Statement: Maya Eaglin Joins MSNBC, ‘The Athletic Show’ is Launched
Michael Jordan - nbc sports
Broadcast: Michael Jordan helped usher in the NBA’s long-awaited return to NBC Sports, appearing as a special contributor despite rarely joining on-air programming. NBC’s reentry into NBA broadcasting–its first since 2002–was met with enthusiasm across the sports community.
“I have an obligation to the game of basketball,” Jordan said. “As a basketball player, it’s about passing on messages of success and dedication to the game.”
Gayle King will conclude her decade-long run as a CBS News Mornings anchor in May, with discussions underway about a potential new role within the network. Her exit coincides with restructuring tied to Paramount’s merger with Skydance
.“There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026”, a CBS News spokesperson said. “She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.” King’s attorney, Lawrence Shire of Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, did not respond to requests for comment.
ms now
Cable: NBC News is implementing another round of layoffs as it formally separates operations from MSNBC and CNBC, impacting approximately 7% of its workforce. This follows a previous 3%, roughly 40 employees, staff reduction this year.
MSNBC’s rebrand to MS NOW will officially reach the final step on Nov. 15, with promotional coverage already airing.
“A big change is coming to this network,” Rachel Maddow said. “Not in the kinds of stories we tell or in our values and or our commitment to the proud and the free and the brave. No, the big change, the only change, is our name. Same mission. New name.” A larger marketing push launches next month.
TNT Sports has extended its multi-year deal with 2015 national baseball Hall of Fame inductee Pedro Martinez, who joins former players Jimmy Rollins and Curtis Granderson for pregame and postgame coverage throughout the season. This comes as TNT Sports begins its 2025 MLB postseason broadcasts across TBS, TRUTV and HBO Max on Oct. 4, 2025,
CNN announced pricing and launch details for its upcoming all-access streaming service, debuting Oct.28, 2025. Subscribers will gain access to original and film franchises and CNN’s content without cable subscription. Early subscribers can secure a discounted first year at $41.99 before the price rises to $69. 999 annually or $6.99 monthly.
“No one covers the world like CNN,” Executive Vice President of Digital Products and Services Alex MacCallum, said. “It’s an essential step in CNN’s evolution as we work to give audiences the complete CNN experience in a format that reflects how audiences engage with the news today.”
CNN will also remove its live stream from HBO Max on Nov. 17 as it shifts to its standalone platform. Lifestyle and culture-oriented CNN originals will still appear on HBO Max.
“CNN has benefitted tremendously from its two years of offering a live 24/7 feed of news to HBO Max customers,” MacCallum, said. “We learned from HBO Max’s large base of subscribers what people want and enjoy the most from CNN, and with the launch of our own new streaming subscription offering coming later this fall, we look forward to building off that and growing our audience with this unique, new offering.”
TNT Sports has released a new lineup of sports announcers featuring Veteran Coach Bruce Pearl, NBA standouts Jalen Rose, Jamal Mashburn and returning analyst Chris Webber to join host Adam Lefkoe starting Nov. 3, 2025.. Craig Berry, executive vice president and chief content officer of TNT Sports, said the new crew’s camaraderie aligns well with the network’s style.
“Our studio shows have always had a certain DNA that is unique to TNT Sports. We take great pride in assembling the right blend of personalities capable of extending that culture,” Barry said. “We believe we’ve found a distinctive balance with this college basketball team and we’re confident fans will be entertained by their perspectives, the storytelling and access they provide from their experiences in and around the game.”
ESPN extended contracts with several NHL talents, including three time NHL All Star and Norris trophy winner, P.K. Subban. In lieu of his contract, Subban will continue as an NHL Studio Analyst across the network’s platforms.
A multitude of hockey voices were also among ESPN’s new multi-year agreements, including Bob Wischusen, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, PK Subban, Kevin Weekes and Leah Hextall. New additions include Stanley Cup champion T.J. Oshie–who is retiring from his 16-year NHL career for his new role as a studio and game analyst–and 2004 Stanley Cup champion John Tortorella, who is rejoining ESPN as an analyst.
ESPN also renewed betting analyst Eric Moody’s multi-year contract. Moody will continue to remain on-air and in the digital realm across four channels.
“Eric is smart, curious and passionate about this industry, and it shows in his work,” Andrew Feldman, ESPN’s senior deputy editor of Fantasy Sports and Sports Betting, said. “He’s become a trusted voice for our fantasy and betting coverage at ESPN, and we’re pleased to have him back.”
Inside the NBA has made its highly anticipated debut on ESPN after decades on TNT Sports. Despite early concerns regarding the authenticity of the switch, the program looked and sounded the same according to viewers.
From Left to Right: Robert Mays, Zena Keita, and Jason Goff - The Athletic
Streaming: The Athletic launched The Athletic Show, a new weekly 30-minute video series hosted by Robert Mays, Zena Keita and Jason Goff. The premiere covers sports dynasties like the Dodgers’ return to the world series, start of the NBA season and a discussion on John Brown. The show marks The Athletic’s latest step into cross-platforms sports storytelling, and is available across Fire TV, Fire Tablets and Echo Show tablets.
“With The Athletic Show, we’re bringing that same rigor and storytelling to a new format,” Tomich said. “Partnering with Fire TV makes perfect sense — it’s where sports and entertainment enthusiasts already spend their time.”
