SportsChannel Regional Network has signed a two-year deal to
telecast games of the ABL, the new woman's basketball league set
to debut this October. The deal, with a three-year option,
includes exclusive worldwide rights, as well as marketing,
advertising, promotions, merchandising and new media ventures.
The network will show 14 regular season games beginning in
October, the All-Star Game, two playoff games and all potential
championship games. Each SportsChannel RSN can select up to 20
additional regular season games, while SportsChannel will make
all ABL games available to Prime Network and control
international distribution. The eight-team ABL has clubs in
Atlanta, Columbus, Richmond, Hartford, Denver, Portland, Seattle
and San Jose (SportsChannel). INSIDE MEDIA's Mike Reynolds
reports on the revenue sharing aspect of the deal, adding that
the ABL has yet to finalize its schedule. SportsChannel is
"eyeing a Sunday or Monday night window," during which it will
make its feed available to all RSNs. Affiliates are not
contractually bound to carry games during that period.
SportsChannel will work with the ABL on marketing, "from selling
the commercials, to the signage and promotional programs,"
according to SportsChannel VP/Strategic Alliances Jerry Passaro
(INSIDE MEDIA, 7/10).
