Matthew Berry Joins NBC Sports As Fantasy Football Analyst
It was a shock to see Matthew Berry leave ESPN. It’s an even bigger shock that ESPN seems okay with the fact of having Field Yates replace him. Anyway, Berry has already found a new home. Berry has agreed to join NBC Sports to be their new fantasy expert.
The news was first reported by Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.
“Fantasy guru Matthew Berry is joining NBC Sports, The Post has learned.
Berry is expected to provide daily audio and video podcasts, as well as have his own fantasy football show, according to sources. The show is expected to be on Sundays, potentially going up against his old ESPN2 show, “Fantasy Football Now.”
The program is expected to be on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, as well as possibly on some NBC affiliates. Berry also may make appearances on “Sunday Night Football.”
Berry, 52, left ESPN last month after 15 years as its lead fantasy football analyst. The two sides left on amicable terms, but Berry wanted to do other projects outside of his main job. He also has a fantasy football app, which he will continue operating.”
I’ve had my fair share of disagreements with Matthew Berry over the years. However, there is no question he’s respected as has established himself as the face of fantasy football. That counts for something. Another mistake by ESPN to let him go without even trying to replace him.
Truthfully, I’m a bit confused if this is the plan by NBC. You’re really banking on people committing their Sunday mornings to Berry while competing against the ESPN time slot? Regardless of the talent ESPN has, people will still put their product on regardless. I’m not sure this approach works.
Having Berry do one show per week on Sundays is very short-sighted. People want their draft information before the season. Lineup shows only get you so far.
Berry needs to be putting out columns as well. Whatever show NBC puts together I bet your ass it will be cookie cutter and won’t work. Whatever Berry is doing with his fantasy app will get the most traction and NBC doesn’t even control that. You wonder why these sports executives make bad decisions?
