As we get closer to the launch of Fox Sports 1, the battle lines are being drawn between ESPN, Fox and NBC. ESPN is the 800 lb. gorilla in the room, the three decade incumbent who has fought off all comers to date. With the power of being in the most homes and being able to draw the most money from cable and satellite providers plus the backing of its giant parent company Disney, ESPN is able to see their competitors from their headquarters in Bristol with high-powered binoculars.
Fox and NBC are battling it out for second place behind ESPN. With MLB, NASCAR, UFC, and major college conferences such as the Big 12 and the Pac-12 along with the new Big East and Conference USA, Fox Sports 1 has to given the edge over NBC Sports Network for second. However, NBCSN has the English Premier League coming later this month along with Formula 1 obtained this year in addition to the NHL, IndyCar and the Olympics. Of course, NASCAR is speeding towards NBCSN in 2015.
Three sports properties will be up for bid, MLS, the NBA and the Big Ten between now and 2017. ESPN and NBC currently hold MLS, ESPN and Turner have the NBA and ESPN/ABC and CBS have the Big Ten contracts in football and basketball. With three active bidders for each property, the three leagues can expect huge windfalls if the new contract for NASCAR is any indication.
Fox and NBC will shell out an estimated $8.2 billion for contracts that will last through 2024. And while ratings for NASCAR have fallen over the last few years, Fox and NBC were willing to pony up for much desired content for their cable networks, but also the potential to charge more to the providers down the road.
And if Fox and NBC are able to wrest away two of those contracts, the NBA in particular, it would be a huge blow to ESPN. And one would think losing the coveted Big Ten would also hurt the Bristolians.
NBC has had a slow start with NBCSN, however, the network has seen important ratings gains for the NHL since the lockout was resolved in January.
Fox has to get carriage agreements hashed out with Cablevision, Dish, DirecTV and Time Warner Cable and it will get them eventually.
For now, a once-empty pool is getting crowded and getting content will be key for survival.
