Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said that the Pac-12 Network "will be based in the Bay Area -- Los Angeles was also considered -- in a massive broadcast center that will include Pac-12 Enterprises." In San Jose, Jon Wilner noted within the next month, the conference "will make its second critical hire of the fall: A chief executive for the television network." Scott added that there "has been no decision on the future of the basketball tournaments" (MERCURYNEWS.com, 10/17).
SHOW ME THE MONEY: Tournament and cable network officials announced yesterday that play to determine the World Series of Poker's $8.7M top prize "would be aired nearly live on ESPN, ESPN2 and online." The AP's Oskar Garcia noted the broadcasts "will be tape delayed 15 minutes, meaning viewers at home will get to see the players' hands sooner than ever before." Each of the nine players remaining in the field will "return to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Nov. 6 to play down to three players." Coverage will air on ESPN2. Those remaining will play Nov. 8 on ESPN for the title (AP, 10/18).
FINDING A HOME: In New Jersey, Pete Caldera reports a decision on the Yankees' radio home "could be made shortly after the World Series." Wherever the Yankees "land on the dial in 2012, the club retains the right to approve their announcers -- indicating a healthy possibility" for John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman to remain in the booth. (Bergen RECORD, 10/19).
