In Chicago, Phil Rosenthal noted NBC Sports Chicago "will carry home and away matches" of the NWSL Red Stars this season. The deal comes one game into the NWSL season, and covers the Red Stars' "remaining 23 games, beginning with their home opener" Saturday against the Portland Thorns. Sixteen of the 23 telecasts "will be on the main NBC Sports Chicago channel," and "all but one match will be carried live" (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 4/17). PRO SOCCER USA's Mitchell Northam noted NBC Sports Chicago will also be the presenting partner of “Chalk Talk,” which is an "exclusive interview with a player or coach each week that will be pushed on the Red Stars’ social media platforms" (PROSOCCERUSA.com, 4/17).
ROAD TRIP: In Miami, Greg Cote noted ESPN's Dan Le Batard is "growing his brand with a new venture set to debut May 18" in N.Y., as he launches a "live Le Batard and Friends production at the 500-seat Gramercy Theatre in Manhattan." It will be the "first of what could be a tour of occasional live performances around the country." The show will be a "sort of on-stage iteration of the 'Dan Le Batard Show With Stugotz' that airs weekdays on ESPN Radio and ESPNews." But his producer Mike Ryan said it will be “an original production." Included will be the show’s "regular cast." Ticket cost is a "flat $50" (MIAMI HERALD, 4/18).
