| | The Daily Insider
Afternoon News & Headlines
Friday, February 1, 2002
4:00pm ET | |
| • | NFLPA Acquires Quarterback Club For Reported $1M |
| • | Tagliabue, Addressing State Of NFL, Covers TV Skeds & Super Bowl Security |
| • | Morning Shows Dedicate Time To This Year's “Subdued” Super Bowl |
| • | MLB Ownership Committee Approves Sales Of Marlins, Expos |
| • | Critics Weigh In On Schwartzman's “Slackers,” Kidman's “Birthday Girl” |
| • | Buzzer Beaters/Weekend Events/Daily Stat/Channel Surfing |
BAYOU BUZZ: NFLPA PURCHASES RIGHTS TO QUARTERBACK CLUB
By Terry Lefton, Editor-at-Large, The Sports Business Daily
In what amounts to a cessation of the hostilities between the NFL and its union, the NFLPA has agreed in principal to purchase the Quarterback Club (QBC) – a cartel of elite players established by the league in the early '90s to limit (some might say thwart) the union's ability to cut marketing deals. Sources close to the negotiations put the sale price at around $1M. Union and league execs hope to close the deal before the next QBC Challenge, which will be staged in Hawaii after next week's Pro Bowl.
With the QBC acquisition, the NFLPA now has all of its current players, and many of its most marketable athletes, in its fold for the first time in nearly a decade, since the QBC has as many as 40 active players. See a complete list of the members of the QB Club. Meanwhile, attractive aside from the money, the 12 original members of the QBC – Dan Marino, John Elway, Warren Moon, Bubby Brister, Randall Cunningham, Troy Aikman, Boomer Esiason, Jim Everett, Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, Phil Simms and Steve Young – get the rights from the league to use NFL logos for the next five years as they market themselves under a different name, possibly QB Legends or Throwbacks. But whatever the moniker, the new QB marketing cartel will be a powerful marketing vehicle, since it includes many retired players who will land in the Hall of Fame over the next five years.
After a period of on-again/off-again hostilities, the league and its union recently signed a deal under which the NFL could bring in the union to package player rights with its league sponsorships. That alone may have wiped out the need for a QB Club. Sources said the NFLPA will keep the QBC name and market the group. One senior NFL PA: "We didn't buy it to shut it down."
The irony of the deal is producing chuckles among NFL insiders here in the Big Easy. The QBC was founded by Frank Vuono, along with other former NFLP execs John Bello and Mike Ornstein. As both a consultant and holder of some equity in the QBC, Vuono is now being paid by the union to make their longstanding problem disappear. Vuono would not comment on the deal. One senior source involved in the negotiations since their inception said, "The union is made whole, which they've wanted for years. Overall, I think we've all come to realize that we make more money in peacetime than we do waging war."
In other news, FedEx paid $1.7M for its 30-second first-quarter Super Bowl ad, the last to be sold by Fox. As part of the deal, FedEx will receive an on-screen billboard in the fourth quarter (THE DAILY).
TAGLIABUE MEETS MEDIA, FLOATS IDEA OF FLEXIBLE TV SKED
NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue met the media today to discuss the state of the league before Sunday's Super Bowl. Excerpts from Tagliabue remarks follow:
Tagliabue, on any terrorist threats on this Sunday's game, and security policy for the NFL in the future: "We have no credible threats, certainly none that have been brought to my attention, and we do have an understanding and assurances from the FBI and the Secret Service that if there were such threats, they would be brought to our attention. In terms of the future, I think that very much enhanced security and major investments in security will be part of our standard operating procedures in the NFL, both during the regular season and during the post season and, indeed, during the off season."
Tagliabue, on the NFL implementing a flexible TV schedule for next season: "We have been talking about that internally, and with the networks. ... We will be exploring and bringing to a conclusion in the coming weeks some thinking about how we could possibly have some flexible scheduling done that could help each of our networks, including 'Monday Night Football,' but not exclusively 'Monday Night Football.'"
Tagliabue, on network partners reportedly losing money on their NFL contracts: "Do we have concerns? No. Are we in discussions with the networks about the future of their place with the NFL on television? Yes, very much so. We are working closely with them, talking about the future, not just in terms of economics, but in terms are emerging technology that can bring new and better services to the field. I am reasonably optimistic that we will get through the current recession. ... The key thing for us is that our programming still stands far and away above all other sports programming at the pinnacle of television in terms the size of our audience, the diversity of our audience and the strength of the demographics. We have some concerns, but they are balanced by optimism and a good deal of confidence."
Tagliabue, when asked if the league's promotional deal with FC Barcelona will be duplicated with a team in Mexico: "Since the focus of the relationship is NFL Europe, for us, I don't see us expanding that to Mexico. I see us continuing to pay very close attention to our fans in Mexico. … That is important for our fans in Mexico as well as Latino fans in the United States including Mexicans. But I don't see the FC Barcelona relationship as precedent outside of the context of the NFL Europe League, at least at this time" (ESPNews, 2/1).
SUPER BOWL COVERAGE ON TODAY'S MORNING SHOWS
The following presents the Super Bowl-related segments from today's network morning shows:
- CBS' "The Early Show" interviewed Sting regarding his performance at tonight's Super Bowl Concert, televised on CBS.
- ABC's "Good Morning America" offered tips on Super Bowl snacks.
- NBC's "Today" show discussed the net's attempt to ambush Fox's halftime programming with an episode of "Fear Factor" featuring Playboy playmates. In addition, NBC reported on Super Bowl security, and also suggested snacks for the big game.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen, on the lack of buzz during Super Bowl week: "In terms of media, they're not here, not in the numbers that they have been here before." ESPN's John Clayton adds, "Welcome to the most subdued Super Bowl in recent memory" (ESPN, 2/1).
MLB APPROVES PROPOSED SALES OF MARLINS, EXPOS
The AP reports that the "proposed sales of the Marlins and Expos were approved Friday by baseball's ownership committee even through Jeffrey Loria had not yet signed his agreement to buy the Florida franchise from John Henry." The committee convened during a telephone conference call. MLB owners are "to consider the deals when they meet Feb. 11, 12 or 13 in the Chicago area" (AP, 2/1).
KIRCH PAYS FIFA $680M FOR RIGHTS TO WORLD CUP FINALS
The AP reports that German marketing company Kirch Group is in the process of paying FIFA $680M for the broadcasting rights for this year's World Cup Finals. FIFA said today that Kirch "met its mid-January deadline and will pay another" $58M by July 20. Kirch also holds rights for the '06 World Cup, to be played in Germany (AP, 2/1).
ESPN BROADBAND EFFORT TO PROVIDE WINTER X GAMES CONTENT
ESPN unveiled a new ESPN Broadband service centering on Winter X Games VI. Developed with AT&T Broadband, the PC-based effort will provide customized Winter X Games content to cable Internet customers in Aspen and Boston, as well as in ME and NH, where AT&T provides cable Internet service (THE DAILY).
BUZZER BEATERS
Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, the NHL and the NHLPA today recognized Mighty Ducks LW Paul Kariya for his work in the community by naming him the winner of the '02 MAC Award (Most Assists for Children). Kariya will make a $25,000 charitable donation to the Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver, Canada, as part of winning the award (THE DAILY).
HDNet and NBC will broadcast live high definition (HDTV) coverage of "NBA on NBC" when the Mavericks host the Lakers on Sunday. HDTV viewers can watch the game on NBC's digital television affiliates (THE DAILY).
SUPER BOWL EVENTS
Saturday
Pro Football Hall of Fame Committee annual selection will begin at 7:30am CT.
Pro Football Hall of Fame news conference will be held at 11:30am CT.
The NFL Owner's Meeting will be held in the Cabildo Room of the Executive Conference Center of the Hotel Inter-Continental at 1:30pm CT. Media briefing will begin shortly after conclusion of the meeting.
The final Habitat for Humanity/Super Bowl Blitz Build house dedication takes place at 1836 Mandeville Street at 2:00pm CT. The family who will reside in the newly built house will receive keys to their new home at that time.
Commissioner Paul Tagliabue will hold a press conference to announce plans for Youth Football program at the NFL Experience main field at 3:30pm CT.
WEEKEND EVENTS
Friday
SoxFest '02, the 10th Annual White Sox fan convention, begins at 5:00pm CT at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Manager Jerry Manuel and several current players are scheduled to attend. The convention will continue through Sunday (THE DAILY).
The Pistons will host "True Blue" night at The Palace, and will hand out 3,000 Ben Wallace bobblehead dolls. The team will wear their blue road uniforms, and fans attending the game will receive a special ticket offer of 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 sodas for $69 (THE DAILY).
The Suns will give away 8,000 Dan Majerle bobbleheads prior to the team's home game against the Warriors (THE DAILY).
The ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones will host NASCAR Night at Firstar Center when the team plays the Trenton Titans. NASCAR driver Sterling Martin will attend the game, signing autographs for fans throughout the game (THE DAILY).
Sunday
The Coyotes will host "Skate With the Phoenix Coyotes" at the Paradise Valley Mall (AZ) from 7:00-10:00am MT (THE DAILY).
THE DAILY STAT: SCARBOROUGH DEMOS
Scarborough Sports Marketing asks respondents if they have watched the Super Bowl over a 12-month period. The following details data among respondents who are not NFL fans but have watched the Super Bowl. For example, 27% of men who are not NFL fans have watched the Super Bowl within the past 12 months. The data was collected among over 200,000 people between February '00 and March '01 (Scarborough Sports Marketing).
| SUPER BOWL WATCHER % AMONG NON-NFL FANS
|
| | CATEGORY | | % |
| | Men | | 27% |
| | Women | | 19% |
| | Age 18-24 | | 21% |
| | Age 25-34 | | 22% |
| | Age 35-44 | | 23% |
| | Age 45-54 | | 23% |
| | Age 55-64 | | 21% |
| | Age 65+ | | 19% |
CRITICS WEIGH IN: “SLACKERS” & “BIRTHDAY GIRL”
Critics say the filmmakers responsible for "Slackers" slacked off in the joke department, while Nicole Kidman's "Birthday Girl" can give you a reason to celebrate:
| Movie
|
| Slackers | Birthday Girl |
| Chicago Sun-Times | | |
|
| L.A. Times | Not reviewed | |
|
| N.Y. Times | | |
|
| USA Today | | |
|
| Washington Post | | |
CHANNEL SURFING
FRIDAY
ESPN will air men's college basketball, South Florida-Louisville, at 7:00pm ET.
Ravens TE Shannon Sharpe, Raiders CB Charles Woodson, WR Tim Brown and Vikings coach Mike Tice will be on ESPN's "Unscripted."
Former NFLers Phil Simms and John Riggins will be on FSN's "The Last Word."
A&E's "Biography" concludes its football week with a profile of Joe Namath at 8:00pm ET.
ESPN2 will air Friday Night Fights at 8:00pm ET.
CBS will air "Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials 2" at 8:00pm ET, and "Friday Night Super Bowl Bash" at 10:00pm ET.
ESPN will air the NHL Young Stars Game at 9:00pm ET, and the All-Star Super Skills Challenge at 10:00pm ET.
ESPN2 will air the '02 X-Games Prime Time Show at 10:00pm ET.
CBS' David Letterman will mark his 20th year on the air tonight at 11:30pm ET. Scheduled guests for tonight's "Late Show" are Regis Philbin and Steven Wright.
SATURDAY
| College Basketball
|
| Game | Network | Time |
| St. Joseph's-Temple | ESPN | Noon ET |
| UNC-GA Tech | CBS | 1:00pm ET |
| Boston College-Providence | ESPN | 2:00pm ET |
E! will air "Hollywood All-Stars: NHL Celebrity Hockey Challenge" at 11:00am ET.
ESPN2 will air the NFL Ultimate Defender contest at 1:00pm ET.
CNBC will air the Senior PGA Tour's Royal Caribbean Classic at 2:00pm ET.
Fox will air "The Road to the Super Bowl" at 2:30pm ET.
ABC will air the NHL All-Star game at 3:00pm ET.
CBS will air the PGA Tour's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Third Round, at 3:00pm ET.
Fox will air the fourth annual "Capital One College Football Challenge" from New Orleans at 3:30pm CT.
NBC will air Trail Blazers-Jazz at 3:00pm ET, and 76ers-Bucks at 5:30pm ET.
ESPN will air Monday Night Countdown's Super Bowl Special at 6:30pm ET.
ESPN2 will air women's college basketball, Tennessee-Vanderbilt, at 7:30pm ET.
ESPN will air college football's '02 Hula Bowl at 8:00pm ET.
Britney Spears will serve as host and musical performer on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" at 11:30pm ET.
SUNDAY
ESPN will air NFL Countdown at 11:00am ET.
NBC will air Heat-Knicks or Pacers-Wizards (regional) at noon ET, and Lakers-Mavericks at 2:30pm ET.
CBS will air the Celebrity Ski Classic at noon ET.
CBS will air men's college basketball, Michigan St.-Illinois, at 1:00pm ET.
Fox will air the NFL's All-Madden Team at 1:30pm ET.
ABC will air men's college basketball: Virginia-Missouri or DePaul-UNLV, at 2:00pm ET.
Fox will air the Super Bowl XXXVI Pre-Game Show at 3:00pm ET.
CBS will air the PGA Tour's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Final Round, at 3:00pm ET.
ESPN will air the Verizon Millrose Games at 4:30pm ET.
Fox will air Super Bowl XXXVI at 6:00pm ET.
ESPN will air "Raging Bull" at 8:00pm ET.
NBC will air a "Fear Factor" with Playboy Playmates, which begins during the halftime show (approximately 8:15pm ET) and concludes after the game.
Fox will air an episode of "Malcolm in the Middle" after the Super Bowl.
PBS will air "Super Bowl Commercials, A Mental Engineering Special" following the game.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let us know at:
dailyinsider@sportsbusinessdaily.com
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