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The Play-By-Play

by Awful Announcing

The Play-By-Play is a sports media news talk show brought to you by Awful Announcing. Join AA writers Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod each week as they bring you the latest news and insight from the ever-changing sports media world, including all of the happenings at ESPN, Fox, NBC, CBS, Turner, Amazon and beyond. Subscribe to The Play By Play on Apple, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

  1. Our Exclusive Details on ESPN Lobbying For Protect College Sports Act

    ESPN and Fox Sports both have lobbied for the Protect College Sports Act alongside Cody Campbell's Save College Sports organization much more than previously known, even as Nick Saban and Ted Cruz lobby for the bill on ESPN airwaves. We dive into an exclusive report from Awful Announcing on the...

  2. Adam Schefter Stops Halfway with Cardinals Trade Scoop; Is CFB Media Getting Off the Arch Manning Rollercoaster?

    Adam Schefter reported Marvin Harrison Jr. was on his way out of Arizona, but failed to report where he was going, opening another can of worms for the maligned ESPN NFL insider. It's also time for Stock Watch Stock Watch on the Arch Manning experience at Texas, after another late-game collapse…

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  3. Why Did Fox Sports Abruptly End Barstool's Deal with 'Big Noon Kickoff'?

    Dave Portnoy and Barstool are OUT at Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff" college football pregame show, a month into their second season together. What really happened here, what does it mean for Barstool's FS1 show, and what can the move tell us about the state of college football coverage? It's The...

  4. Tony Romo Officially Out At CBS Sports Plus a Big Ten vs SEC Media Deep Dive

    Tony Romo and CBS Sports parted ways Friday, leaving the polarizing NFL analyst free to seek out his next job. Plus, the Portland Trail Blazers stepped in it again by firing their 29-year-old new TV announcer over old tweets from when he was in high school. Then a deep dive into the Big Ten vs…

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  5. Did J.J. Watt Pass Big Brazil Test In 'Audition' For Top 'NFL on CBS' Job?

    J.J. Watt got a huge shot in his audition to be the top NFL game analyst at CBS over the weekend, calling a classic in Brazil between the Ravens and Cowboys. Did Watt do well enough to cement himself alongside Jim Nantz in the top booth? It's The Play-By-Play LIVE! 1:03 JJ Watt breakdown 34:17…

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  6. Is 'College GameDay' Actually Worse Plus Michael Lombardi's Fall & Rise

    As "College GameDay" pursues more of an agenda after Lee Corso's departure, the viewership is as strong as ever. Is the show actually worse? Ben Axelrod of Front Office Sports joins to answer. Plus, Michael Lombardi is back in media just as quickly as he left UNC; what is the correct Deshaun…

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  7. Dan Le Batard Calls Out ESPN On Diversity; Do We Still Need Beat Reporters; Was Mike Macdonald Off the Record?

    Dan Le Batard is on ESPN's case on its recent diversity track record, and the Worldwide Leader took the rare step of responding to Le Batard on the record. Plus, Mike MacDonald gave the Seahawks another PR mess and beat reporters continue to disappear after the McClatchy layoffs. It's The...

  8. 'ManningCast' On Life Support? Plus Troy Aikman Puts Pressure on ESPN | The Play-By-Play LIVE

    The ManningCast on ESPN is losing viewers rapidly, once again calling into question the value of the NFL alt-cast. On the main "Monday Night Football" broadcast, Troy Aikman revealed his contract talks are on hold and put pressure on ESPN to meet him in the middle. Plus, the Pro Football Hall of...

  9. LeBron's Polymarket Payday, Sophie's Pivot & Arch's Apology w/ TYT's Rick Strom | The Play-By-Play

    LeBron James will make $15M from Polymarket this year, giving us our first sense of the dollars at play as prediction markets overtake sports betting. Rick Strom of @tytsports joins to react to the news. Plus, Sophie Cunningham has relaunched her podcast and is already back to thinly veiled takes...

  10. Joe Buck Extends As NFL Broadcaster Shakeup Looms; World Series To ESPN? Plus Kaep's Media Tour

    Joe Buck is returning to ESPN and will call another Super Bowl in 2031, as well as potentially the World Series again in the future. What does this mean for Troy Aikman and the rest of the NFL broadcaster world? Plus, the Colin Kaepernick media tour and our Hot Mic takes from around sports media....

  11. Ted Cruz Booed On 'GameDay,' Mike Tomlin Takes Over Sunday Nights | The Play-By-Play

    College GameDay kept the political lobbying going in Week 2 as U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz joined the show to argue for the Protect College Sports Act. Fans in Austin booed him and the internet ripped ESPN for the move, but will anything change? Plus, Mike Tomlin made his long-awaited debut as an NFL...

  12. Ohtani's Decline, 'Buck Voice,' Debating MLB In 2026 & More w/ Marlins Radio Voice Jack McMullen

    We hit why Ketel Marte went AWOL, is Shohei Ohtani in decline and more MLB storylines with Miami Marlins radio voice and Just Baseball Show host Jack McMullen. Then a big picture conversation on MLB media, including the legend of "Joe Buck Voice," why baseball podcasting got big, and how to have…

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  13. Schrager's New Show, the Credentialed Creator Conundrum & the Final Round of Influence Olympics

    Pat McAfee and Bill Simmons go head-to-head in the final round of our Sports Media Influence Olympics. First, we get to the new Peter Schrager show on ESPN, "Big Day," as well as the troubling trend of media getting their credentials revoked over negative coverage and critical reporting. It's The...

  14. College Football Media Preview: The Voice of CFB, SEC vs. Big Ten, TNT's CFP Takeover & More

    It's time for our college football media preview. Is Pat McAfee the voice of college football? Will the Big Ten's dominance start to show up in TV viewership? How mad will everyone be when they realize they have to have TNT to watch the College Football Playoff semifinals? Plus... which CFB...

  15. Top 'College GameDay' Producer Exits, Tony Romo Resurfaces, 'Pardon My Take' Book Hits #1

    A top 'College GameDay' producer has been reassigned at ESPN, and some believe Pat McAfee was the cause. At CBS, Tony Romo finally issued a statement through his reps as he faces new charges from an OWI arrest. And the 'Pardon My Take' 10th anniversary book is an NYT bestseller, so we look back…

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  16. NFL Media Mum On Jed York But Loud On CTE; Kirk Herbstreit Calls Out ESPN's CFB Coverage

    49ers owner Jed York was arrested for allegedly soliciting prostitution this week, and NFL media has been fairly quiet. But a new study on CTE in NFL players got a ton of attention. We break down the disparity, plus weigh in on Kirk Herbstreit's comments about ESPN skimping on CFB coverage. Last,...

  17. Brady the Hater, New Rules for Aikman, Puka Thoughts & More w/ NFL YouTuber Brandon Perna

    Tom Brady hates the preseason, Troy Aikman faces new rules at ESPN, and nobody wants to talk about Puka Nacua. Brandon Perna (ThatsGoodSports on YouTube) joins to discuss the latest NFL media headlines plus his thoughts on Pat McAfee entering NFL coverage, the industry's embrace of content...

  18. McAfee Joins 'MNF,' Clay Travis Is Back & Pelissero Chooses Netflix/Ringer

    The NFL and CFB are busy with media moves, and we cover the latest with Pat McAfee, Clay Travis, Tom Pelissero and even Jason Kelce. In between, we talk Howard Cosell, Netflix, the WNBA and podcasting. Then, the second stage of the Sports Media Influence Olympics continues with Colin Cowherd vs....

  19. Breaking Down Pat McAfee's Album & Response Plus Influence Olympics: McAfee vs. Big Cat, Stephen A. vs. Barkley

    Pat McAfee released his debut album "The Diary of a Polarizing Figure" last Friday, and the audience has not responded well. We break down the lyrics, the reception, and more from ESPN's biggest star. Then, we move onto the second stage of the Sports Media Influence Olympics as McAfee goes...

  20. LeBron Face Of NBA? Kawhi vs. NBA, Weird Lakers Sale & More w/ Twitch Streamer Legend of Winning

    Is LeBron James still the face of the NBA? Will Kawhi Leonard or the Clippers be punished? And what's going on with the Lakers sale as everyone in the media agrees it's fishy? Twitch streamer and YouTuber Legend of Winning joins to give his thoughts. Plus, LOW shares which mainstream NBA media...

  21. Predicting NFL Analyst Moves at ESPN/Fox/Prime, Plus Influence Olympics: Sharpe vs. Big Cat

    Three big NFL game analysts are up for new deals after 2026, so where will Troy Aikman, Kirk Herbstreit and Greg Olsen end up after this season? Plus, Round 7 of our Sports Media Influence Olympics, featuring Shannon Sharpe and Dan "Big Cat" Katz. It's The Play-By-Play LIVE! Awful Announcing on…

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  22. Did Pablo Torre Just Blow Open the Kawhi Scandal? Plus Influence Olympics: Barkley vs. Wright

    Pablo Torre might have finally found evidence that Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers and the NBA can't ignore. Plus, Round 7 of our Sports Media Influence Olympics where Charles Barkley and Nick Wright go head-to-head in the Television region. It's The Play-By-Play LIVE! Awful Announcing on X:...

  23. Fox News Host Admits Lies About WNBA, Where Could Tony Romo Go, Plus Influence Olympics Part 5

    Fox News host Jesse Watters admitted he doesn't actually care about the WNBA or believe a "man" would ever actually play in the league after days of chatter about Sophie Cunningham. We also give early predictions on where Tony Romo could end up if he loses his job as the top game analyst at CBS...

  24. Is ESPN Really Done w/ 'Embrace Debate'? Plus Influence Olympics: SAS vs. PTI & ESPN vs. Yahoo

    New ESPN execs are done with "Embrace Debate" and now want to "Embrace Authenticity." Will the pivot help them re-engage with sports fans who tuned out the Worldwide Leader over the past decade? Plus, we continue our Sports Media Influence Olympics with Stephen A. Smith vs. the 'Pardon the...

  25. Romo In Trouble, Kyle Shanahan's Crash & Influence Olympics: Cowherd vs. Russillo

    The Tony Romo OWI story keeps getting worse, despite rumors that CBS Sports will keep him in place. Plus, 49ers and NFL media seemingly kept Kyle Shanahan's car crash quiet, while ESPN's story only made things for confusing. Then, it's time for Round Two of the Sports Media Influence Olympics…

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  26. Were Ryan Clark's Politics a Problem? Plus: Round 1 Of the Sports Media Influence Olympics

    Ryan Clark is out at ESPN and claims he had to be "less Black" to avoid the ire of the company over the past year before he was fired. So what is the state of play at the Worldwide Leader around politics right now? Plus, we debut our Sports Media Influence Olympics, a bracket to decide who has…

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  27. Did ESPN Botch Layoffs? What's Next for Ryan Clark, Cam Newton & the Rest?

    The dust has settled from ESPN's layoffs, so we discuss the network's strange handling of the cuts as well as the broader strategy behind them. Is this the beginning of the Pat McAfee takeover? Plus, what's next for Ryan Clark, Cam Newton and Tom Pelissero after ESPN laid them off? And what does…

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  28. ESPN Moves On From Ryan Clark, Cam Newton & More In Latest Layoffs

    ESPN is laying off Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, Tom Pelissero, Karl Ravech and others as part of wider cuts at Disney. We break down the news as well as what it means for ESPN and the affected talent. Awful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing Awful Announcing on Facebook:...

  29. Dan Patrick vs. WNBA, Tom Brady's Weird Weekend & Zlatan's Mic Drop

    Dan Patrick is still ripping WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Tom Brady keeps stooping to new lows, and Zlatan Ibrahimović delivered a surprise mic drop after covering the World Cup for Fox Sports. Plus, our review of the John Strong-Stu Holden tandem: Are they worthy of being the No. 1 soccer...

  30. Time’s Sean Gregory Spills On Caitlin Clark, LeBron James, Dana White & A’ja Wilson

    Time Magazine sports reporter Sean Gregory has profiled LeBron James, Dana White, Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson over the past two years, giving him unique insight into some of the biggest stories in all of sports. Gregory joins The Play-By-Play to discuss his UFC White House scoop, where he…

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  31. VAR Is Overtaking the World Cup, Has It Crossed a Line? Plus Taking Stock of European Soccer TV Rights

    The FIFA World Cup has been defined by VAR, leading to international controversies and conspiracies. Has the technology gone too far? Plus, a look at what Bundesliga's new U.S. TV deal means for the Premier League, MLS and the rest of the soccer world's broadcast market going forward. Awful...

  32. How To Cover a UFC Conspiracy; Bryce Harper Duped By FanDuel?

    Conor McGregor exited his UFC 329 fight early with a knee injury, leading to immediate speculation over his status heading into the fight. Even Dana White was forced to weigh in, though it did little to quell fans' doubts. Is there actually a conspiracy at play here, or just more gambling-fueled...

  33. Can Sports Save Netflix From Engagement Issues? Plus a Check-In On MLB's Season of Experimentation

    Netflix will reportedly pursue the World Cup and other sports rights more aggressively as it struggles with lagging engagement compared with YouTube and other free services. Plus, MLB is in experimentation mode with July 4, the Home Run Derby and Field of Dreams games this summer. Is it working?...

  34. USMNT, Christian Pulisic Hammered After World Cup 'Bust'; Bidding War Begins For WC Rights

    The USMNT and star Christian Pulisic are getting crushed by former U.S. stars and across American sports media after an ugly loss to Belgium in the World Cup. We break down reactions from Alexi Lalas, Carli Lloyd, Taylor Twellman and more in "Stock Watch Stock Watch." Then, a look at the future…

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  35. Reacting to Dave Portnoy's New Memoir & Press Tour

    Dave Portnoy has a new book on the history of Barstool Sports, charting all the innovation, controversy and inflection points that led it to become one of the most important companies in the history of media. We break down the lessons from the book, Portnoy's press tour, and what the future of...

  36. FIFA Looks Beyond TV, Fox's Roku Future & NBC Spinoff Impact (w/ Lillian Rizzo)

    FIFA is experimenting with YouTube and TikTok livestreams of games at the World Cup, a growing trend of leagues going around traditional TV to reach fans online. Lillian Rizzo of CNBC joins to break down how it's working for FIFA and the NBA, plus what to expect from Fox after it acquires Roku…

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  37. An Inside Look At the Allegations Against ESPN NFL Analyst Matt Miller

    ESPN NFL analyst Matt Miller is alleged to have misled followers over charitable giving, scouting lessons and fantasy competitions over a period of at least a decade. We provide an inside look at our reporting on Miller and how the story has changed since a near-fatal car accident last month.…

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  38. Jaylen Brown vs. NBA Analytics Plus Media Rallies Behind Caitlin Clark

    Jaylen Brown created a new uproar over NBA analytics after a strange report from ESPN's Bobby Marks. Why are we stuck in the mud with this conversation? Plus, the latest Caitlin Clark scuffle has the national media turning on commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league's disorganization. Awful...

  39. Building Our Mt. Rushmore Of Unpopular Sports Broadcasters

    Alexi Lalas is getting hit from every angle during the World Cup, but he's not the only unpopular sports commentator on TV. We look at Kirk Herbstreit, Terry Bradshaw and a slew of others to build our Mt. Rushmore of polarizing sports broadcasters. First, a look at ESPN and ABC's coverage of the...

  40. Breaking Down Netflix's Podcast Spending Spree To Take On YouTube

    Netflix is using podcasts from Barstool, The Ringer, and iHeartMedia to chisel away at YouTube's dominance for online video consumption. Early returns are modest for the streamer, but the strategy still makes sense. We break down Netflix's thinking, what the data says, and how the strategy could...

  41. What Does America Actually Want World Cup Coverage To Look Like? (w/ Brodie Brazil)

    The FIFA World Cup coverage is in full swing and Americans once again are split on the commentators and coverage from Fox Sports, which begs the question: What should coverage of the tournament look like in the U.S.? Bay Area broadcaster and YouTube creator Brodie Brazil joins to answer that...

  42. Unpacking UFC Freedom 250: Patriotism, Conspiracy & Controversy

    UFC Freedom 250 saw great fights amid a flood of propaganda and a circus of conspiracy and controversy. Did it work? But first, our latest edition of Stock Watch Stock Watch: Sports media is trying its best to make Victor Wembanyama into the NBA's next villain as the superstar center navigates...

  43. Will NBA Finals Create New Fans? Plus Stakes Of the World Cup w/ Anthony Dabbundo of The Ringer

    NBA Finals viewership is surging and the league has momentum once again, could a new generation of fans come out of this year's series? Plus, the FIFA World Cup is underway. What could the North America-hosted tournament do for MLS and American soccer fandom? The Ringer's Anthony Dabbundo joins…

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  44. World Cup Superlatives: Breakout Analyst, Top Storyline for Casuals, Who Will Take Rights From Fox?

    The FIFA World Cup kicks off Thursday and the USMNT follows on Friday, so it's time to hand out awards and preview the tournament. We predict the Breakout Star Commentator (Zlatan?), Biggest Non-Soccer Story (Trump?), and much more as we get ready for the summer of soccer. Awful Announcing on X:...

  45. Did ESPN Finally Fix Its NBA Finals Coverage? Plus Clay Travis Leaves Outkick

    ESPN's NBA Finals coverage is miles better than last year, but having Wemby and the Knicks certainly doesn't hurt. We break down the series so far from a broadcast perspective, then discuss Clay Travis leaving Outkick with plans to launch a new company. Awful Announcing on X:...

  46. The Atlantic Says Sports Talk Will Save the Dems: Here's the Truth

    Do Democrats need to give hot takes or go on sports talk radio to relate to the average voter? A new column in The Atlantic says yes. We break down why James Talarico ripping Arch Manning or AOC showing her chops talking Yankees wouldn't actually get to the heart of the Dems' communication or...

  47. Reaction: Pat McAfee In Talks To Stay With ESPN Long-Term

    Pat McAfee is reportedly in talks to extend his original deal at ESPN for multiple years, a sign that one of the most game-changing contracts in the history of media is going well for both sides after a somewhat rocky start. We break down the news and what McAfee's future at the Worldwide Leader...

  48. Dan Le Batard & Stugotz Are On a Collision Course As Final Talks Loom

    Dan Le Batard and Jon "Stugotz" Weiner appear to be on the last gasp of their attempt to rekindle a relationship that dates back more than 20 years. We discuss whether this is the end for the beloved Meadowlark Media duo. Awful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing Awful Announcing...

  49. WNBA Coverage Is Full Of Conspiracies. Can We Fix It? (w/ Seerat Sohi)

    Anyone talking about the WNBA has a hard time keeping track of where conspiracies start and reality ends, whether with Caitlin Clark or anyone else. Seerat Sohi of The Ringer joins the show to discuss "The Caitlin Clark Machine," how to talk about the WNBA in a healthier way, and how coverage of...

  50. Nick Wright & Stephen A. Smith Clash Over Media Integrity, Bill Belichick Comeback Tour Begins

    Nick Wright landed a resounding blow on Stephen A. Smith over Smith's handling of the Jaylen Brown saga, comparing Smith to a "mob boss" and saying he makes the rest of sports media look bad. Will Wright's comments make a dent in Smith's reputation? Plus, a look at Bill Belichick's subtle…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Play-By-Play is a sports media news talk show brought to you by Awful Announcing. Join AA writers Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod each week as they bring you the latest news and insight from the ever-changing sports media world, including all of the happenings at ESPN, Fox, NBC, CBS, Turner, Amazon and beyond. Subscribe to The Play By Play on Apple, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HOSTED BY

Awful Announcing

CATEGORIES

sports news commentary

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Play-By-Play have?

The Play-By-Play currently has 199 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Play-By-Play about?

The Play-By-Play is a sports media news talk show brought to you by Awful Announcing. Join AA writers Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod each week as they bring you the latest news and insight from the ever-changing sports media world, including all of the happenings at ESPN, Fox, NBC, CBS, Turner,...

How often does The Play-By-Play release new episodes?

The Play-By-Play publishes regularly with 199 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

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You can listen to The Play-By-Play on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Play-By-Play?

The Play-By-Play is created and hosted by Awful Announcing.
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