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Now, Comcast’s NBCUniversal wants an NBA package including playoff games for its broadcast network and regular-season games for its Peacock streaming platform, according to CNBC. That means the stars could align for a WWE-like rematch between Comcast chairman/CEO Brian Roberts and his nemesis, Disney CEO Bob Iger — who has won most of their battles. But if NBC snatches the NBA from ESPN, Roberts could win the war. “Brian Roberts and Bob Iger are personal rivals — as well as business rivals,” noted Matthew Belloni, former editor of The Hollywood Reporter turned co-founder of Puck News. “If they can make a smart choice for their own company — and screw over the other guy — they are going to do it.”
The NBA could simply re-up with ESPN and TNT for higher fees like it did in 2014, when it signed nine-year extensions with the duo beginning in the 2016-17 season. Other companies never got to bid. But economic headwinds could redraw the competitive map for leagues and media companies alike. Cost-cutting WBD Sports boss David Zaslav sent shockwaves through Wall Street in November when he declared, “We don’t have to have the NBA.”
Iger has ordered Disney to slash 3% of its global workforce, which would mean 7,000 lost jobs and $5.5 billion in cost savings. The layoffs could come down any moment at ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. With cord-cutting hammering their bottom lines, will ESPN and TNT pay what it takes to retain the NBA? One sports TV executive thinks they will: “When companies are hemorrhaging money, they cut costs to afford the stuff they want to keep. I have no doubt they want to keep the NBA.”
Olympiacos and NBA guard Brian Roberts agreed to a 2-year, $4 million deal, league sources told @BBallInsiders. It has an NBA opt-out clause
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David 'Dubi' Pick: NBA free-agent PG Brian Roberts is negotiating a deal to sign with Euroleague power-club Olympiacos, according to source.
A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that the Charlotte Hornets have agreed to terms on a one-year contact with point guard Brian Roberts.
Roberts agreed to a deal worth the league veteran minimum of $1.05 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal cannot be signed until Thursday.
Rick Bonnell: Good move bringing back Roberts. Steve Clifford prioritizes having a 3rd point who knows the system.
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Mike Richman: Brian Roberts owns a house in the Charlotte area. His family lived there after he was traded to Miami/Portland last year.
The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired guard Brian Roberts and a future second-round pick from the Miami Heat in exchange for cash considerations, it was announced today by president of basketball operations Neil Olshey.
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