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Morning Edition

November 21, 2024

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Colorado had its share of skeptics going into this season, but Deion Sanders’s Buffaloes have surged and are now favored to win the Big 12—and reach the College Football Playoff.

We explore what that would mean for the school, its coach, and even the sports media world.

— David Rumsey [[link removed]], Eric Fisher [[link removed]], and Colin Salao [[link removed]]

Prime Time: Colorado Now Favored to Win Big 12, Eyes CFP Berth [[link removed]]

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

In a development few experts saw coming before the college football season, Colorado is now the betting favorite to win the Big 12—and there are big off-field implications.

Winning a conference championship would give Deion Sanders & Co. a berth in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, and plenty of stakeholders would benefit from feeling the Coach Prime Effect in the postseason.

Here’s the road ahead: Colorado is No. 16 in the latest CFP rankings, two spots behind conference foe BYU at No. 14. If the programs each win their final two games, they’ll face off in the Big 12 Championship Game on Dec. 7 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, with a trip to the CFP—and potentially a first-round bye—on the line. Colorado plays at Kansas on Saturday, while BYU is at No. 21 Arizona State.

Before the season began, Colorado had 30-to-1 odds of winning the Big 12 [[link removed]], while BYU was dead last at 150-to-1. Now, Colorado is the favorite with odds ranging [[link removed]] between -110 and -143, and BYU is second with odds between +310 and +340.

The Big Ticket

Disney could be the biggest winner of Colorado’s potential playoff run.

ABC will broadcast the Big 12 title game, and ESPN has rights to the CFP (with two games this season being sublicensed to TNT Sports [[link removed]]). While Colorado’s TV ratings have cooled off some this season, the Buffaloes did help ESPN draw its best Thursday season-opening number since 2017 as 4.8 million people tuned in to Colorado’s 31–26 victory over North Dakota State in Week 1.

Sanders has downplayed talk he might be interested in an NFL coaching job [[link removed]] like the Cowboys, but AT&T Stadium could still pack in more than 80,000 fans for a Coach Prime–led Big 12 season finale, and the cheapest tickets already cost more than $100 each on secondary marketplaces.

If Colorado is one of the top four ranked conference champions, it would go straight to a CFP quarterfinal matchup played at a New Year’s Six bowl game. If it is the fifth-highest-ranked conference champion, it would likely end up playing a first-round road game at a major school like Ohio State, depending on the final rankings.

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Manfred Urges Patience on Rays Ballpark, Eyes MLB Media Shift [[link removed]]

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MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is stressing the need for patience with a hurricane-battered Tampa region weighing whether to still fund the Rays’ planned $1.3 billion ballpark.

“We got thrown, and the Rays got thrown, a curveball by weather developments,” Manfred said, speaking with reporters during owners meetings happening this week in New York. “I’m hopeful that we’re able to work through the situation in Tampa Bay. … Given the devastation in that area, it’s only fair to give the local governments an opportunity to figure out where they are, what they have available in terms of resources, and what’s doable.”

The commissioner’s comments Wednesday arrived a day after the Pinellas County, Fla., commission delayed for a second time [[link removed]] a vote to issue bonds to fund part of the stadium, throwing the project again into doubt. The county commission will revisit the bond issue, which would supply $312.5 million toward stadium construction, on Dec. 17.

But Manfred, striking a different tone than the club’s more downcast comments this week to local officials, reiterated that the league is fully committed to the Tampa region. Playing a second year in a temporary facility, should it become necessary, would require clarity on stadium funding.

A New Day in Local Media?

MLB, meanwhile, continues to revisit the notion of ultimately amassing a pool of teams’ local media rights to pursue a more centralized and nationalized strategy, somewhat akin to what the NFL does. Manfred has spent many months pursuing this [[link removed]], and the number of teams in the league-run model now is up to seven [[link removed]] after the Brewers, Guardians, Reds, and Twins in recent weeks joined the incumbent Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rockies.

A key timetable on that will be in four years when existing national rights contracts with ESPN, Fox, and TNT Sports all are due to expire (there is an earlier, mutual opt-out in the ESPN deal after next season). But pooling a greater number of local rights by then, along with national rights, would open up more possibilities as MLB goes out to market.

Such a move, however, also contemplates a fundamental reshaping of MLB’s revenue flow, which has huge ramifications both internally and with the MLB Players Association. The current collective bargaining agreement with the players expires in December 2026, and the next labor pact will likely bridge over that key media timeline.

“There’s an overwhelming sense of relief that the [Diamond Sports Group] bankruptcy is to a conclusion, and we have some certainty with respect to who’s going to be with MLB Media,” Manfred said. “We did a pretty good job in terms of maximizing the economics for the clubs. We never lost a game, and we have a lot of flexibility come 2028, which was our primary focus.”

Pinstripe Power

Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner, meanwhile, insisted the club is still a viable contender to retain free-agent outfielder Juan Soto. The 26-year-old has been meeting in recent days with several MLB teams and their owners, all in preparation for a deal that is likely to exceed $600 million and become the second-largest pact in U.S. sports history [[link removed]], and perhaps the biggest in present-day value. The Yankees have been among that group, and Steinbrenner called the roughly two-hour session with Soto and agent Scott Boras “a very honest, back-and-forth dialogue.”

“We’re in a better position than we were a year ago. There’s no doubt about that,” Steinbrenner said of the Yankees’ financial wherewithal. “We’ve got the ability to sign any player we want to sign.”

Steinbrenner added that he is well aware of the pressure surrounding the pursuit of Soto—particularly as he competes with teams such as the World Series champion Dodgers, the aggressive Phillies, and the crosstown Mets, backed by the league’s richest owner, Steve Cohen, and a new, joy-filled vibe [[link removed]] that departs from that franchise’s angst-filled history.

“I’ve got ears. I know what’s expected of me,” Steinbrenner said.

Other News Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki [[link removed]] is expected to be part of the 2025 international signing class beginning Jan. 15, which would involve reset bonus pools for all 30 clubs. Testing will begin during spring training on an automatic ball-strike challenge system, with an eye toward potential MLB use in 2026. Manfred said the A’s are still “full steam ahead” on plans to construct a new ballpark in Las Vegas with a 2028 opening.

“I understand there seems to be some sense of doubt that persists out there, but [A’s owner] John Fisher is completely committed to the process. … They’ve gone through the process of demonstrating that whether or not he takes on local partners, he has the capacity to build the stadium,” Manfred said.

Cavs vs. Celtics Draws Big TV Numbers in NBA Cup Showdown [[link removed]]

Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The face-off between the Celtics and Cavaliers had plenty of the ingredients required to drive viewers to their TV screens. And it delivered.

The game averaged 1.94 million viewers on TNT, up 79% over last year’s comparable game, and peaked at 2.7 million viewers.

The total for Tuesday night’s doubleheader dipped to an average of just 1.6 million viewers due to the Thunder-Spurs nightcap, where Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren were missing due to injury, but the overall average was still 42% higher than Night 3 of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament, which also featured the Spurs-Thunder followed by Clippers-Nuggets.

The latest results have brought NBA viewership on TNT essentially even with last season at an average of 1.8 million viewers per game.

The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup games are averaging 1.56 million viewers through six games, which is just a 4% increase over last year. This season’s number is dragged down by Friday’s ESPN games (Lakers-Spurs, 1.28 million; Grizzlies-Warriors, 1.03 million), which were affected by the Mike Tyson–Jake Paul fight [[link removed]] along with several other programs [[link removed].].

A Proven Recipe

The Cavs-Celtics viewership results showcased how, despite criticism against the league’s three-point-heavy style [[link removed]], an ostensibly meaningful contest featuring top teams and players can boost viewership.

The game had a clear storyline: The defending champions, entering the game at 11–3 and second in the East, battled a budding contender carrying a 15–0 record, the second-longest winning streak to start a season in league history. Most of the star players were healthy, and while no one had the name value of LeBron James—Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Donovan Mitchell are still top attractions.

It was also an NBA Cup showdown, and while it’s still not clear whether the in-season tournament is driving viewership—last Tuesday’s opener was up 71% but featured the return of Klay Thompson to Golden State [[link removed]]—it at least provided additional intrigue to the battle.

“Everybody knew that they were undefeated and coming to our building. And also, it’s an NBA Cup game, and we already lost one game. So it was a really big game in that aspect. So we were all aware,” Celtics guard Derrick White said after the game.

TRIVIA

Test your skills in our new daily sports trivia game [[link removed]]! We’re giving our newsletter subscribers a hint for today’s question: Tom Brady is one of the answers in the top five.

NIL WATCH Adding to the Collection

David Butler II-Imagn Images

Front Office Sports keeps you updated on the latest NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals shaping college sports. Here’s who is cashing in now:

Athlete: Paige Bueckers Sport: Basketball School: UConn Brand: Panini

The deal: The two-time first-team All-American and the 2021 Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year has signed a multiyear contract with the trading card and collectibles company. Bueckers is projected to be the top pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, with the Dallas Wings winning the draft lottery this week [[link removed]]. She has appeared in previous NIL campaigns with mainstream brands like Gatorade and Bose.

FRONT OFFICE SPORTS TODAY Who Will Win the Soto Sweepstakes?

FOS illustration

Juan Soto has been taking meetings with a slew of suitors, but only a few can truly afford him—for now. Front Office Sports newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins the show to assess which owners are capable and willing to break the bank for Soto, and how MLB is counting on its new CBA to balance things out.

Plus, Cleveland has emerged as the latest suitor for a WNBA team, joining … just about everyone else. FOS reporter Colin Salao explains the craze to secure the final WNBA expansion spot.

Also, the NFL saw its biggest TV audience of the season, the Bruins fired their coach, and the LPGA will have a major increase in prize money next year.

Watch, listen, and subscribe on Apple [[link removed]], Spotify [[link removed]], and YouTube [[link removed]].

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[[link removed]]

Colorado dominated Utah in a 49–24 win thanks to the winning combo of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.

Sanders was one of the nation’s top passers last week with 340 yards, while Hunter rushed for a touchdown, caught five passes, and excelled on defense, contesting throws and adding an interception. He became the first documented player to catch 50+ passes and pick off three or more in a season.

Get your own [[link removed]] Winning Combo of the Week at Wendy’s [[link removed]], and try the new Mushroom Bacon Cheeseburger with a Dr Pepper today.

Conversation Starters Nike paid tribute to Rafael Nadal in Paris, where he won the French Open a record 14 times. Take a look [[link removed]]. The NHL has revealed this year’s Winter Classic uniforms for the Blackhawks and the Blues. Check them out [[link removed]]. If the College Football Playoff started today, Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana, and Notre Dame would each host a Playoff game [[link removed]]. Editors’ Picks Trump Taps WWE’s Linda McMahon to Run Education Dept. He Promised to Close [[link removed]]by Amanda Christovich [[link removed]]McMahon would have significant influence over women’s college sports. Messi’s Inter Miami Coach Quits After Best Regular MLS Season Ever [[link removed]]by Margaret Fleming [[link removed]]Gerardo “Tata” Martino has been with Miami for about as long as Messi. The Wealthy Booster Spending Millions to Turn U.S. Soccer European [[link removed]]by Margaret Fleming [[link removed]]Michele Kang says NWSL expansion requires more coaches and refs. Question of the Day

Will Colorado make the College Football Playoff?

YES [[link removed]] NO [[link removed]]

Wednesday’s result: 89% of respondents think the NBA should be more aggressive about flexing underwhelming games out of national broadcast windows.

Advertise [[link removed]] Awards [[link removed]] Learning [[link removed]] Events [[link removed]] Video [[link removed]] Podcast [[link removed]] Written by David Rumsey [[link removed]], Eric Fisher [[link removed]], Colin Salao [[link removed]] Edited by Matthew Tabeek [[link removed]], Or Moyal [[link removed]], Catherine Chen [[link removed]]

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