1. Given that today is a sunny Friday, you’re likely in the mood for some uplifting news or a fun tidbit to kickstart the weekend.
I’d love to oblige, but I find myself drawn once again to a familiar grievance: grumbling about the rising costs of streaming services for sports enthusiasts.
With NBC/Peacock forking over $2.5 billion for the latest NBA broadcasting rights, including the iconic Roundball Rock, guess who’s footing the bill?
As usual in sports broadcasting, the financial burden will ultimately fall on YOU, the viewer.
Peacock, set to air NBA games on Mondays, Tuesdays, and select Sundays, has announced a price hike starting next week, not even waiting for the NBA season to begin. They’re eager to capitalize on your wallet right now.
From July 23, Peacock Premium (with ads) will cost $10.99/month, up $3, and Premium Plus (with limited ads during live broadcasts) will increase by $3 to $16.99/month. The annual rates will be $109.99 for Premium and $169.99 for Premium Plus.
Bear in mind, if you’re a dedicated NBA follower, you’ll also need Amazon Prime, a cable subscription for ESPN, plus access to NBC, ABC, and your local RSN.
Can someone explain how ditching cable for multiple streaming services is supposedly cheaper for a sports fan keen on various sports?
2. The dilemma of whether viral moments trump traditional ratings has been highlighted by this year’s ESPY awards.
Shane Gillis’s opening monologue spread like wildfire across social media, sparking debates and reactions, until overshadowed by the Coldplay concert controversy.
This viral spread would seem like a victory for ESPN.
Yet, in reality, the broadcast flopped, drawing only 2.1 million viewers on ABC—a 17% drop from the previous year and the lowest viewership on record, barring the pandemic-affected 2020 and 2021.
3. The low viewership of the ESPYs is arguably less concerning for ESPN than the absence of Caitlin Clark from the WNBA All-Star Game due to injury, which will significantly impact viewership.
Clark’s absence is also a blow to sports betting markets. Here are some insights into her influence:
• Fever games attract nearly 30% more bets than other WNBA games
• Over 18% of bets on Fever games involve Clark-related propositions
• A staggering 88% of these prop bets are wagered on the over.
4. A notable endorsement recently secured by Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, affectionately known as “Big Dumper,” perfectly aligns with his nickname.
TEAM UP WITH CAL RALEIGH!
Honey Bucket, a leader in portable sanitation services, is proud to announce a new partnership with Seattle’s powerhouse catcher and fan favorite, All-Star Cal Raleigh—affectionately known as Big Dumper.https://t.co/72Ps25Rz6g pic.twitter.com/jvevw00liu— Honey Bucket (@honeybucket) July 16, 2025
5. Thursday night left sports bettors high and dry with a virtually empty slate of games. But, as fans of Seinfeld might recall, Kramer always found something to bet on.
6. This week on SI Media With Jimmy Traina, NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson shares insights from his recent contract renewal with the NFL, which marks nearly two decades of him hosting the show.
Hanson also discusses the massive popularity of RedZone and some unique fan interactions, including being mentioned in wedding vows and having dogs named after the show.
Additionally, Hanson talks about the challenges of the 2025 NFL schedule, his return to NBC to host its Olympics Gold Zone channel, and more.
Following Hanson, Sal Licata from WFAN radio and SNY TV joins for a discussion on the MLB All-Star Game, Netflix’s Quarterback, a new Live Aid docuseries on CNN, and other personal anecdotes.
You can tune into the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast on Apple and Spotify.
7. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: In a surprising move, CBS announced the cancellation of not just the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, but the entire Late Show franchise, meaning no new host will be taking over.
This news comes as a shock, especially since it feels like it was just yesterday that David Letterman left the show.
Whenever I think of Stephen Colbert, I always remember his duet of Empire State of Mind with Alicia Keys on his old Comedy Central show. Despite the poor video quality and low sound, it remains a favorite watch of mine.
Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on X and Instagram.
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- Breaking: NBA’s New TV Deal Forces Fans to Hunt for Nightly Games – Don’t Miss Out!
- Shocking Stephen A. Smith Solitaire Scandal Theory Revealed!
- NBA and ESPN Blasted for Awful Game Scheduling!
- Skyrocketing Costs for Cord Cutters to Watch Sports – How High Will It Go?
Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.