FOX Sports 1 set to battle ESPN in sports arena

Some people interested in how the new sports network will stack up against ESPN, the well-known entertainment and sports programming network, have taken to social media to voice their excitement, doubts and even suggestions.

“FOX Sports 1 might give them something to think about in 2 weeks. About time ESPN had competition after 30 years,” tweeted Todd Witteles (@ToddWitteles).

“Which sports network do ya think will be more epic, ESPN or the new FOX Sports 1? – FS1,” tweeted Paul Födde (paulfodde81).

“I have NO desire for FOX sports 1. I plan on NOT watching it as much as possible,” tweeted Rich Maletto (@maletto2) to four twitter accounts, one being @FOXSports1.

“ESPN has turned into TMZ. Manziel, Tebow, A-Rod, Favre… I can’t wait for FOX Sports 1 to get here…” tweeted Kyle G. Adema (KyleGAdema).

“I’m hoping the launch of FOX Sports 1 can bring some legitimate sports coverage to us. At the very least make ESPN step it up,” tweeted Jimmy Clark (@JimmyClarke).

The FOX Sports 1 promo, released mid July, showed viewers it could potentially be a powerhouse channel.

FOX Sports 1, which for many operators will launch in the same channel location now occupied by SPEED, is said to provide viewers a variety of live sports including access to the athletes. The channel will broadcast Major League Baseball games (including postseason games), college football and basketball games from various conferences, UFC and major soccer tournaments, including the World Cup.

It is also said to air supplemental and extended coverage of major sporting events including the World Series and Daytona 500, something that ESPN already does.

The promo shows various athletes saying they’re “ready for some fun” before and during their games. The athlete close-ups and quotes are perhaps a glimpse into what the channel will show their audience.

Scheduled to air nightly at 11:00 p.m., FOX Sports Live will be the channel’s flagship 24/7 news, opinion and highlights program providing viewers with around the clock coverage through regularly scheduled programs, hourly updates and an information rich ticker.  Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole are set to anchor the coverage with analysis. The show’s commentary will come from sports personality Charissa Thompson, tennis legend Andy Roddick, NBA star Gary Payton and the NFL’s Donovan McNabb and Ephraim Salaam.

As for original programming, the channel is set to debut “BEING,” a documentary series that gives viewers a deep look into today’s greatest athletes, teams and sports icons with unprecedented access, according to the official FOX Sports 1 website.

FOX Sports 1 has not yet reached a deal with three of the four largest TV providers in the U.S.—Time Warner Cable, Dish Network and DirecTV.

Typically, carriage deals like FOX Sports 1’s get finalized in the days leading up to or just after a channel’s launch, according to the network’s official website.

Contact reporter Yvette Cruz at ycruz@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0256. Follow @YvyReports on Twitter.