2013 Upfronts: ESPN Extends Broadcast Playing Field to ESPN FC
05.14.2013
ESPN unveiled plans today to not only expand the network's global sports territory but to take viewers behind the scenes of the NFL, soccer, tennis and even "SportsCenter." During its Upfront event in New York this morning, the self-proclaimed "worldwide leader in sports" shared details about upcoming programming, including "NFL Insiders," a one-hour show to air Monday through Friday and hosted by Suzy Kolber; "ESPN FC," a highlights-driven soccer show to air Sunday through Friday; and "SportsCenter on the Scene," which will see the sports news show going on location throughout the country.Â
In addition, the US Tennis Association is reportedly on the verge of signing a deal that would give ESPN exclusive coverage of the US Open beginning in 2015, adding that event to the other three tennis Grand Slams already covered by ESPN.
"NFL Insiders" is set to debut August 5 and would include a line-up, in addition to Kolber, of such ESPN heavy-hitters as Chris Mortensen, Adam Schefter, John Clayton, Bill Polian, Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay.Â
"Whether it's in-season or out of season, fans crave NFL news," said Seth Markman, senior coordinating producer for ESPN's NFL Studio shows, regarding the ratings machine that is NFL programming. "That's exactly what 'NFL Insiders' will have every day, with a smart presentation and some of the most connected people in the league."
ESPN seeks to satisfy the needs of global soccer fans, as well, with "ESPN FC," which will be driven by news, highlights and insider information regarding leagues, teams and players. The show, which will debut August 11, would lead into the 2014 FIFA World Cup, to be played in Brazil next June and July.
"Soccer's popularity is at an all-time high in the US as fans are now more familiar with the world's top players, clubs and national teams," Scott Guglielmino, SVP of programming for ESPN, said during the Upfront. "'ESPN FC' continues our leadership role in coverage of the sport across all media."
The on-the-road version of "SportsCenter" is part of an upgrade that includes a new studio, which would be unveiled in 2014, as well as new apps and more news and tips generated via social media.Â
Regarding the US Open, ESPN is seeking to move into territory currently occupied by CBS, which has covered the event, held in New York in late August, since 1968. The deal was not discussed at the Upfront but industry analysts said it could happen soon. The USTA is still weighing an offer from CBS, which sees the event as a jewel in its sports coverage. The women's finals last year had a TV audience in excess of 16 million and the men's final topped 17 million, according to CBS.
Barry Janoff is director of sports media marketing initiatives for PromaxBDA. He also is the executive editor for  NYSportsJournalism.com, which covers national sports marketing, business and media news; and a contributing writer for Yahoo! and MediaPost.