ginx TV by the end of March with no replacement alongside M-Net's Me and 1Magic. The brand went on to launch a subscription service in South Africa at an overpriced monthly rate of R56.

Now further tests are being conducted on another TV channel known to us as Ginx TV. For those aren't aware, Ginx TV was distributed by SuperSport for consumers in Africa alongside WWE and Racing240 as they manage the sporting portion of DStv.

From technical aspects and in WWE's the programming are all managed by SuperSport unlike SoundCity as that is handled by Consolidated Media Group. With that in mind, the physical counterpart of Ginx TV is being bombarded with rugby. 

Some of the games listed include the opening rounds of Toyota Cheetahs vs. NovaVit Griffons for the Currie Cup: Premier Division alongside International Rugby's 1st Tests for South Africa vs. Ireland.

If one had to guess, this is likely another pop-up channel similar to that of SuperScreen. After SABC scrapped their sublicensing agreement with SuperSport for these matches this could be the MultiChoice's way of making up to DStv customers.