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CBS and football commentator Tony Romo have agreed to a massive new contract that could set a record and make Romo the highest paid sportscaster. About to become a free agent, with his contract expiring over the weekend, Romo – the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback – and the network have reportedly agreed to a new multi-year deal worth $17M a year. Also, You Tube TV has agreed to extend its carrying of Sinclair’s regional sports networks, including YES, while negotiations on a new deal continue. I have that and more in a special edition of the Sports Media Beat.  Links to stories discussed in this podcast:

• Tony Romo and CBS agree to new contract
• You Tube TV and Sinclair continue talks
• Golf and hockey ratings

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The Dallas Cowboys remain ‘America’s team’ even though they have not been to a Super Bowl since 1996.  Why is that.  And You Tube TV drops regional sports networks.  I talk about this and much more.  Links to stories below:

• You Tube drops regional sports networks
• ESPN audio dominates
• Tony Romo to hit open market
• Dallas Cowboys remain ‘America’s team’
• ACC spring football
• Big 3 basketball returns to CBS
• Soccer issues a challenge to baseball
• NASCAR ratings for Las Vegas
• XFL ratings down again
• NBA ratings increase

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Like a home run, the Oakland Athletics are saying bye-bye to their flagship radio station opting to present their audio play-by-play on the app TuneIn.  And as it turns out, the ratings for the Daytona 500 were down because of Sunday’s postponement.  I talk about this and link to other stories discussed in the podcast:

• Daytona 500 ratings
• ESPN baseball broadcasting crews
• Oakland Athletics ditch radio
• NFL would expand playoffs
• XFL ratings
• Kostis rips CBS and the PGA
• NHL Stadium Series
• AT&T not getting price for RSNs

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Ratings for NASCAR’s Daytona 500 on Sunday accelerated, although the numbers for Monday’s conclusion to the race are not yet known, as of this podcast.  Also good news for the NBA All-Star game.  Here are the links to the stories I covered in this edition of the Sports Media Beat.

• NASCAR ratings
• NBA All-Star game
• Commissioner Adam Silver
• NBC’s streaming services at odds?
• IMG Arena and NHL expand deal
• Sinclair turns to streaming for Regional Sports Network
• MLB and players association could cut back their video
• Mike Breen and Michael Wilbon receive Curt Gowdy Award
• Marv Albert not ready to retire
• Dan Lovallo’s interview with legendary Curt Gowdy

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In its debut weekend, the XFL was a hit on television, especially with the younger demos.  As it turns out, more people watched the Super Bowl than first reported.  And how the Yankees calculate their ratings on the YES Network could mean more ad revenue and be a trend setter.  I run it all down with links below on my latest Sports Media Beat.

Here are the links to the stories:

• XFL opening ratings
• Super Bowl audience larger than first thought
• AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
• Duke-UNC college basketball
• NBA on ABC
• NBA All-Star game ads
• CBS Sports cuts deal with William Hill
• MLB could expand playoffs
• San Francisco Giants will split TV broadcast crew
• YES to raise ad rates
• Jessica Mendoza stays with ESPN, abandons Mets
• NASCAR ads wagering

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The XFL debuts this weekend and sportscaster Dan Lovallo talks about the games on the schedule in addition to some other interesting facets about the new league.  Super Bowl ratings were mixed, although slightly up on television overall.  Dan has the numbers.  Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is not happy with national broadcasters who also work for other clubs in the administrative end.  Lovallo will explain.  Plus much, much more on the Sports Media Beat.