In N.Y., Andrew Marchand cites sources as saying that NBC plans to use Maria Taylor “as its studio host on Saturdays for its forthcoming Big Ten package” that will debut next fall. Taylor will continue to host “FNIA” on Sundays. She first made her name “by being a part of ESPN’s iconic ‘College GameDay’ and being a top sideline reporter for the network” (N.Y. POST, 12/12).
UPDATED ROSTER: In Boston, Chad Finn reported WWEI-FM’s Lou Merloni, the former Red Sox player “who has been a full-time weekday host on WEEI for 11 years,” is being let go from the station’s afternoon drive program, while fellow host Christian Fauria will "move to middays." Merloni’s contract “expires at the end of the year.” There is “a possibility he will contribute” to the station’s Red Sox game coverage. Fauria, the former Patriot who joined WEEI-FM in May 2014, will be paired with host Andy Gresh in middays. Current co-host Rich Keefe “is expected to be reassigned, possibly moving to nights.” It is “unclear right now what the station’s long-term plans are for afternoon drive” (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/11).
HOOP IT UP: CBS Sports Network will air five live games from the upcoming Athletes Unlimited basketball season, which will take place in Dallas beginning in February. The remaining 25 games will be streamed on the league’s YouTube channel, with 14 of those games simulcast on the Women’s Sports Network and another nine on Bally Sports regional networks. AU Basketball, entering its second season, will also bring back the broadcast booth of Cindy Brunson and Sheryl Swoopes. The league now has 39 players committed for its sophomore season, recently adding first-round WNBA draft pick Lexie Hull (Chris Smith, SBJ).