The still-fresh relationship between Turner Sports and Sports Illustrated is beginning to pay off in content. SI.com and Turner announced today that it is is launching a weekly web series “Behind the Mic presented by Allstate.”
The series will feature multiple 90-second segments featuring well-known commentators and analysts, talking about the sports they cover.
Among the names on board for the series: NFL analysts Cris Collinsworth, Phil Simms and Doug Flutie NBA analysts Charles Barkley and Kevin McHale, Golf analyst Nick Faldo and MLB analyst Cal Ripken Jr.
Allstate is on board as the title sponsor of the web series, which will debut on SI.com October 1.
In July, Time Warner’s Sports Illustrated and Turner Sports struck a deal that will give the TV company oversight over SI’s digital properties. “Behind the Mic” is the first major result to come out of that partnership.
“Behind the Mic is our first collaborative product since our recent partnership announcement with SI.com and one we envision bringing thoughtful discussion to their passionate fan-base through some of the most candid voices in sports broadcasting,” said David Levy, president of sales, distribution and sports, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. “It represents one of our key goals through this collaboration; providing the fans, through our joint industry resources, with high-quality, timely video content. This is without a doubt, a great collection of broadcast talent assembled and SI.com users will enjoy their informative and entertaining insights.”
More information about the series, after the jump.
SI.com to Launch a New Weekly Video Franchise Featuring Some of the Biggest Names in Sports Broadcasting with Behind the Mic presented by Allstate Set to Launch on October 1
The Sports Illustrated Group and Turner Sports announced today the launch of a new online video franchise for SI.com entitled Behind the Mic presented by Allstate. The new SI.com video series will debut on Oct. 1, showcasing the candid views, insights and expertise of some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting.
Each week Behind the Mic presented by Allstate will feature multiple 90-second video segments with the analysts offering their insights and opinions on topics impacting the sports they are most associated with, as well as responding to comments made by newsmakers that have resonated within their sport. Additional video segments will be added during each sport’s respective postseasons and championships.
The collection of on-air personalities includes multiple Hall of Famers, MVP’s, World Champions, All-Stars, Pro Bowlers and Emmy Award winners including Turner Sports roster of marquee on-air personalities. Featured Analysts for Behind the Mic presented by Allstate include:
- Charles Barkley, 1993 NBA MVP & Basketball Hall of Famer (NBA)
- Cris Collinsworth, 3-time Pro Bowler (NFL)
- Boomer Esiason, 1988 NFL MVP & 4-time Pro Bowler (NFL)
- Nick Faldo, 6-time Major Winner (Golf)
- Doug Flutie, Heisman Trophy Winner (NCAA Football)
- Howie Long, 8-time Pro Bowler & Pro Football Hall of Famer (NFL)
- Kevin McHale, 7-time NBA All-Star & Basketball Hall of Famer
- Reggie Miller, 5-time NBA All-Star
- Cal Ripken, 19-time MLB All-Star & MLB Hall of Famer (MLB)
- Phil Simms, 2-time Super Bowl Champion & Super Bowl XX MVP (NFL)
- Kenny Smith, 2-time NBA Champion (NBA)
The debut video segments on October 1 will include:
- Cris Collinsworth on Michael Vick’s performance and what to expect in the coming weeks from the Eagles QB.
- Boomer Esiason on the Pittsburgh Steelers 3-0 start and how Ben Roethisberger’s return will impact their team.
- Nick Faldo previewing this weekend’s Ryder Cup.
- Doug Flutie on how Boise State would fair vs. power conference teams like Alabama and Ohio State, as well as addressing if Georgia head coach Mark Richt is on the hot seat.
- Howie Long on the poor start by the NY Giants and where he sees their season going.
- Cal Ripken looking ahead to next week’s MLB Postseason Division Series, which will air exclusively on Turner’s TBS cable network.
“Behind the Mic is the kind of collaboration with Turner Sports that raises our game with lively, experienced voices that fans want to hear,” said Terry McDonell, Sports Illustrated Group Editor.
“Behind the Mic gives Allstate a true, organic marketing platform to communicate with sports fans across the country,” said Mark LaNeve, chief marketing officer at Allstate Insurance Company. “This online franchise is built around ‘quotes’ and expertise, which are at the core of Allstate’s business as well as sports broadcasting. We’re excited about this opportunity.”
The partnership represents the latest addition to Allstate’s sports sponsorship portfolio, which includes various football and soccer properties, the U.S. Olympic Team and U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame presented by Allstate, as well as numerous regional sports sponsorships.
“Behind the Mic is our first collaborative product since our recent partnership announcement with SI.com and one we envision bringing thoughtful discussion to their passionate fan-base through some of the most candid voices in sports broadcasting,” said David Levy, president of sales, distribution and sports, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. “It represents one of our key goals through this collaboration; providing the fans, through our joint industry resources, with high-quality, timely video content. This is without a doubt, a great collection of broadcast talent assembled and SI.com users will enjoy their informative and entertaining insights.”