In Boston, Chad Finn writes with four "distinctly compelling franchises -- the Warriors, Rockets, Cavaliers and Celtics -- having either punched a ticket to the conference finals or on the verge of doing so -- it's reasonable to suggest that the best times are still to come for the NBA's national and regional broadcast partners" (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/8).
NOTHING BUT NET: In N.Y., Brian Lewis reports the Nets and Entercom "reached a multiyear deal to extend the team's broadcast rights" with WFAN through the '20-21 NBA season. That includes "airing regular-season games and any playoff dates." WFAN will "continue to have pregame and postgame coverage, while its on-air talent will also broadcast shows live from Barclays Center before games." The Nets "inked an extension with YES Network for their TV and digital rights" in '15, and a report last summer stated the team was getting a $30M "boost on that agreement" (N.Y. POST, 5/8).
BREAK ON THROUGH: In Philadelphia, Sam Donnellon notes this weekend a woman was "involved in almost every major sport televised over several major channels." That is "nothing new at the Kentucky Derby," and the voice of ESPN's Doris Burke has "become increasingly familiar to fans of the NBA." ESPN's Jessica Mendoza has "also continued her analytical work" on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball." And with the NHL on NBC, the "voice you hear" is former Olympic hockey Gold-Medal winner A.J. Mleczko (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 5/8).
