Angels’ Broadcast Rights Uncertainty, WNBA CBA Talks Stall, and NASCAR Considers Midweek Races

The Los Angeles Angels face continued uncertainty regarding their local television broadcast rights, while the WNBA and its players remain at odds over a new collective bargaining agreement. Meanwhile, NASCAR is exploring potential schedule changes, including the possibility of midweek races.

Angels’ TV Rights Remain Undecided

Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno stated he is still undecided on whether to cede production and distribution of the team’s local game telecasts to Major League Baseball (MLB), with a decision expected by the complete of next week. Sports Media Watch reported Moreno’s comments from Spring Training on Friday.

Moreno acknowledged the revenue impact the Angels have experienced since the sale of Main Street RSNs by Fox in 2017, assuring fans the team “will be on TV” but admitting the situation “hasn’t been uncomplicated.” The Orange County Register detailed Moreno’s statements.

The Angels are one of nine teams that opted out of contracts with Main Street Sports Group in January amid concerns about the company’s future. Seven of those teams have since joined MLB’s in-house production arm, which will produce and distribute games for 14 teams this season. The Angels, however, share ownership of FanDuel Sports Network West and have considered various options, including buying out Main Street or paying a rights fee to the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings to remain on the network.

Moreno similarly addressed the team’s payroll reduction, citing the broadcast rights situation as a key factor. The Angels’ projected payroll is $180 million for 2026, down from an estimated $206 million in 2025, not including deferred payments to Anthony Rendon. MLB.com reported on Moreno’s explanation during a state of the organization address on Friday.

WNBA CBA Negotiations Stall

Negotiations between the WNBA and its players union have reached a standstill regarding a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), particularly concerning revenue sharing. Players continue to seek a percentage of the league’s gross revenue, while the league proposes a share of net revenue. Sports Media Watch provided an update on the stalled talks.

The players have reportedly lowered their initial request to 25% of gross revenue, but the league’s offer remains below 15% of gross revenue based on net revenue calculations. With the season scheduled to start on May 8, there is increasing urgency to reach an agreement, though neither side has threatened a lockout or strike.

NASCAR Considers Midweek Races

NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell indicated the organization is open to schedule changes, including the potential return of midweek races. Sports Media Watch reported on O’Donnell’s comments from the “The Varsity” podcast.

While midweek races were briefly experimented with during the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they resulted in lower viewership. However, O’Donnell suggested revisiting the concept, noting that any significant changes would likely occur after the current media rights deals expire in 2031.

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