Behind The Mic: Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless to Reunite for First Take Episode; Donna Brothers Worked Final Kentucky Derby

Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, including new deals, departures, and assignments compiled from press releases and reports around the industry. In this week's edition, UFL announces their commentator team and schedule for the remaining half of 2026 season; FOX Sports shares 2026 FIFA World Cup reporters and commentary team; and more.

John Sterling, Theatrical Yankees Broadcaster Known for Enduring Home Run Calls, Dies at 87John Sterling, the longtime New York Yankees radio broadcaster known for extravagant, individualized home run calls, has died, the team and radio station WFAN announced. He was 87.

Sterling had undergone heart bypass surgery this winter and after the procedure was attended to by health care aides at his home in Edgewater, New Jersey. The team said he died at a New Jersey hospital.

He had called 5,631 games - 5,420 regular season plus 211 postseason - when he retired in April 2024 just after the season's start, citing fatigue. Sterling broadcast 5,060 consecutive games from September 1989 through July 2019 after beginning with the Yankees as a pregame host. He came out of retirement to broadcast Yankees games during the 2024 postseason.

Telemundo Announces the Addition of Six F tbol Legends

Telemundo, the exclusive Spanish-language home of the FIFA World Cup 2026, continues to build its powerhouse lineup of experts, announcing a new group of legendary players who will join its multiplatform coverage of the tournament. A final round of experts joining the network for the historic tournament will be announced next week.

This group further elevates Telemundo's roster with a dynamic blend of global experience, leadership, and star power, bringing together iconic forwards, commanding defenders, and influential midfielders who have excelled on the sport's biggest international stages.

Building on this incredible roster allows us to deepen the connection with fans through authentic voices who have lived the World Cup experience, said Joaquin Duro, EVP of Sports and Head of Streaming, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. Each of these legends brings a unique perspective that will enrich our storytelling and coverage across every platform.

Jorge Valdano (Argentina | Striker) 1986 World Cup champion with Argentina, a Real Madrid standout, he later returned as a coach and sporting director and remains a respected voice in global f tbol.

Carlos Salcido (Mexico | Defender/Midfielder) A key figure for Mexico across multiple World Cups, with a successful club career in Europe and Liga MX.

Alejandro Bedoya (USA | Midfielder) Accomplished U.S. international recognized for leadership and a sustained impact in both MLS and European football.

Iv n Zamorano (Chile | Forward) Bam Bam, one of Chile's greatest goal scorers, a Real Madrid legend and Pichichi winner known for his aerial dominance and scoring ability.

Diego Lugano (Uruguay | Defender) Legendary Uruguay captain who led his team to a 2010 World Cup semifinal and 2011 Copa Am rica title, known for his strength and leadership.

Iv n Ramiro C rdoba (Colombia | Centre-Back) 2001 Copa Am rica-winning captain and an Inter Milan standout, he won multiple Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League.

With decades of experience at the highest levels of the sport, these experts will deliver in-depth analysis, insider perspective, and compelling storytelling throughout Telemundo's coverage.

These experts join an already star-studded lineup that includes Mexico captain Andr s Guardado, Real Madrid icon Guti, renowned Argentine coach Jos P kerman, former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia, and Panama's legendary striker Dely Vald s.

First Take To Reunite Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless for One-Time Show on May 8

ESPN's signature morning debate show First Take, featuring Stephen A. Smith and Shae Cornette, will welcome a mix of new and familiar faces - highlighted by a one-time reunion with former co-host Skip Bayless.

Bayless will join Smith live from Los Angeles on Friday, May 8, marking the first time the duo has appeared together on First Take since June 2016.

Additional guest appearances throughout the week include the New York-born rapper Cam'ron on Tuesday, May 5, and Kid Mero on Thursday, May 7. Cam'ron is now the popular co-host of the It Is What It Is sports and culture podcast with Ma$e and Treasure Wilson.

First Take averaged 491,000 viewers in April, up 6% year-over-year, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. From January through April, the show averaged 517,000 viewers, up 5% versus 2025.

ESPN Announces UFL Commentator Schedule for Second Half of 2026 Season

The UFL on ESPN kicked off the second half of its 2026 regular season with Week 6 (April 30-May 3). The familiar team of signature spring football experts continues leading the way across ESPN networks, bringing fans inside the game in innovative and engaging ways.

ESPN's commentator schedule for the remainder of the regular season is available below. ESPN's full coverage plans for the UFL Playoffs and exclusive presentation of the United Bowl will be announced soon.

Week 6 | In the stands

On Saturday, May 2, Roy Philpott and Roddy Jones brought fans a unique perspective on ABC as they called the third quarter of the Dallas Renegades taking on the DC Defenders from the top of section 138 - the home of the famed Beer Snake at Audi Field (weather permitting). Cole Cubelic and Max Browne continued providing real-time interviews and access from field level throughout the game.

2026 UFL on ESPN commentator schedule - Weeks 6-10

Week Date Time (ET) Game Where to watch

Week 6 Sat, May 2 12 p.m. Dallas Renegades at DC Defenders

Roy Philpott, Roddy Jones, Cole Cubelic, Max Browne ABC

Week 7 Sat, May 9 8 p.m. Dallas Renegades at Birmingham Stall

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/05/04/behind-the-mic-stephen-a-smith-...
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