NBC Sports Group and Churchill Downs Inc. today announced a 10-year extension for the network to broadcast the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks through ’25. The partnership, which began in ’01, continues to give NBC multiplatform rights to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Race-day programming for both events will be televised on NBC and NBCSN, as well as NBC’s digital platforms (NBC).
DON'T COME KNOCKING: In Jacksonville, Vito Stellino wrote the Jaguars "would seem to be a good fit" for HBO's "Hard Knocks." However, Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell said that the team is "not interested" in participating. The Jaguars are "one of eight teams that could be ordered to appear on the show." But even if they "wanted to do it, the NFL would probably prefer a high profile team like the Bears, Giants or Steelers" (JACKSONVILLE.com, 2/25).
IRONING THE KINKS OUT: VARIETY's Marc Graser wrote there are "still technical issues to be worked out" with the WWE Network, which launched on Monday. WWE yesterday said that it was "still fixing bugs that affected 20% of subs looking to access video from its library." The company added that it expected the issue "to be fully resolved" yesterday evening (VARIETY.com, 2/25).
FIRE STATION: The MLS Fire yesterday announced that WPWR-MYT will be the team's official TV partner for the second consecutive season. The channel will air 26 matches, complementing the team's national broadcasts. The club also announced that play-by-play announcer Dan Kelly and color analyst Kevin Egan will be joined this season by sideline reporter Brooke Weisbrod (Fire).
MOVIN' ON UP: NBC Olympic figure skating broadcasters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir "have been hired by 'Access Hollywood,' which is produced and distributed by NBCUniversal Television Distribution, to comment on Oscars style." The "fashion-forward onetime Olympians will be posted in a tower position above the red carpet." They will "appear in Monday's two 'Access' episodes" (L.A. TIMES, 2/25).
