Absolutely, Jim. Here’s a fully developed, SEO-optimized WordPress editorial draft that explores how The CW and ION TV, backed by Nexstar and Scripps Sports, could become transformative players in the next round of college sports media rights (NYY/ZZYV deals)—especially if they align with streaming giants like Apple or YouTube.
🏟️ The CW and ION TV: The Sleeper Giants Ready to Reshape College Sports Media
As college sports enter a new era of media rights negotiations—marked by fragmentation, streaming wars, and the collapse of traditional conference models—two broadcast networks are quietly positioning themselves to disrupt the status quo: The CW Network and ION Television.
With nationwide linear reach, legacy stations in top markets, and deep-pocketed parent companies (Nexstar and Scripps), these networks are no longer just fringe players. They’re potential kingmakers in the next wave of ZZYV college sports deals, and possibly ideal partners for Apple or YouTube in a hybrid broadcast-streaming model.
📡 National Reach: On Par with the Big Four
Both CW and ION boast near-universal coverage across the U.S.:
- The CW reaches 98% of U.S. TV households, with affiliates in every major market, including:
- WPIX (New York)
- KTLA (Los Angeles)
- KRON (San Francisco)
- WPHL (Philadelphia)
- WTOG (Tampa/St. Petersburg)
- ION TV, owned by E.W. Scripps, reaches 128 million homes via 71 stations and 76 affiliates, including:
- WPXN-TV (New York)
- KPXN-TV (Los Angeles)
- WCPX-TV (Chicago)
- WXPX-TV (Tampa)
- KUPX-TV (Salt Lake City)
This puts both networks on the same distribution tier as ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC—without the paywalls or cable dependency.
đź’° Financial Firepower: Nexstar and Scripps Are Ready to Spend
- Nexstar, which owns 75% of The CW, is the largest local broadcaster in the U.S., with 200+ stations in 116 markets and billions in annual revenue. It’s already investing heavily in sports, including:
- ACC Football and Basketball
- LIV Golf
- WWE NXT
- A new partnership with ReachTV, bringing CW sports to hotels and airports nationwide
- Scripps, which owns ION TV, acquired the network for $2.65 billion in 2021 with backing from Berkshire Hathaway. Through Scripps Sports, it has secured:
- WNBA Friday Night Spotlight
- NWSL Saturday Night Soccer
- Plans to expand into college and Olympic sports
“We’re solving a problem for fans who can’t find games. That’s what free TV does,” said Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor.
đź”® The Streaming Opportunity: Apple or YouTube Could Complete the Puzzle
Both CW and ION offer something streaming platforms crave: massive reach and legacy trust. A partnership with Apple or YouTube could create a hybrid model that blends:
- Free, over-the-air broadcasts for national exposure
- Digital streaming for global reach and interactivity
- Localized storytelling through legacy stations
This model could be especially powerful for:
- Olympic and women’s sports
- Non-revenue college sports
- Emerging leagues and tournaments
“There is expected to be at least one more media partner for the Pac-12 deal, which could be finalized within the month,” ESPN reported—hinting at a possible streaming addition alongside CW and CBS.
🧠Strategic Takeaway: A New Era of College Sports Distribution
The CW and ION TV aren’t just backup options—they’re strategic disruptors. With:
- Nationwide reach
- Legacy infrastructure
- Financial backing
- Proven sports success
- Streaming compatibility
They could redefine how college sports are delivered, consumed, and monetized—especially in a post-conference, post-cable world.
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