United Talent Agency is making changes to the leadership of its news and broadcasting department, the unit that negotiates on behalf of journalists and news personalities.
According to a memo sent to staff Tuesday by UTA vice-chairman Jay Sures and COO and co-head of UTA Sports Andrew Thau, the agency is elevating Ryan Hayden and Marc Paskin to be co-heads of its news and broadcasting department.
Peter Goldberg, who had led the department since 2017, will stay with the company as a partner and senior agent. Goldberg joined UTA in its acquisition of N.S. Bienstock, the agency that helped create the market for news and journalism talent under the leadership of the late Richard Leibner.
Paskin and Hayden will report to Sures in their new roles, with Hayden also continuing to oversee UTA Sports alongside Jerry Silbowitz, reporting in to Thau.
“We are excited for the next chapter for these groups...
According to a memo sent to staff Tuesday by UTA vice-chairman Jay Sures and COO and co-head of UTA Sports Andrew Thau, the agency is elevating Ryan Hayden and Marc Paskin to be co-heads of its news and broadcasting department.
Peter Goldberg, who had led the department since 2017, will stay with the company as a partner and senior agent. Goldberg joined UTA in its acquisition of N.S. Bienstock, the agency that helped create the market for news and journalism talent under the leadership of the late Richard Leibner.
Paskin and Hayden will report to Sures in their new roles, with Hayden also continuing to oversee UTA Sports alongside Jerry Silbowitz, reporting in to Thau.
“We are excited for the next chapter for these groups...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2023-24 NBA schedule will begin Tuesday, October 24, as LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers visit the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
It’s an interesting year for the NBA, as it marks the first time an in-season tournament will spice up the early schedule. Modeled after similar tournaments in European soccer, the NBA Cup begins on November 3, when the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo host the New York Knicks and Jalen Brunson.
The NBA Cup offers players on the winning team $500,000 each.
Another opening-week highlight will be the highly-anticipated regular season debut of San Antonio Spurs rookie and No. 1 draft choice Victor Wembanyama, who will play the Dallas Mavericks on October 25.
Christmas Day will have five games on tap including the Milwaukee Bucks at the New York Knicks, followed by Golden State at Denver, and the Boston Celtics at the Lakers. The Philadelphia 76ers are at the Miami Heat,...
It’s an interesting year for the NBA, as it marks the first time an in-season tournament will spice up the early schedule. Modeled after similar tournaments in European soccer, the NBA Cup begins on November 3, when the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo host the New York Knicks and Jalen Brunson.
The NBA Cup offers players on the winning team $500,000 each.
Another opening-week highlight will be the highly-anticipated regular season debut of San Antonio Spurs rookie and No. 1 draft choice Victor Wembanyama, who will play the Dallas Mavericks on October 25.
Christmas Day will have five games on tap including the Milwaukee Bucks at the New York Knicks, followed by Golden State at Denver, and the Boston Celtics at the Lakers. The Philadelphia 76ers are at the Miami Heat,...
- 8/17/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
In an era when much of sports broadcasting is dominated by hot takes, ESPN has decided to go with a class on-air announcing team for its NBA broadcast coverage.
The network said Monday that ever-steady play-by-play guy Mike Breen will be joined by Doris Burke and Doc Rivers on the broadcaster’s A-team for big games. The trio, along with reporter Lisa Salters, will call the NBA Finals, Eastern Conference Finals, NBA playoffs, and the Christmas Day and NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC series. The team will make its debut during ESPN’s opening week of NBA coverage in October.
As part of the changes, ESPN announced it has reached a multi-year deal with Rivers as well as a multi-year extension with Burke.
The arrangement will make the incomparable Burke the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a major men’s championship in the U.S.
She...
The network said Monday that ever-steady play-by-play guy Mike Breen will be joined by Doris Burke and Doc Rivers on the broadcaster’s A-team for big games. The trio, along with reporter Lisa Salters, will call the NBA Finals, Eastern Conference Finals, NBA playoffs, and the Christmas Day and NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC series. The team will make its debut during ESPN’s opening week of NBA coverage in October.
As part of the changes, ESPN announced it has reached a multi-year deal with Rivers as well as a multi-year extension with Burke.
The arrangement will make the incomparable Burke the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a major men’s championship in the U.S.
She...
- 8/14/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Skip Bayless is getting backlash from sports stars.
On Monday, after Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest following a tackle during an NFL game, the 71-year-old sports commentator fired off a tweet that had some calling for his firing.
Read More: Damar Hamlin’s Family ‘In Good Spirits’ But Taking Things ‘Minute By Minute’ As NFL Player Remains In Hospital
In his tweet, Bayless wondered about the postponement of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, writing, “this late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome … which suddenly seems so irrelevant.”
No doubt the NFL is considering postponing the rest of this game – but how? This late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome … which suddenly seems so irrelevant.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 3, 2023
Among those who took the “Undisputed” host to task was Jets cornerback...
On Monday, after Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest following a tackle during an NFL game, the 71-year-old sports commentator fired off a tweet that had some calling for his firing.
Read More: Damar Hamlin’s Family ‘In Good Spirits’ But Taking Things ‘Minute By Minute’ As NFL Player Remains In Hospital
In his tweet, Bayless wondered about the postponement of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, writing, “this late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome … which suddenly seems so irrelevant.”
No doubt the NFL is considering postponing the rest of this game – but how? This late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome … which suddenly seems so irrelevant.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 3, 2023
Among those who took the “Undisputed” host to task was Jets cornerback...
- 1/3/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
“Undisputed” sports commentator Shannon Sharpe’s unexplained absence from the Fox show on Tuesday led fans to speculate that he was silently protesting co-host Skip Bayless’ insensitive tweet about Damar Hamlin from the night before.
The 24-year-old Buffalo Bills player collapsed on the field during Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. CPR was administered for 10 minutes before Hamlin’s heartbeat was restored, and he remains hospitalized in critical condition.
While thousands of fans tweeted their concern for Hamlin, Bayless seemed more focused on the game itself.
“No doubt the NFL is considering postponing the rest of this game – but how?” Bayless tweeted at 9:30 p.m, before the game was officially postponed, “This late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome … which suddenly seems so irrelevant.”
I respect Shannon Sharpe for not Showing up to Today’s Undisputed https://t.co...
The 24-year-old Buffalo Bills player collapsed on the field during Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. CPR was administered for 10 minutes before Hamlin’s heartbeat was restored, and he remains hospitalized in critical condition.
While thousands of fans tweeted their concern for Hamlin, Bayless seemed more focused on the game itself.
“No doubt the NFL is considering postponing the rest of this game – but how?” Bayless tweeted at 9:30 p.m, before the game was officially postponed, “This late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome … which suddenly seems so irrelevant.”
I respect Shannon Sharpe for not Showing up to Today’s Undisputed https://t.co...
- 1/3/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Malika Andrews is capping off a quick journey that has taken her from the sidelines of NBA games to a central seat at many of its big events.
The sportscaster is taking over the host duties of ESPN’s NBA Draft, succeeding Rece Davis, who led the broadcast for more than a decade. In doing so, Andrews cements her status as one of ESPN’s mainstay journalists, having been awarded hosting duties on “NBA Today” in 2021.
The June 23 Draft broadcast, emanating from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, will top off Andrews’ busy schedule in weeks ahead. She will also host the NBA Draft Lottery telecast this evening at 8 p.m. on ESPN, prior to Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. She also hosts “NBA Today” from the NBA Draft Combine at 3 p.m. on ESPN during the week of May 16. NBA Today will air on site at the NBA Draft on June 23 as well.
The sportscaster is taking over the host duties of ESPN’s NBA Draft, succeeding Rece Davis, who led the broadcast for more than a decade. In doing so, Andrews cements her status as one of ESPN’s mainstay journalists, having been awarded hosting duties on “NBA Today” in 2021.
The June 23 Draft broadcast, emanating from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, will top off Andrews’ busy schedule in weeks ahead. She will also host the NBA Draft Lottery telecast this evening at 8 p.m. on ESPN, prior to Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. She also hosts “NBA Today” from the NBA Draft Combine at 3 p.m. on ESPN during the week of May 16. NBA Today will air on site at the NBA Draft on June 23 as well.
- 5/17/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
After months of controversy involving an internally-leaked phone conversation, questions about management, conversations about diversity, fraught contract negotiations and the departure of two of the network’s top female hosts, ESPN announced on Friday a new show to replace its Rachel Nichols-fronted daily NBA flagship, The Jump.
The offering will be called simply NBA Today and will inhabit roughly the same time slot as The Jump. The show is to be hosted by ESPN’s ace NBA reporter — and frequent Jump fill-in frontwoman — Malika Andrews. The newly-minted show will also feature commentary from regular Jump analysts Kendrick Perkins, Vince Carter and Zach Lowe as well as reporting from Jump mainstays Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
An excited Andrews took to Twitter to celebrate the news, reposting the network’s tweet with “Let’s do this!”
Let’s do this! https://t.co/0qPXQMi5iF
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 20, 2021
In...
The offering will be called simply NBA Today and will inhabit roughly the same time slot as The Jump. The show is to be hosted by ESPN’s ace NBA reporter — and frequent Jump fill-in frontwoman — Malika Andrews. The newly-minted show will also feature commentary from regular Jump analysts Kendrick Perkins, Vince Carter and Zach Lowe as well as reporting from Jump mainstays Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
An excited Andrews took to Twitter to celebrate the news, reposting the network’s tweet with “Let’s do this!”
Let’s do this! https://t.co/0qPXQMi5iF
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 20, 2021
In...
- 9/20/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN today announced Tim Tebow as one of the initial debate partners on Stephen A. Smith’s First Take.
Tebow, who was cut from the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in his latest pro sports comeback attempt, will appear with Smith on Fridays. The show has also slotted ex-Dallas receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin on Mondays.
The other days will feature a rotating cast of ESPN personalities, including Mina Kimes and Kendrick Perkins. Molly Qerim Rose will remain on the show as a moderator. The multiple hosts replace Max Kellerman, who will be moving to his own afternoon show and morning radio stint for ESPN.
Tebow likely will have his hands full taking on the bombastic Smith. The highly religious 2007 Heisman Trophy winner isn’t known for a mean streak and outrageous comments, something Smith has in abundance.
Kellerman made his final appearance on the show Wednesday.
Tebow, who was cut from the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in his latest pro sports comeback attempt, will appear with Smith on Fridays. The show has also slotted ex-Dallas receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin on Mondays.
The other days will feature a rotating cast of ESPN personalities, including Mina Kimes and Kendrick Perkins. Molly Qerim Rose will remain on the show as a moderator. The multiple hosts replace Max Kellerman, who will be moving to his own afternoon show and morning radio stint for ESPN.
Tebow likely will have his hands full taking on the bombastic Smith. The highly religious 2007 Heisman Trophy winner isn’t known for a mean streak and outrageous comments, something Smith has in abundance.
Kellerman made his final appearance on the show Wednesday.
- 9/3/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Irvin and Tim Tebow will be among the guest rotation on “First Take” that appear opposite its now solo star Stephen A. Smith.
Irvin will join the show on Mondays during the NFL season, while Tebow (who was attempting an NFL comeback as tight end with the Jacksonville Jaguars) will bookend each week on Fridays.
During the week, the guest commentators will include Paul Finebaum, Keyshawn Johnson, Mina Kimes, Kimberley A. Martin, Monica McNutt, Jessica Mendoza, Chiney Ogwumike, Dan Orlovsky, Kendrick Perkins, Marcus Spears, Brian Windhorst and Damien Woody.
“This new format will pair Smith with new voices and perspectives every day of the week who will challenge him on their specific area of expertise in a completely new way,” said Antoine Lewis, senior coordinating producer, ‘First Take.’ “Stephen A., Molly and a lineup of A-list guests will definitely continue to provide fans with all they’ve come to...
Irvin will join the show on Mondays during the NFL season, while Tebow (who was attempting an NFL comeback as tight end with the Jacksonville Jaguars) will bookend each week on Fridays.
During the week, the guest commentators will include Paul Finebaum, Keyshawn Johnson, Mina Kimes, Kimberley A. Martin, Monica McNutt, Jessica Mendoza, Chiney Ogwumike, Dan Orlovsky, Kendrick Perkins, Marcus Spears, Brian Windhorst and Damien Woody.
“This new format will pair Smith with new voices and perspectives every day of the week who will challenge him on their specific area of expertise in a completely new way,” said Antoine Lewis, senior coordinating producer, ‘First Take.’ “Stephen A., Molly and a lineup of A-list guests will definitely continue to provide fans with all they’ve come to...
- 9/2/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
In 2019, a documentary about the making of 2 Chainz’ Rap or Go to the League was released to the rap public. The documentary features LeBron James as a faux A&r guy, directing Tity Boi on how many tracks he should put on the record. LeBron talks to Chainz about his idea of releasing a deluxe version of the album two weeks later as if he invented fire. “Thank you for taking this ride with me. Here’s two more.” It was hilarious, goofy, and completely in earnest: LeBron was doing...
- 7/19/2021
- by Jayson Buford
- Rollingstone.com
Updated, 10:30 a.m: After three days of turmoil, ESPN announced Tuesday that Maria Taylor will be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals. Those duties have been at the center of a controversy involving comments made by Rachel Nichols, host of ESPN’s The Jump, about Taylor potentially assuming that role.
ESPN also said that Nichols no longer will be the network’s sideline reporter for the Finals, a position she held last year and during big games this season. That role will go to the network’s NBA reporter, Malika Andrews.
Nichols, who is white, was heard on a video expressing exasperation over Taylor, who is Black, being given NBA Finals hosting duties last year. The private comments were captured by a live internal feed and became the basis for a New York Times story this weekend.
The Jump host apologized Monday, and...
ESPN also said that Nichols no longer will be the network’s sideline reporter for the Finals, a position she held last year and during big games this season. That role will go to the network’s NBA reporter, Malika Andrews.
Nichols, who is white, was heard on a video expressing exasperation over Taylor, who is Black, being given NBA Finals hosting duties last year. The private comments were captured by a live internal feed and became the basis for a New York Times story this weekend.
The Jump host apologized Monday, and...
- 7/6/2021
- by Bruce Haring and Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Rachel Nichols will not be suiting up as sideline reporter for this year’s NBA Finals, in the wake of her year-old comments about ESPN colleague Maria Taylor coming to light.
Malika Andrews will instead serve as sideline reporter for the championship series.
More from TVLineRatings: Stanley Cup Final Game 4 Hits Audience High, Bachelorette Tops NightSportsCenter Host Kenny Mayne Leaving ESPN After 27 YearsESPN's Pedro Gomez Dead at 58
Nichols will, however, continue to host The Jump, ESPN’s weekday NBA show, during the NBA Finals, alongside a cast of analysts and reporters including Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins.
In July 2020, during...
Malika Andrews will instead serve as sideline reporter for the championship series.
More from TVLineRatings: Stanley Cup Final Game 4 Hits Audience High, Bachelorette Tops NightSportsCenter Host Kenny Mayne Leaving ESPN After 27 YearsESPN's Pedro Gomez Dead at 58
Nichols will, however, continue to host The Jump, ESPN’s weekday NBA show, during the NBA Finals, alongside a cast of analysts and reporters including Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins.
In July 2020, during...
- 7/6/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich and Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
As more states start to allow residents to take part in sports wagering, ESPN has come up with a game presentation just for them. Executives call it the “BetCast.”
On Wednesday at 7 p.m., the Disney sports-media giant will air an alternate feed — called a “Daily Wager Special” after the company’s sports-betting program — of an NBA game that pits the Brooklyn Nets against the Philadelphia 76ers. Viewers who want to hear about the free throws and three-pointers can watch on the company’s flagship cable network. Those eager to discuss spreads and odds can watch sports-betting analysts cover the game on ESPN2 and ESPN Plus with customized graphics.
“We know the sports fan is evolving in how they use our games and our information, and we need to evolve with them, and provide them with alternative experiences” says Mike Shiffman, vice president of basketball production for ESPN, in an interview.
On Wednesday at 7 p.m., the Disney sports-media giant will air an alternate feed — called a “Daily Wager Special” after the company’s sports-betting program — of an NBA game that pits the Brooklyn Nets against the Philadelphia 76ers. Viewers who want to hear about the free throws and three-pointers can watch on the company’s flagship cable network. Those eager to discuss spreads and odds can watch sports-betting analysts cover the game on ESPN2 and ESPN Plus with customized graphics.
“We know the sports fan is evolving in how they use our games and our information, and we need to evolve with them, and provide them with alternative experiences” says Mike Shiffman, vice president of basketball production for ESPN, in an interview.
- 4/12/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CBS Sports and Big3, the professional 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz, have agreed to an exclusive deal for live broadcasts of Big3’s 2019 season.
Games will be shown on CBS and CBS Sports Network, with more than 20 hours throughout the season on the former and more than 25 hours on the latter.
The 2019 season, the league’s third, is set to open on CBS in primetime on Saturday, June 22. During the 11-week season, games will air live on CBS Television Network and CBS Sports Network on both Saturday and Sunday, with the championship game on September 1.
CBS Sports Network will also air the Big3 Draft live on May 1, when 120 professional players will vie for only 31 open roster spots on 12 teams, expanded from eight the first two seasons.
In 2018, according to today’s announcement, average arena attendance for the emerging league exceeded 14,000, up from 11,000 in its debut year.
Games will be shown on CBS and CBS Sports Network, with more than 20 hours throughout the season on the former and more than 25 hours on the latter.
The 2019 season, the league’s third, is set to open on CBS in primetime on Saturday, June 22. During the 11-week season, games will air live on CBS Television Network and CBS Sports Network on both Saturday and Sunday, with the championship game on September 1.
CBS Sports Network will also air the Big3 Draft live on May 1, when 120 professional players will vie for only 31 open roster spots on 12 teams, expanded from eight the first two seasons.
In 2018, according to today’s announcement, average arena attendance for the emerging league exceeded 14,000, up from 11,000 in its debut year.
- 4/4/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Sorry, Drake ... your trash talkin' doesn't stand a chance against Julius Randle, 'cause the L.A. Lakers star says he's way too locked in during games to get distracted by celeb hecklers. It was a hot topic in sports this week when the NBA issued a warning to the 6 God for "bad language" towards Cavs bruiser Kendrick Perkins ... after he allegedly called Perk a "f*cking p*ssy." We asked Randle what he thought about...
- 5/5/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Too Short thinks it's hilarious that Drake got an official warning from the NBA over his Nsfw trash talk -- and says the Toronto Raptors would be better off if he never opened his mouth in the first place! As we previously reported, Drake got scolded by the league after reportedly calling Kendrick Perkins a "f*cking p*ssy" during the Raptors vs. Cavs playoff game this week. Good times. Now, Short says Drake's antics...
- 5/4/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The NBA has warned Drake about using bad language at NBA games after the rapper reportedly called Cleveland Cavs star Kendrick Perkins a "f***ing p*ssy." Drake had gotten into it with Perkins on the floor of the Cavs vs. Toronto Raptors game at the Air Canada Centre ... with one reporter claiming Drake essentially challenged the guy to a fight. Now, the NBA has issued an official warning to Drake about "the use of...
- 5/3/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Drake's beef with NBA player Kendrick Perkins went from 0 to 100 real quick ... the two shouted at each other during the Raptors vs. Cavs game -- with Drake reportedly calling him a "f***ing p*ssy." The two started exchanging words at halftime ... with things getting so heated one of the Cavs players was holding Drake back. Things continued after the game when Drake shouted to Perkins that he's a "f***ing p*ssy" and challenged...
- 5/2/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
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