Technology
Sports Journalism Was Compromised Long Before NFL’s Equity Stake In ESPN
ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro says the network won’t change how it covers the NFL, even after giving the league a 10% equity stake in exchange for control of NFL Media assets.
“[The NFL] never once asked us to change our approach in terms of how we cover them,” Pitaro said in an interview with The Athletic on Wednesday. “We are the place of record. A huge part of our DNA is how we cover sports objectively and fairly. They understand, as do all leagues, that that’s going to continue, hard stop.”
Pitaro emphasized: “Nothing is changing.”
Well, of course not – but not for the reasons he claims.
Nothing is going to change because ESPN and the NFL were already partners. The NFL was ESPN’s most influential partner long before finalizing an equity agreement. In 2021, the network agreed to an 11-year, $29.7 billion rights agreement with the NFL for “Monday Night Football” and two future Super Bowls.
No NFL partner is truly empowered to cover the league “objectively and fairly,” as Pitaro suggests. And no one understands that better than Pitaro.
Disney promoted Pitaro to ESPN president in 2018 with a mandate to repair the network’s fractured relationship with the NFL. Under previous president John Skipper, the relationship with the league had deteriorated. At one point, the network was reportedly prepared to lose its rights to air the NFL entirely. Tensions were that high.
The reason: ESPN covered the NFL too critically.

SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 23: Eli Harold #58, Colin Kaepernick #7 and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel for the anthem prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. The Buccaneers defeated the 49ers 34-17. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
It started with the network’s coverage of concussions, following several lawsuits from former players who sued the NFL after the discovery of research related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The scrutiny intensified in 2014, with how the ESPN commentators responded to the league’s handling of domestic violence — particularly after Ray Rice was caught on video assaulting his wife in an elevator.
Multiple ESPN pundits called for Commissioner Roger Goodell’s job. Bill Simmons, the network’s most influential voice at the time, called him a “liar” on-air.
“Goodell, if he didn’t know what was on that tape, he’s a liar. I’m just saying it. He’s lying. I think he knew,” Simmons said. “I really hope somebody calls me or emails me and says I’m in trouble for anything I say about Roger Goodell. Because if one person says that to me, I’m going public. You leave me alone.”
ESPN suspended Simmons for three weeks for his comments.
The network also took a clear editorial stance against the NFL owners and in support of Colin Kaepernick. Not a single pundit questioned Kaepernick’s intentions or why the league may not want to employ a backup quarterback who branded himself as a martyr to sell sneakers.
Eventually, the NFL responded to ESPN’s coverage by throttling the appeal of its most valuable property, “Monday Night Football.” The NFL loaded rival networks NBC, CBS, and Fox with marquee matchups and left ESPN with scraps.
While the other networks shared the Cowboys, Steelers, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, ESPN was the exclusive home of the annual Jaguars vs. Colts showdown. The ratings reflected it, too.
But after Skipper’s ousting in 2017 (which he claims was the result of a cocaine extortion plot), Pitaro took a different approach to covering the NFL. All of a sudden, the coverage was positive and no longer combative. He also dramatically improved the presentation, adding Joe Buck and Troy Aikman to the booth. For the first time in a decade, “Monday Night Football” felt important again.
In return, the NFL gifted ESPN with some of the juiciest matchups on the schedule, playoff games, and a place in the Super Bowl rotation.
All the network had to do was stop criticizing the league.

This is not a criticism of ESPN. Any network with rights to the NFL has to pull punches. The league is that powerful.
In actuality, the equity agreement ensures ESPN and the NFL will stay in business long term. The agreement takes off the table the possibility of a tech company outbidding ESPN for future NFL rights.
Similarly, Netflix’s rights agreement to stream NFL games on Christmas Day will likely prevent the streamer from ordering some nine-part documentary detailing one of the league’s past and ongoing scandals. The NFL also doesn’t have to worry about any more Washington Post hit pieces on player safety—not since owner Jeff Bezos brought the NFL to Amazon Prime Video.
Who even knows what the NFL’s partnership with YouTube–for Sunday Ticket and an exclusive Friday night match-up this season–means for the obviously manipulated algorithms on Google and YouTube? We have our suspicions.
Put simply, the most powerful tech and broadcasting companies in the country are all in the business of the NFL. And those that aren’t, like Apple and HBO Max, want to be.
If this all sounds depressing and unsettling, it’s because it is. But it’s also the state of journalism. Political media is no better. Nearly every powerful news organization is grossly influenced by whichever political party the majority of its readers support.
Unfortunately, the most influential people in journalism have always been the subjects, not the reporters. In sports media, no subject has more influence on what is and is not printed than the NFL.
The NFL’s new stake in ESPN is not a turning point. It’s a footnote, a formality of what was already one of many severely compromised relationships in journalism.
Technology
ASUS Republic of Gamers Presents Next-Gen Gaming Innovations, Commemorates 20 Years of Gaming Excellence at CES 2026
ROG showcases world-first technologies, next-generation gaming systems, and visionary collaborations that redefine gaming experiences
KEY POINTS
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Two decades of gaming leadership: At its Dare to Innovate virtual event, ROG celebrates 20 years of fearless experimentation and bold innovation
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Expanding gaming horizons: High-performance gaming innovation from Zephyrus laptops, Crosshair motherboards, Swift OLED monitors and more
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Cross-domain collaborations: ROG, Kojima Productions combine signature peripherals and the Flow Z13-KJP
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World’s first dual 16″ screen gaming laptop: ROG raises the bar of innovation to a whole new level with the pioneering Zephyrus Duo
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced its Dare to Innovate virtual event at CES 2026, unveiling the next chapter of its vision for gaming performance, design, and culture. The showcase celebrates 20 years of fearless innovation, highlighting breakthrough technologies that empower gamers and creators, while reinforcing ROG’s commitment to redefining gameplay, creation, and competitive performance worldwide.
A wide range of next-generation technologies across ROG’s gaming ecosystem is on display, including laptops, desktops, motherboards, and peripherals ― all engineered with world-first features and advanced capabilities that elevate performance and immersion.
On this 20-year milestone, ROG reflects on a legacy defined by bold concepts, pioneering engineering, and an unwavering dedication to its global community. From the groundbreaking Crosshair motherboard in 2006 to today’s cutting-edge gaming platforms, every milestone embodies the spirit of For Those Who Dare, a commitment to challenging conventions and redefining what gaming hardware can achieve.
Continuing this legacy, the ROG Lab embodies the heart of ROG’s experimental spirit, transforming ideas into tangible breakthroughs. This year’s showcase unveiled engineering advancements from the Lab, combining performance, thermal mastery, and user-focused design to elevate how gamers play, create, and connect.
ROG also extends its influence beyond technology into culture through global co-branding partnerships that merge gaming with music, fashion, art, and entertainment. Collaborations with creators and iconic franchises, including Kojima Productions, empower players to co-create within a growing, cross-domain ecosystem, reinforcing ROG’s role in shaping gaming identity and community worldwide.
ROG remains committed to pioneering the future of gaming, transforming daring visions into experiences that inspire every player to push beyond boundaries. Attendees at CES 2026 in Las Vegas can explore the latest ROG creations firsthand at The Venetian Expo, Level 3, San Polo #3403, from January 5 to 8, 2026.
Technology
Cryptocurrency Is Quietly Shaping the Next Wave of Digital Gaming Experiences
Digital gaming continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, and much of that momentum is coming from technologies that sit beneath the surface. Blockchain may not dominate headlines the way big releases or subscription shifts do, yet it increasingly shapes how players pay, own, and move digital assets across ecosystems. Developers are watching these shifts closely because the expectations forming today often become industry standards tomorrow.
Players have grown used to seamless digital transactions, whether they’re purchasing cosmetic packs or moving funds between entertainment platforms. That comfort is now extending to crypto‑enabled services, particularly in areas where fast settlement and transparent transfers matter. Some entertainment categories, including platforms such as Ethereum online casinos, illustrate how blockchain-based payments are becoming a practical alternative rather than a novelty. These examples help frame how gamers might come to expect the same kind of fluidity in mainstream titles. And as more players experiment with varied digital payment rails, studios are paying attention to how these habits could influence in‑game systems.
The Rise of Blockchain-Backed Payment Options Across Modern Gaming Platforms
Studios exploring blockchain payments aren’t necessarily chasing hype; they’re reacting to a widening ecosystem. The Web3 gaming sector was valued at $25.63 billion last year and is projected to surge to $124.74 billion by 2032. That long‑term growth outlook signals that payment experimentation in gaming isn’t slowing down.
The appeal for developers is straightforward: blockchains can handle microtransactions, cross‑platform rewards, and user‑to‑user transfers with fewer intermediaries. For players, the value comes from speed and clarity, especially when moving funds between platforms that don’t traditionally “talk” to one another. That combination of utility and consistency adds weight to the idea that blockchain payments could soon feel as ordinary as digital wallets did a decade ago.
Developers Are Leveraging Crypto Infrastructure for In-Game Economies
Ownership has become a defining issue in modern gaming, especially as digital libraries expand and cross‑platform play becomes the norm. Some teams are experimenting with blockchain-based IDs, tokens, or asset registries to give players a stronger sense of permanence. Ubisoft’s blockchain‑integrated releases from last year hinted at how publishers might use distributed ledgers for identity systems rather than speculative assets, making the technology more functional than flashy.
Market momentum supports this approach. Data from CoinLaw places the global blockchain gaming market at $21.6 billion in 2025, reflecting how many players are engaging with tokenized assets and decentralized economies. That figure underscores how digital ownership has become more than a niche experiment.
When implemented with care, crypto infrastructure can support predictable, player‑friendly marketplaces where items maintain consistent histories and transparent value. This matters because it could reduce fraud, stabilize in‑game trading, and help teams build cohesive economies that last across sequels or updates. The challenge lies in making the tech invisible enough that players benefit without needing to think about consensus models or wallet mechanics.
Where Crypto Entertainment Fits In: From Streaming Integrations to Emerging Models Like Ethereum Casinos
Crypto-enabled entertainment doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s increasingly brushing up against mainstream gaming habits. Streamers have already experimented with token-gated communities, blockchain reward drops, and audience‑driven item giveaways. These integrations quietly shift expectations around what digital ownership should look like, especially when viewers can carry items or achievements into other community spaces.
Platforms using crypto payments, including models similar to those found on the Ethereum casino side of the entertainment industry, show how frictionless transfers and transparent balances appeal to users who want quick access without traditional payment delays. For game studios, these behaviors serve as a test case for what players may expect from in‑game marketplaces or cross‑title inventories.
What’s more, these experiments hint at a broader trend: entertainment platforms are blending, and payment systems are blending with them. The line between playing, watching, and collecting is thinning, and blockchain often sits in the background, enabling that shift.
What These Shifts Signal for the Future of Player Experience and Industry Standards
If the current trajectory continues, the next wave of digital gaming could revolve around portability and permanence. Players increasingly expect items, progress, and identity markers to travel with them, even as they jump between devices, subscription models, or entirely different worlds. Blockchain’s role here won’t always be visible, but it will be foundational.
Studios face a balancing act. They need to incorporate emerging tech without overwhelming players with complexity or triggering backlash tied to past Web3 missteps. Yet the appetite for secure, consistent, and interoperable systems is growing. Developers who meet that demand—quietly, thoughtfully, and with a focus on player value—could set the tone for the next decade of game design.
In practice, that means treating blockchain not as a selling point but as supporting infrastructure. Successful implementations will feel intuitive, not experimental, and they’ll prioritize long‑term reliability over hype. As more publishers adopt these tools to streamline payments, protect assets, and enhance cross‑platform continuity, blockchain’s influence on gaming will likely move from occasional talking point to everyday expectation.
Related
Technology
Voltage to demo instant gaming payments at ICE – Payments
With the gaming community set to converge on Barcelona, Voltage is addressing the industry’s most pressing payment challenges head-on.
Attendees at ICE can visit stand 4L52 for a firsthand look at how Lightning Network technology enables instant, near-zero-fee deposits and withdrawals, eliminating chargebacks and unlocking new revenue streams.
The company’s platform empowers online casinos, sports betting, and social gaming operators to move value instantly and globally, bypassing the high costs and slow settlement times of traditional financial rails.
“Our platform is built to solve the real-world challenges of high fees and slow withdrawals that directly impact player experience and operator margins,” said Graham Krizek, CEO of Voltage. “At our booth, we are demonstrating that Lightning Network transactions are not just theoretical, but are a practical, scalable tool for increasing retention and profitability, available right now.”
At ICE, the Voltage team will conduct consultations showcasing how operators can:
- Increase margins with Lightning’s minimal transaction fees.
- Eliminate chargeback risks with Bitcoin’s irreversible transactions.
- Enable instant coin packs and rewards for seamless player engagement.
- Access global markets without intermediaries or currency barriers.
Voltage’s enterprise-grade infrastructure allows iGaming companies to integrate Bitcoin and stablecoin payments without the complexity of building it themselves, providing a seamless experience for both the operator and the player.
Operators, developers, and media attending ICE Barcelona 2025 are encouraged to visit the Voltage team to get hands on and discuss how to integrate instant payments into their platforms.
Technology
Fast Track strengthens platform as Greco becomes core Fast Track product – Gaming
Fast Track, the leading CRM technology provider for the iGaming industry, today announced that Greco, the gameplay risk management company acquired in February 2025, has now transitioned to become a core Fast Track product.
Following a successful period operating as a standalone business, Greco is now scaling fully under the Fast Track product umbrella. This marks a strategic step in expanding Fast Trackʼs platform beyond engagement execution into value-led optimisation, with a specific focus on helping operators scale bonus strategies with greater precision and control.
Founded in 2021 as a joint venture with Fast Track, Greco introduced a new approach to gameplay risk modelling through its proprietary Gameplay Risk Engine (Greco). The technology enables iGaming operators to model theoretical player value, detect behavioural anomalies and make smarter, data-driven decisions around bonus allocation and gameplay exposure.
As part of Fast Track, Greco becomes a foundational component alongside Fast Trackʼs real-time CRM, AI-driven gamification and natural language products.
“This has always been about building something bigger than the sum of its parts,” said Simon Lidzén, CEO and co-founder of Fast Track. “Greco adds a powerful new dimension to our platform.
“By bringing it fully under Fast Track, we can help operators scale their bonus strategies with the same sophistication they apply to CRM strategies – backed by real-time data, intelligence and world-class execution.”
As Greco becomes a core Fast Track product, it will be delivered with the same world-class service, reliability and pace of innovation that Fast Track customers expect. The offering will be complemented by an expanded service layer designed to help operators optimise and scale both CRM strategies and bonus strategies, working from one central system.
Grecoʼs co-founders, Ozric Vondervelden and Ed Dickerson, remain actively involved as the technology and team transition into Fast Trackʼs broader product organisation.
With this move, Fast Track continues to evolve its platform to support iGaming operators in digitalising operations, delivering true 1:1 experiences and shifting from promotion execution to scalable, value-driven player engagement.
Meet Fast Track at ICE
Fast Track will showcase the new Greco-powered product in action at ICE Barcelona, from 19-21 January. Operators are invited to visit the Fast Track stand to see how gameplay, risk, intelligence and CRM orchestration come together to scale smarter bonus strategies.
Technology
High-Performance Monitor Lineups : HKC Corporation
HKC Corporation’s showcase is anchored by the introduction of several flagship products. The HKC M10 Ultra is promoted as the first monitor to utilize an RGB MiniLED backlight system for enhanced color and brightness control. It would appeal to professional graphic designers, video editors, and game developers. The KOORUI S4941XO is a large-format OLED screen with a high refresh rate aimed at immersive simulation gaming. Finally, the ANTGAMER ANT275PQ Ultra stands as an LCD monitor with an exceptionally high refresh rate for competitive esports.
Collectively, HKC Corporation’s display products demonstrate the company’s technical focus on advancements in panel construction, backlight engineering, and integrated image processing software.
Image Credit: HKC Corporation
Technology
Innovative Gaming Peripheral Ecosystems : gaming peripheral
At CES 2026, Akko calls attention to three distinct series — the Nest, the Dash, and the Framer. The brand highlights the Dash as its “most advanced mouse to date.” This computer peripheral weighs just 39 grams and boasts the PixArt 3950 sensor for ro-grade precision and stability. Nest, on the other hand, is a right-hand ergonomic style, while the Framer is for entry-level gaming.
In addition to the high-performance computer mice, Akko is also highlighting new keyboards — including the aluminum rapid assembly magnetic-switch keyboard MOD007v5 HE and the Year of the Snake Keyboard — as well as the M1 V5 TMR technology by Akko’s sister brand MonsGeek.
Image Credit: Akko
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