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How NFL brought 49ers-Rams to 'sports mad' Australia
The NFL's latest and farthest international venture is to Melbourne, Australia. How did the 49ers and Rams fit into those plans?
Chicago Bulls Receive Poor Rating in Basketball Power Index
The Basketball Power Index (via ESPN) ranks the Chicago Bulls as one of the bottom-five teams in the NBA. Can they beat their poor projection?
Legendary ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose passes away at 70
The hockey world has been dealt a tragic blow as iconic ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose has passed away. ESPN made the announcement on Wednesday evening. Melrose spent a lifetime in hockey as a player, coach, and television analyst. He played over 300 games in the NHL as a defenseman in the 1970s and 1980s.…
Florida Gets Love From ESPN After Week 1 Blowout Win
It was a very impressive opening game for Florida and Jon Sumrall, even if it was against Florida Atlantic. I don't love giving up 21 points, but Florida put up 66, and if the offense can keep doing what it did for much of the game, it will be in a very good spot to compete at a high level through the rest of the campaign.
Oregon Already Getting Disrespected by ESPN After Week 1 Win
Oregon had a very strange opening game on Saturday against Boise State. I think some are forgetting that Boise State is one of the better teams in the country, and while Oregon could have and should have played better, there's a very good scenario in which Boise State is a playoff team. We have to remember that at the end of the day, especially with Oregon still winning this game, the defense stepped up when needed.
New England Patriots Announce Roster Moves Hours Before Seahawks Kickoff
The New England Patriots will turn to a familiar reserve in their first game of the 2026 season.ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported Wednesday that running back Lan Larison and punter Mitch Wishnowsky were elevated from the practice squad for the Patriots’ season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. RB Lan Larison and punter Mitch Wishnowsky have been […] The post New England Patriots Announce Roster Moves Hours Before Seahawks Kickoff appeared first on HEAVY.
Three members of the ESPN/Disney family named to Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Three members of The Walt Disney Company/ESPN family – former Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger, Monday Night Football analyst Troy
Chicago Bulls Preseason Game Flexed to National Television
One of the Bulls' five preseason games was picked to be televised on ESPN.
Eagles Receive Positive Playoff Prediction From ESPN
ESPN gave the Philadelphia Eagles a positive playoff prediction.
Boston Celtics Get Interesting Evaluation Ahead of Training Camp
With about three weeks to go until training camp begins, ESPN sees the Celtics in a more favorable light than we do.
Optimal Blue announces initial speaker lineup for 2027 Summit
IMAGE CAPTION: Optimal Blue announces initial speaker lineup for 2027 Summit | Optimal Blue today announced its initial speaker lineup for its 2027 Optimal Blue Summit, including Analyst, ESPN Monday
ESPN expands Women’s Sports Sundays franchise into Fall 2026, anchored by college volleyball and NWSL
ESPN is extending its marquee women’s sports summer franchise, Women’s Sports Sundays, into Fall 2026. Building on the inaugural franchise of matchups across
Marc Overmars to step down as Royal Antwerp sporting director amid health issues
Marc Overmars has announced he will be stepping down from his job as sporting director at Royal Antwerp for health reasons.
ESPN insider reveals receive shocking, Warriors’ Jimmy Butler health update
The NBA season is rapidly approaching as teams are expected to report to training camp at the end of the month.
NFL media hires two veterans as new analysts
NFL Media is bolstering its ranks ahead of the 2026 season with a pair of familiar names. The league’s media arm is undergoing a transition this season with NFL Network now under the umbrella of ESPN. That arrangement is part of the equity deal that now sees the league as a minority owner in the…
Aaron Rodgers praises Karl Ravech for ‘phenomenal’ ESPN tenure
Aaron Rodgers loves to hate on ESPN, and the Worldwide Leader may have given him a little more ammunition by parting ways with Karl Ravech. Rodgers was recently interviewed by Adam Schein on his SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio show. At the end of the segment, Schein boldly gave Rodgers the open forum to share…
ESPN releases 2026 ManningCast schedule
It’s almost impossible to believe, but the 2026 season will mark the sixth campaign for the ManningCast from Peyton Manning and his brother Eli Manning. Officially Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli, the ManningCast has stood as one of the best and longest-standing altcasts in all of sports television. While the industry has hoped that…
Arena for 76ers, Flyers marks 'new era for Philadelphia sports'
The 76ers and Flyers have unveiled renderings of their new fully privately funded arena in South Philadelphia, which is targeted to open before the WNBA season in 2030.
Arena for 76ers, Flyers to open in 2030, marks 'new era'
The 76ers and Flyers have unveiled renderings of their new fully privately funded arena in South Philadelphia, which is targeted to open before the WNBA season in 2030.
Commanders draft national champion WR in latest 2027 mock draft
ESPN predicts the Washington Commanders will draft Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
ESPN analyst makes bold prediction about Titans' free agent signee
ESPN analyst predicts Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor will struggle despite his lucrative new contract.
Taylor McGregor Just Became College Football’s New Favorite Sideline Reporter
College football fans were supposed to be watching Florida State and SMU on Monday night. Instead, plenty of them found themselves watching Taylor McGregor. The ESPN sideline reporter found herself in the middle of one of the strangest broadcasts of the young college football season after a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium delayed the…
Matthew McConaughey Sends ‘Richter Scale’ Warning Before Texas-Ohio State
Matthew McConaughey believes Austin is about to become the center of the college football world when the Texas Longhorns take the field.The longtime Texas supporter appeared on ESPN’s “SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt” late Monday night and was asked about the No. 5 Longhorns’ upcoming home showdown with No. 1 Ohio State. McConaughey made it […] The post Matthew McConaughey Sends ‘Richter Scale’ Warning Before Texas-Ohio State appeared first on HEAVY.
Who is Taylor McGregor? Meet the New ESPN Superstar
College football fans have apparently discovered Taylor McGregor. And, judging by the internet’s reaction, they are not handling it particularly well. With Molly McGrath moving on to the NFL, somebody had to step into the college football sideline reporter spotlight. Enter McGregor. And suddenly every Saturday afternoon has a new reason to check Twitter. McGregor…
ESPN’s Katie George Just Changed Sideline Reporting Forever
Katie George Is Officially a Sports Media Psycho Some people had a relaxing Sunday. Katie George apparently looked at the sports calendar and said, “Why not do two cities and two sports instead?” George spent Sunday night in Nashville working the nationally televised Ole Miss-Louisville game at Nissan Stadium for ABC. Then came Monday. New…
FSU vs. SMU delayed due to stadium power outage
Florida State vs. SMU is currently delayed due to a power outage within the stadium. Kickoff was originally scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from Tallahassee, but before things got underway, the lights in the stadium are out and the press box is without power. According to the broadcast on ESPN, a transformer blew while attempting […]
Cowboys Announce Injury Update That Could Impact Eagles Game
The Dallas Cowboys have suffered a major injury ahead of Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. The Philadelphia Eagles are certainly taking notice of the situation. According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith suffered a thumb injury this offseason. As a result, the star lineman will undergo surgery. […] The post Cowboys Announce Injury Update That Could Impact Eagles Game appeared first on HEAVY.
Patriots’ Christian Gonzalez Talks “Not Close” Per ESPN Insider
ESPN insider Adam Schefter had an update on Christian Gonzalez’s contract talks. It is not one that New England Patriots fans will want to hear. The insider reported that talks had not progressed between the two sides.Earlier Monday, a report came out that Executive Vice President of Football Administration Matt Groh was a central figure […] The post Patriots’ Christian Gonzalez Talks “Not Close” Per ESPN Insider appeared first on HEAVY.
ESPN predicts huge honor for Falcons defender
Is Xavier Watts a future All-Pro? One ESPN analyst thinks so
ESPN’s models project just 7 wins for the NY Giants
ESPN predicts yet another losing season for the Giants, but are they setting themselves up for a surprise?
Astros' Yordan Alvarez receives brutal Triple Crown prediction from ESPN
This prediction would be heartbreaking for the Astros and Alvarez.
Ex-USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski out as KC Current sporting director
Former United States women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski has left his role as the sporting director of the Kansas City Current by mutual consent, the team announced on Monday.
"Be in the TV Business": ESPN’s Paul Finebaum Changes Stance and Publicly Sides With $91M Head Coach
Paul Finebaum watched Lane Kiffin shift from college football’s problem to its new draw after one night in Baton Rouge. LSU head coach had been the villain in the eligibility fight before the 2026 season began, but now that same story is being sold as must-watch TV now.
ESPN names biggest concern for Panthers going into 2026 season
The biggest concern for the Panthers going into Week 1 could be an area that they've spent a considerable amount of resources on.
Panthers Given Unfortunate Prediction By ESPN
The Carolina Panthers won the NFC South Division last season.Despite that, they’ve still got plenty of doubters heading into the 2026 NFL campaign, with Week 1 having arrived.On the one hand, you can’t necessarily blame people who don’t totally believe. It’s not like the Panthers ran away with the division last season. They were NFC […] The post Panthers Given Unfortunate Prediction By ESPN appeared first on HEAVY.
Random ESPN simulation predicts dream 2026 Detroit Lions season
One simulation has the 2026 Detroit Lions winning the Super Bowl in an absolute dream fashion.
Sørloth departure depends on Atlético replacement amid United interest
Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth, according to TeamTalk. ESPN’s transfer round-up also reports that the Norway international is bein...
49ers Get Bad News After Rams’ Puka Nacua Announcement
The San Francisco 49ers received bad news on Sunday when Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay announced that star WR Puka Nacua expects to play in Week 1.Adam Schefter of ESPN wrote on X: “Rams WR Puka Nacua, who has been dealing with psoas soreness and also could be facing potential discipline under the […] The post 49ers Get Bad News After Rams’ Puka Nacua Announcement appeared first on HEAVY.
Analyst predicts Vikings pass rusher to be among league leaders
This ESPN analyst believes one Vikings pass rusher could be among the league leaders in sacks in 2026.
ESPN has high expectations for their rookie wide receivers
One ESPN NFL analyst has high hopes for this talented wide receiver duo in Cleveland.
Panthers Given Eye-Opening 2026 Prediction From ESPN
The Carolina Panthers have been given a wild prediction from ESPN ahead of the new NFL season.
Bills Urged to Rework Contract for $60 Million Pro Bowler
ESPN's Aaron Schatz believes the Buffalo Bills need to rework the contract of a 5-time Pro Bowler. The post Bills Urged to Rework Contract for $60 Million Pro Bowler appeared first on HEAVY.
ESPN discusses Browns' Todd Monken and his playcalling history
Todd Monken and his playcalling get discussed ahead of Week 1.
Bears Dillon Thieneman gets surprise nod as possible Defensive Rookie of the Year from ESPN
One ESPN analyst has Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. @kdthompson5 explores here:
Alvarez Return Exposes Atletico’s Attacking Problems
Marcos Llorente told ESPN that Atletico Madrid need Julian Alvarez to start scoring, after Los Colchoneros suffered a shock 3-0 defeat at Athletic Club in LaLiga on Saturday. Alvarez came on as a seco...
Notable Cardinals rookies with different timelines for roles, per ESPN
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love is projected by ESPN for a major role right away, while Carson Beck will have to wait.
ESPN slammed over insensitive Naomi Osaka mental health comments during US Open match
Naomi Osaka is looking to return to the summit of tennis and add to her four Grand Slam titles at the US Open, only for ESPN commentators to point to her past struggles with mental health
College football analyst believes Bill Belichick era is ending soon
ESPN analyst Kevin Clark believes the Bill Belichick era is ending sooner than later.
A Look at Steph Curry's Expected Contract Extension With Warriors
Curry has been able to sign a two-year max extension for a week, and an ESPN insider would not be surprised if he took every dollar of it.
D.J. Reader named New York Giants' 2026 X-factor
ESPN recently named New York Giants DT D.J. Reader as the team's X-factor for the 2026 season.
ESPN's 'College Gameday' picks Week 1 games
Here is who ESPN's College Gameday has picked to win Week 1's biggest games.
Why was ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ off air, now looks different?
The show called an audible mid-show.
Report: Kalieb Osborne named starting QB
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that UConn’s starting quarterback will be Kalieb Osborne, a transfer from Toledo who played his high school ball in Waterford, Michigan, where he was a three-star recruit out of the Class of 2024. If the report is true, Osborne beat out returnee Tucker Mcdonald and Tennessee transfer Jake Merklinger, who was […]
College football viewing picks for September 5, 2026: How to watch Week 1
All Times Eastern 11 a.m. Webber International at Stetson — YouTube noon East Carolina at Alabama — ABC/ESPN Unlimited New Hampshire at Syracuse — ACC Network/ESPN Unlimited Bryant at Army — CBS Sports Network Oregon State at Houston — ESPN/ESPN Unlimited Liberty at James Madison — ESPNU/ESPN Unlimited North Texas at Indiana — Fox/Fox One…
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes steps down
Liverpool have confirmed the departure of sporting director Richard Hughes, will sources telling ESPN he is expected to take up a similar role at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
ESPN has surprising pick for Titans' X factor in 2026
ESPN names JC Latham the Titans' X factor for 2026, as his development is a key part of Tennessee's hopes for a major improvement from the offense.
Charles Barkley is ‘100 percent’ leaving Inside the NBA unless one condition is met
NBA legend Charles Barkley’s time with ESPN and Inside the NBA may come to a quick end. Last season, Inside the NBA officially moved on from TNT Sports as the show started airing on ESPN.
College football on TV today: Sept. 4
Enjoy all the appetizers before the main course Sunday night. North Texas at No. 6 Indiana | 12 p.m. | FOXEast Carolina at No. 13 Alabama | 12 p.m. | ABCOregon State at No. 23 Houston | 12 p.m. | ESPNCoastal Carolina at West Virginia | 12 p.m. | TNT/HBO MaxNew Hampshire at Syracuse | […]
ESPN has a big PR headache after the NBA's LA Clippers ruling
ESPN has caught scrutiny for its framing of the LA Clippers' salary cap scandal, which one PR pro called "very misleading."
Podcast: UTEP raises millions to compete in Mountain West Conference amid college sports money race
Following an intensive, multi-million dollar fundraising campaign, the university in July exited Conference USA, where it spent 21 years. ESPN 600’s Steve Kaplowitz and Adrian Broaddus join us on the El Paso Matters Podcast.
ESPN Ups Its Tennis Coverage Behind Andy Roddick And RedZone
TNT's "whiparound"-style tennis coverage comes to ESPN as Andy Roddick impresses in the first year of a new 12-year deal to air the U.S. Open
ESPN names Falcons' biggest 'X factor' ahead of 2026 season
ESPN lists Falcons defensive lineman as "X-factor" entering 2026 NFL season
Scott Hanson on Ads Coming to RedZone
Scott Hanson on RedZone's 300th episode and the show's future under the ESPN merger.
Where Indiana lands in ESPN’s 2026 College Football Playoff predictions
Here’s where ESPN’s panel of experts projects the Hoosiers land in the 2026 College Football Playoff seeding.
Fired by Turner Sports, Erin Andrews Doesn’t Hold Back on ‘Terrible’ Stint as MLB Reporter Before ESPN & FOX Roles
Sportscaster and journalist Erin Andrews’ path to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in sports television was not nearly as smooth as it looks in hindsight. Before ESPN, FOX Sports, Super Bowls, and years on the NFL sideline, Andrews had a short stretch at Turner Sports that ended with the network letting her go.
Srikanth loses in China Masters quarters; Anahat Singh in London Squash Classic QF: Indian Sports LIVE, September 4
Here are all the updates from Indian sports on September 4, 2026.
Pablo Torre Sounds Off on the Clippers Ruling, Kawhi Leonard and ESPN — and Teases His Next Big Story
“Pablo Torre Finds Out” host on the NBA’s historic ruling against the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard’s slap on the wrist and ESPN undermining his reporting.
Latest injury update on Bears RB D'Andre Swift
ESPN's Adam Schefter shared an encouraging injury update on Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift.
ESPN Makes ‘Bold Prediction’ on Bucs’ 2nd-Year Defender
ESPN's Dan Graziano made a bold prediction on 1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge rusher and 2025 draft pick. The post ESPN Makes ‘Bold Prediction’ on Bucs’ 2nd-Year Defender appeared first on HEAVY.
ESPN Radio wanted to pair Michael Kay with John McEnroe
If John McEnroe gave ESPN what they wanted, one of the most successful pairings in sports radio history never would have come to fruition. ESPN New York celebrated their 25th anniversary with a two-hour reunion show featuring Michael Kay and Don La Greca Thursday afternoon. 25 years ago, La Greca was the first local voice…
Disney Jr., ESPN and ABC30 bring free youth sports clinic to Fresno
ABC30, Disney Jr. and ESPN brought a free sports clinic to Fresno, giving young kids a chance to play, learn and get active.
Disney Jr., ESPN and ABC30 bring free youth sports clinic to Fresno
ABC30, Disney Jr. and ESPN brought a free sports clinic to Fresno, giving young kids a chance to play, learn and get active.
Disney Jr., ESPN and ABC30 bring free youth sports clinic to Fresno
ABC30, Disney Jr. and ESPN brought a free sports clinic to Fresno, giving young kids a chance to play, learn and get active.
NCAA clears Cincinnati in Brendan Sorsby sports betting probe
The NCAA has cleared the University of Cincinnati of any wrongdoing in its handling of former quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
Colorado vs. Georgia Tech: Season Opener Set for Thursday Night
The 2026 college football season officially gets underway for two Power Four programs on Thursday night when the Colorado Buffaloes travel to Atlanta to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN at Bobby Dodd Stadium, with Georgia Tech looking to begin the season with another win…
Nick Wright Criticizes Dan Orlovsky's 'Unacceptable' Matthew Stafford Claim
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky gave a take on Rams QB Matthew Stafford that was so egregious that Nick Wright had to call him out for it.
Former Dolphins WR Joins Mike McDaniel’s New Team: Report
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Los Angeles Chargers signed former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Theo Wease to their practice squad. The post Former Dolphins WR Joins Mike McDaniel’s New Team: Report appeared first on HEAVY.
NBA reportedly strips Clippers of 5 first-round draft picks, fines Steve Ballmer $30M in Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention probe
The NBA has stripped the Los Angeles Clippers of five first-round draft picks and fined owner Steve Ballmer $30 million at the conclusion of it’s probe into alleged salary cap circumvention with Kawhi Leonard, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
ASU's Matthew Mayich had heat stroke, lack of oxygen to brain
Matthew Mayich, the Arizona State hockey player and Blues draft pick who collapsed in an offseason workout suffered exertional heat stroke that reduced the flow of oxygen to his brain, his attorney told ESPN.
Browns come in near the bottom of ESPN power rankings
ESPN does not have high hopes for the Browns based on their power rankings spot.
'Big Day with Peter Schrager' brings sports' biggest stories, unfiltered conversation and humor to ESPN starting Sept. 10
From breaking news and unfiltered conversations to memorable guests and storytelling, Big Day with Peter Schrager debuts Thursday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN. The new weekday show will air from 2-3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays during the college football season before expanding to Fridays after the season concludes.
Lambeau Field to host Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio State hockey
The Travel Wisconsin Frozen Tundra Faceoff will feature a college hockey doubleheader Feb. 20 with Wisconsin men's and women's hockey, Michigan and OSU.
ESPN to debut Peter Schrager’s new daily afternoon show next week: Sources
A longtime on-air presence with NFL Network, Schrager moved over to ESPN a year ago.
Line in the sand’: Plowman says SEC standing firm on rule banning ex-pros
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As some former NFL players attempt to return to college football, University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman told ESPN the SEC is standing firm on its rule banning players who were drafted or listed on professional rosters from returning to play. Plowman, who is the president of the SEC’s executive committee, […]
Browns' Carson Schwesinger Lands in ESPN Top-100 Player Ranking
Cleveland Browns star defensive player Carson Schwesinger has landed in the ESPN Top-100 Player Rankings.
William Jewell College: RB Barnett had no known health condition
MicahJo Barnett was immediately attended to by multiple onsite medical workers with AEDs, William Jewell College's interim president said.
What Box Office Bomb Crushed Obsession on Streaming?
(Welcome to my weekly streaming ratings report, the single best guide to what’s popular in streaming TV and what isn’t. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. If you were forwarded this email, please subscribe to get these insights each week.) Before we get into this week’s issue, let me ask you for some suggestions. At the risk of coining too many names for too many things (hence my dictionary of terms...), I need a name for straight-to-streaming films that are too expensive to justify a straight-to-streaming release, but not big enough to justify a theatrical release. Like some of the films I highlighted in last week’s tally of the biggest film flops of 2026 so far: Hulu’s Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, Pizza Movie or Never Change! They don’t feel like “made for TV movies” (think Hallmark and Lifetime movies, cheap Netflix romcoms, or Disney Channel Original movies, for example) but they don’t feel big enough for the big screen. They’re not “cinematic” enough, so to speak. As I wrote... “I still need a name for this middle zone of film that’s too expensive to go straight-to-streaming but too small to justify a theatrical release (with all the PR, distribution, marketing and whatnot costs that go along with it), the Goldilocks zone of streaming film death.” Friend of the newsletter Brandon Katz has suggested the “Bermuda Budget Triangle”, “The Platform Gap” and “The Distribution Deadzone”. I love that first one. I’d offer up the much wordier “The Streaming Budget Dead Zone” or “the Goldilocks Zone of streaming film death” but that last one isn’t accurate since, unlike Goldilocks’ porridge, these films are the opposite of “just right”. That’s the problem! Anyway, if you have any suggestions, let me know! On to today’s Streaming Ratings Report. As you can tell by today’s headline, things are going to be spicy! I’m looking at a box office bomb that did really, really well on streaming, somewhat challenging a few different narratives. And another Netflix series declined in its second season. All that, plus Wicked: For Good switching streamers, The Hawk continuing its strong run, _The Bear’_s finale season finally dropping off the charts, the WNBA posting a big viewership number, “shallow libraries”, a sitcom spinoff failing to launch, more big budget IP flopping on Paramount+, all the flops, bombs and misses, and a whole lot more. Let’s dive right in! (Reminder: The streaming ratings report focuses on the U.S. market and compiles data from Nielsen’s weekly top ten viewership ranks, Luminate’s Top Ten Data, JustWatch and Reelgood interest data, Samba TV household viewership, company datecdotes, Netflix hours viewed data, Google Trends, and IMDb to determine the most popular content. While most data points are current, Nielsen’s data covers the weeks of July 20th to July 26th, 2026. You can find a link to my terminology here.) Subscribe Film - The Latest Theatrical Success Story on Streaming In the latest edition of “Flops, Bombs and Misses of the First Half of 2026”, I made a crucial change: I started including theatrical films with the streaming misses. The streamers have collectively—including Netflix, but not to as big of an extent—stopped making a lot of straight-to-streaming films, and the ones they do make aren’t as expensive as in the heyday of the streaming bubble. After the following two films bombed in theaters, you’d guess that they’ll be included in my next collection of flops, bombs and misses six months from now: Masters of the Universe on Prime Video (only $64 million domestic box office) Mortal Kombat II on HBO Max ($79 million domestic) But you’d be wrong! Masters of the Universe, a reboot of the He-Man franchise, a toy from the 1980s, came to streaming on 22-July and did great! This long-gestating project—it’s been at every studio for years, and came close to getting a greenlight at Netflix—then finally came to theaters in June, and showed up on streaming less than two months later. (I don’t love this short theatrical window.) It surprisingly grabbed nearly 20 million hours on its debut: That means, wait for it, Masters of the Universe is currently the eighth biggest film on streaming through two weeks. My rough bar for “hit” is shows or films in the top 15%. Ergo…Masters of the Universe is a legit, streaming hit! (One quick caveat: if it falls out of the top ten next week, it will move to 13th overall, just on the edge of the top 15.) Of course, that’s the data for just 2026. Here’s how it stacks up to Prime Video’s theatrical films: That drop into its second week is typical for Amazon films, but also a worrying sign. I have a feeling interest in this film is front-loaded and we’ll see it drop off after this. As for Mortal Kombat II, in this case, the viewership numbers roughly match the theatrical outing, with only 4.1 million hours in its first week. Here’s how it stacks up to other HBO Max films: The best defense of this number is that, as a relatively violent rated-R film, Mortal Kombat II never had a good chance at breaking out. So now it’s time for a little big of “Entertainment Nuance Guy”: First, yeah, my headline is obviously facetious, since Masters of the Universe besting Obsession says more about horror as a genre than it does that film. Second, I read and listened to quite a few “nobody wanted this IP” takes about Masters of the Universe, and that’s not really true. At least enough people wanted it to power a 20 million+ hour debut! Third, both this film and Mortal Kombat II were considered “average” by viewers, but not great films, with a 6.4 and 6.3 respectively on IMDb. That’s just shy of the level needed to be a word-of-mouth hit. Fourth, in the olden days, strong word of mouth could transform a box office miss into a cable/DVD hit, like Austin Powers or The Shawshank Redemption. We haven’t seen a lot of examples of that on streaming, though. And there are far fewer ways to monetize the post-theatrical life of a film these days. Fifth, Prime Video has shown an ability to push their own titles well, likely because they control the Amazon Fire TV ecosystem. Add it all up, and here’s my nuanced take on Masters of the Universe: it was a box office bomb, but, shockingly, a streaming hit. Unfortunately, while being a theatrical hit saves your film financially, being a streaming hit does not. Both Masters of the Universe and Mortal Kombat II had big budgets and needed to make more money in theaters to justify them. So…Straight-to-Streaming or Theaters? We’ve hit a really fun point in the streaming calendar, since the films that came out in theaters in April, May, and June are now arriving on streaming. So the “Do theatrical releases help streaming performances?” question is gonna get a fresh round of updates nearly every week. No single week will answer the question, but we may get some insights. For example, so far in 2026, it looks like theatrical films are lasting longer on the weekly Nielsen film charts. Here’s a list of films that have made the charts in their fourth or fifth week of release, separated by “for kids” and “general entertainment”: It certainly seems like theatrical films are lasting just a pinch longer on the charts, with Project Hail Mary being the current five-week champion. One Battle After Another did well for HBO Max too, and even The Sheep Detectives made it four weeks. The only exception to this trend? Obsession, which only lasted two weeks on the charts. You might tempted to overreact to this news. Don’t. Obsession is a huge horror hit, but horror just doesn’t do as well on streaming. By the way, here’s the Google Trends for various theatrical and stremaing films: Plus, when it comes to Netflix in four months, Obsession may have another big boost. Quick Notes on Film Note that when I write, “the streamers have pulled back on straight-to-streaming films” that doesn’t mean “abandoned” because Netflix is gonna Netflix. On 24-July, they released 72 Hours, a Kevin Hart comedy. Along with Eddie Murphy, Mark Wahlberg, John Cena and Adam Sandler, Kevin Hart is a streaming film star now. Did this latest one work? Not really. It only garnered two weeks of 13.2 and 12.2 million hours on its debut, well below the 20-million-hour hit threshold. It also was poorly received critically—a 44 on Metacritic—and by customers—a 5.4 on IMDb on 21K IMDb reviews. We’re just getting started with this issue, but the rest is for paid subscribers of the Entertainment Strategy Guy, so if you’d like to find out… The latest Netflix true crime doc to pop on the charts… How The Bear finished its run… Netflix’s latest Western to return to streaming… What Paramount+ animated film flopped… And what sitcom also missed… All the flops, bombs and misses… And a whole lot more… ...please subscribe! We can only keep doing this great work with your support. Coming Soon! I’m behind by a week, so we’ve got two issues coming your way this week, including one in a couple of days or so, then we’ll be all caught up**.** Next issue, inspired by The Super Mario Galaxy Movie coming to Peacock, I’m going to take a look at the workhouse of streaming TV: kids films. Plus The Devil Wears Prada 2 continues theatrical films’ big run on streaming. All that, plus another surprise hit on Hulu, Lioness on CBS, and a whole lot more. Long term, LeBron James is filming his own “Last Dance”-style docu-series, surprising no one. But as I’ve been writing about a lot this summer, this genre is really overrated, so whoever ends up buying it (reportedly ESPN) really shouldn’t pay too much for it.
Former Texas Tech WR suing NCAA over ban for sports betting
Former Texas Tech wide receiver Roy Alexander is suing the NCAA in an effort to overturn a six-game suspension he received for betting on sports.
Kroenke to buy controlling interest in Angels from Moreno
Stan Kroenke has reached an agreement to acquire controlling interest in the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno.
ESPN Unlimited now fully integrated into YouTube TV
At long last, the partnership between ESPN and YouTube TV has reached its final form. About 10 months since Disney and YouTube TV finalized a new distribution agreement following fraught negotiations that kept Disney-owned networks blacked out on YouTube TV for weeks during the heart of football season, the moment YouTube TV subscribers have all…
Kirk Herbstreit Was Embarrassed By USC's Crowd In Week 0
While many fans USC's near-empty stadium as a source of mockery, ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit was simply embarrassed for the Trojans.
Ex-NFL QB, CBS Sports analyst Tony Romo pleads no contest to OWI
Ex-Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports lead football analyst Tony Romo pleaded no contest to OWI charges in Milwaukee. He will have driving privileges revoked for six months and will seek help from a team of doctors.
Seahawks soar in ESPN's preseason power rankings
The Seahawks came in behind only one NFL team in ESPN’s latest power rankings following the NFL deadline for teams to round out their 53-man rosters.
ESPN Unlimited Now Available on YouTube TV
ESPN Unlimited content is now available directly on YouTube TV, giving the streaming service’s subscribers access to thousands of additional live sporting events. YouTube TV’s addition of ESPN Unlimited comes under the deal struck between Google and Disney reached in November 2025, after a two-week blackout of Disney-owned networks on YouTube TV. Other pay-TV providers …
Jets are named among ESPN's most unwatchable NFL teams
ESPN put the Jets on a tough list ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Monday Musings: The Ghost of ABC Sports
On the latest "Monday Musings," the lost legacy of ABC Sports 20 years after its dissolution. Plus, thoughts on Karl Ravech's exit from ESPN.
ESPN Reveals Huge Record Within Reach for Vikings Star
ESPN ranked the Minnesota Vikings 22nd in their post-draft power rankings released on Monday morning. This was compiled by various ESPN analysts.In addition to just where they stood in the preseason rankings, each team also had a milestone to watch for this upcoming season. For the Vikings, the player and potentially even the milestone aren’t […] The post ESPN Reveals Huge Record Within Reach for Vikings Star appeared first on HEAVY.
49ers, Chargers top sports world poking fun at man who posed as 49ers player
Since two men were arrested with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, the story has dominated social media, with even athletes and sports teams chiming in.