Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit averages 12.1 million viewers (TV+Digital) across ESPN, NFL Network, ABC, ESPN Deportes and digital channels. Up 6% over last year's R1 (11.4 million). Record was 15.6 million viewers in 2020.

Far more smarter people than me here esp. my colleague Joe Buscaglia.

As a former Buffaloian who wants that city to one day have a parade: The reality for the Bills is 2025 strikes me as a much better year for a long run than 2024. I'd take Cooper DeJean at 33. Then a WR. Let's…

I had some thoughts on Nick Saban's ESPN/ABC debut.

theathletic.com/5441977/2024/0…

Longterm for the WNBA: Amazon is one to watch as far as increasing inventory.

PFT Commenter Tony Khan Portrait of a Gentleman, artist unknown, 1620

If Amazon follows its NFL blueprint, they'll aim to create a dynamic pre (and especially) postgame studio show as well as a best in class announce team. There will be some leverage for NBA folks with contracts coming up.

If it was me, my first call is to.....

Jeff Van Gundy.

Huge news from Andrew Marchand:

The NBA and Amazon Prime Video have a framework for an agreement that will make Amazon a MAJOR player for NBA regular season and postseason games for a decade.

Details: theathletic.com/5450064/2024/0…

Credit NFL Network Senior Director of Guest Booking Rose Garcia for making this happen on the TV side and Jaguars director of communications Amanda Holt on the Jacksonville side. Just going all-in on the gimmick during NFL Draft coverage.

Andy Kaufman 2.0

NEW: I watched all of Nick Saban’s on-air Draft work on Thursday. His knowledge was exceptional. The most important thing for the colleagues around him? Don’t genuflect. Don’t kiss his ass. Make him your broadcast equal.

Some thoughts:

theathletic.com/5441977/2024/0…

I woke up this morning and am still amazed by this.

The cover of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, 25 years ago today:

What's interesting here, as long time New Yorkers know, is how many appearances Trump made on Stern over the years. He was always an excellent talk-show guest and his Stern appearances give you great insight into the political kayfabe that was to come.

Not on my bingo card for 2024.....

I like to give Freezing Cold Takes something every five years he can either bang me on or forget.

I love the Michael Penix Jr. pick. See you in 2028.

Nick Saban earned his salary on Thursday night.

Judging how Saban will be as a broadcaster long-term based on one night of work is absurd.

But he's signed for multiple years at ESPN, so Richard Deitsch has some opening thoughts ⤵️
theathletic.com/5441977/2024/0…

NEW: I watched all of Nick Saban’s on-air Draft work on Thursday. His knowledge was exceptional. The most important thing for the colleagues around him? Don’t genuflect. Don’t kiss his ass. Make him your broadcast equal.

Some thoughts:

theathletic.com/5441977/2024/0…

I like it as well. If Xavier Worthy becomes a star, it's going to carry the narrative but they improved asset-wise.

Absolutely incredible.

Give all the Emmys to Charlie Yook.

I'm writing about Nick Saban for tomorrow but Belichick has been absolutely tremendous tonight.

As expected.

⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️