John Ourand
Sports Business Journal
Washington, DC, United States
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Past articles by John:
USFL back for second season, says Fox's Shanks
The USFL will come back for a second season and expand into more markets, Fox Sports CEO and Executive Producer Eric Shanks told SBJ in an exclusive interview. → Read More
NBC Completes Restructuring Of RSN Group Hierarchy
NBC restructured its RSN group this week, officially putting Bill Bridgen in the role of President & Group Leader overseeing the RSNs. He will continue to report to NBC Sports Regional Networks President David Preschlack. → Read More
Off To The Races: Powerful group launching new auto racing circuit to debut next year on CBS
With big names behind it and CBS as its television partner, SRX launches next summer. → Read More
ESPN's Scott Van Pelt Moving Nightly Show From Bristol To DC
ESPN's Scott Van Pelt will move his nightly "SportsCenter" show south from Bristol to DC. → Read More
SEC Football Leaving CBS After 2023, Likely For ESPN/ABC
SEC Football Leaving CBS After 2023, Likely For ESPN/ABC Friday, December 20, 2019 CBS will walk away from the SEC when its contract ends after the 2023 football season, and all indications are that the package will move to ESPN/ABC. CBS decided to exit the negotiations for college football's most-watched TV package after making an aggressive bid in the neighborhood of $300 million per season --… → Read More
ESPN, Big 12 Agree To Sweeping Media-Rights Deal
ESPN adds more Big 12 rights, resulting in a dedicated ESPN+ section created for conference. → Read More
Endeavor agrees to acquire On Location Experiences for more than $650 million
Endeavor is close to a deal to buy On Location Experiences, the high-end hospitality firm partly owned by the NFL, according to several sources. The two sides have agreed on a price north of $650 million, but they still are negotiating some of the deal’s finer points — a process that could take several more weeks. Majority owners Bruin Sports Capital and RedBird Capital, whose combined… → Read More
Forty Under 40: Libby Geist
Photo: courtesy of espn images Five or six years ago, ESPN executive Connor Schell saw something special in Libby Geist and gave her advice that she still leans on today. Schell, who had seen his profile rise from his association with ESPN’s acclaimed documentary series “30-for-30,” told Geist, “You need to own something. Instead of being one of 50 people working on a project, really carry… → Read More
Forty Under 40: Peter Nelson
It’s clear from even a short conversation that HBO Sports’ Peter Nelson is not your typical sports executive. During a recent media interview, Nelson quoted the author Helen Gardner’s description of the poet T.S. Elliot to illustrate the scope of his job at HBO Sports. “He created the taste by which he is enjoyed,” Nelson said. Executive Vice President, HBO Age: 37 Born: Newton, Mass. Education:… → Read More
Forty Under 40: Will McIntosh
Will McIntosh was 29 years old when he sold WorldGolf.com to Golf Channel. The company, which operated golf and travel websites, became the linchpin for the network’s successful GolfNow business. Executive Vice President, Business and Strategy, Comcast/NBCUniversal; NBC Sports Group; Golf Channel Age: 39 Born: Columbus, Ga. Education: Winthrop University, B.S. (magna cum laude), business… → Read More
Pac-12 Seeking $750M Investment For Schools, TV Networks
The figure is considerably larger than the $500M number that was discussed in recent months. → Read More
Pac-12 Seeking $750M Investment For Schools, TV Networks
The figure is considerably larger than the $500M number that was discussed in recent months. → Read More
Magnus To Oversee ESPN Int'l Programming In Company Re-Org
Magnus, who originally joined ESPN in '95, will now have seven direct reports Photo: ESPN IMAGES ESPN has reorganized its programming department, giving Exec VP/Programming & Scheduling BURKE MAGNUS oversight over the company’s international programming. The move was made afte... → Read More
CFL set to extend media rights deal with ESPN
Startup football properties, like Charlie Ebersol’s AAF and Vince McMahon’s XFL, have been getting plenty of ink these days as they prepare to launch spring leagues over the next year. In the midst of those well publicized launches, the 60-year-old Canadian Football League also has been making moves to grow and modernize. The league, known for only having three downs and much wider fields than… → Read More
NBC Sports Washington to offer early look at in-game betting
DC-area network producing alternate telecast for Wizards focused on gambling stats. → Read More
Strong December Helps NFL Net, ESPN2 Climb In Annual Cable Ranks
NFL Network used several strong game audiences in the final weeks of the '18 to move up the annual chart of top cable networks in primetime. Going into December, NFL Network ranked fifth of all cable sports channels in primetime. The league-owned net had a strong draw in Week 15 with Chargers-Chiefs, as it was the simulcast partner for Fox on that "TNF" game. NFL Net also had two exclusive… → Read More
ESPN Adds "MNF" Crew To CFP Title Game MegaCast
Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten and Booger McFarland will team up with Todd McShay to provide an X’s and O’s-style telecast. → Read More
ESPN's McFarland Will Be In The Booth For NFL Playoff Game
ESPN moved Booger McFarland to the booth for the final “MNF” regular-season game on Christmas Eve, citing weather conditions. → Read More
Predictions: The deals of 2019
Media writer John Ourand’s annual prognostication for teams, leagues and networks. → Read More
ESPN Production Group Shakeup Sees Druley Promoted
ESPN shook up management of its production group, with Stephanie Druley earning a promotion to run a combined studio and event production group alongside Exec VP/Event & Studio Production and Exec Editor Norby Williamson. Druley also will carry the title of Exec VP/Event & Studio Production and will report to Exec VP/Content Connor Schell. The point of these moves is to have execs… → Read More