Highlights from the 2025 Sports Media Awards: Top Dealmakers and Person of the Year
The 2025 Sports Media Awards, hosted by El-Balad, celebrated remarkable achievements in the sports media landscape. The event highlighted key figures, groundbreaking deals, and noteworthy developments reshaping sports broadcasting.
Sports Media Person of the Year
This year’s prestigious honor went to Ernie Johnson of TNT Sports. Known for his understated style in a loud and competitive media landscape, Johnson has become a respected figure. His seamless transition to ESPN’s platform maintained the show’s integrity and class, echoing the excellence seen in his colleagues.
Johnson follows Caitlin Clark, who won the previous year’s award at just 22 years old.
Dealmakers of the Year
Mark Shapiro and Ari Emanuel from TKO/Endeavor clinched the Deal of the Year with a groundbreaking seven-year agreement valued at $7.7 billion. This deal secured UFC broadcasting rights from Paramount/CBS, enhancing the franchise’s visibility.
- Major events will now air on CBS and Paramount+
- Subscribers can access UFC content for approximately $60 annually, streamlining viewing options.
Additionally, Shapiro and Emanuel, alongside WWE president Nick Khan, negotiated a substantial deal with ESPN for exclusive WWE events worth $325 million per year.
Mover & Shaker of the Year
Elle Duncan, formerly of ESPN, was recognized as the standout figure in sports media after joining Netflix. This significant move marks Duncan as the first female lead voice for a major sports streaming service, overseeing coverage of multiple sports including MLB and NFL.
On the Rise and Decline
On the Way Up
J.J. Watt received the ‘On the Way Up’ award for his impressive first year as a CBS game analyst. His partnership with Ian Eagle is noted for its engaging and insightful commentary.
On the Way Down
Conversely, Tony Romo of CBS received the ‘On the Way Down’ award. His recent performances have been criticized for lack of preparation and chemistry with his broadcast partner, Jim Nantz.
Quote of the Year
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred garnered attention for labeling ESPN a “shrinking platform” in a memo to team owners. This statement became infamous when MLB later finalized deals with ESPN, alongside Netflix and NBC, amidst significant media negotiations.
Story of the Year: Sports Streaming Wars
The battle for sports streaming intensified in 2025. Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube now compete against traditional giants like ESPN and CBS. Notably, ESPN’s restructuring included a direct-to-consumer service and created partnerships with the NFL, granting the league a 10% equity stake in ESPN, pending regulatory approval.
Securing the Bag Award
Stephen A. Smith from ESPN was acknowledged for his remarkable compensation, reportedly earning approximately $40 million annually from various ventures, including podcasts and SiriusXM.
Rivalry of the Year
The competition between ESPN’s “College GameDay” and Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” has become a major highlight of Saturday sports broadcasts. While “GameDay” holds a lead in viewership, Fox continues to innovate and build its audience.
Notable Awards
Other distinguished awards included the ‘We Barely Knew Ya’ Award for Venu Sports, which ceased operations in early 2025, and the ‘Fight of the Year’ between Google and Disney over YouTube TV’s programming rights.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lee Corso, a hallmark figure of ESPN, was honored as a lifetime achievement recipient. The 90-year-old broadcaster bid farewell to “College GameDay,” capping a legendary career that spanned decades in sports media.
The 2025 Sports Media Awards celebrated the evolution of the industry, recognizing talent and innovation that shape the future of sports broadcasting.
