Upfront season highlights sports; late changes for the last available NFL games; Tennis Channel’s Jeff Blackburn

Upfront season highlights sports; late changes for the last available NFL games; Tennis Channel’s Jeff Blackburn

From The Sports Media Podcast by Sports Business Journal

May 14, 2026 · 33 min · Episode 245

About this episode

The episode discusses highlights from the Upfronts, NFL game scheduling, and features an interview with Tennis Channel CEO Jeff Blackburn.

On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter go deep on the biggest headlines around sports media. First, the duo look back at the Upfronts in Manhattan and how sports was woven in. Then, there’s talk about where some NFL games are landing ahead of the formal schedule release and how the Knicks return to the conference finals is a win for the NBA. Finally, with Roland Garros around the corner and the network growing its viewership, Tennis Channel CEO Jeff Blackburn joins to break down how the spring was a big hit and what’s ahead for the Sinclair-owned channel.

People in this episode

Hosts: Austin Karp, Josh Carpenter

Guest: Jeff Blackburn

Topics covered

  • sports media
  • NFL schedule
  • Tennis Channel
  • NBA playoffs
  • Upfronts
  • viewership growth

Keywords

  • sports media
  • NFL
  • Tennis Channel
  • Upfronts
  • NBA
  • viewership
  • Jeff Blackburn
  • conference finals
  • Roland Garros

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tennis Channel, Sinclair, NBA, NFL

Places: Manhattan

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