Sports Media Report
In advance of the upcoming NBA and NHL Drafts, MSG Networks (NYSE: MSGN) today announced the launch of “Rookie Week, presented by Squarespace” a full week of rookie-themed programming airing across the network’s linear, digital and social platforms. The all-week takeover will kick-off today and provide viewers with extensive, in-depth draft coverage, as well as expert commentary on New York’s teams in the lead up to the NBA Draft on Thursday, June 20th and the NHL Draft on Friday, June 21st, which will see the Devils, Rangers and Knicks each selecting in the top three of their respective drafts.
As part of the themed week offering, MSG Networks will air increased rookie content on the “MSG 150,” its new nightly sports talk show that will air this week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00pm – 1030pm. On Thursday and Friday, MSG Networks will air special NBA and NHL Draft editions of the “MSG 150” while the drafts are taking place, featuring real-time updates and instant analysis after each selection. Thursday’s live show will air from 7:30pm – 10:00pm to coincide with the start of the NBA Draft and the Knicks’ 3rd overall selection. Friday’s live special will begin at 8:00pm, but will be extended to ensure for complete coverage of the first round of the NHL Draft and the picks of the Devils (1st), Rangers (2nd, 20th) and Islanders (23rd).
During the week, MSG Networks will showcase classic rookie performances from some of New York’s most iconic athletes and Rookie of the Year winners, including former Knicks greats Patrick Ewing and Mark Jackson, former Devils stars Martin Brodeur and Scott Gomez, Rangers icon Brian Leetch, Islanders legends Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier and current Islanders center Mathew Barzal. MSG Networks analyst and Knicks legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier, along with other notable athletes such as Red Bulls goalie Luis Robles, Devils forward Nico Hischier and former NBA star and MSG Networks analyst Wally Szczerbiak, will also share their favorite draft night stories and rookie memories.
Popular Knicks blog, Knicks Film School, will also provide highlights and a deep dive into the play of last year’s impressive Knicks’ rookie class of Kevin Knox, Alonzo Trier and Mitchell Robinson, as well as breakdowns of some of the potential top picks in this year’s draft.
Fans are encouraged to join the conversation throughout the week on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the dedicated hashtag #RookieWeek. The rookie takeover will also feature increased content and promotion on MSG GO, MSG Networks’ live streaming and video on demand platform for smartphones, tablets and computers.
