Mike Francesa says he won't be simulcast on CBS Sports Network, has been on YES since 2002 but current contract expires Jan. 31

12/5/13, "Mike Francesa: 'Zero chance' simulcast will move to CBS Sports Network," Newsday, Neil Best

"Mike Francesa said Thursday there is "absolutely zero chance" he will join his morning counterparts at WFAN in moving his show's simulcast to CBS Sports Network when its contract with the YES Network expires Jan. 31.

Until September, Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton were seen on MSG, but when that contract expired and a new deal was not reached, they announced they would jump in January to CBSSN, which like WFAN is owned by CBS.

Francesa has been on YES, initially with former partner Chris Russo, since the network premiered in 2002, but he said he has had no discussions with any outlet, including YES, about where the show will land starting in February. He did rule out the company's national cable channel.

"I would not consider the CBS Sports Network an alternative at any time," Francesa said. "There is absolutely zero chance I would go there because I don't think it fits the program...I think one is national and one is local and I don't think they marry well and it does not fit what I deem to be the strategic idea of the simulcast."

Carton and Esiason have said that even though their show will be seen nationally, its focus will remain on New York-area sports."

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