Broadcasters, 16W Marketing To Launch TXNSports.com On April 26

A group of high-profile former athletes is launching a broadband website in two weeks called TXNSports.com. Network broadcasters Cris Collinsworth, Boomer Esiason, Nick Faldo, Howie Long, Cal Ripken Jr. and Phil Simms are launching the site April 26, with 16W Marketing. Frank Vuono, a partner with 16W, said the group is looking to add more talent, particularly with college football and basketball. Its first deal is a partnership with Big Lead Sports to produce a show for the NFL Draft. Big Lead Sports and TXNSports will jointly sell that programming, Vuono said.

Big Lead Sports CEO Chris Russo said his network of websites will benefit from the partnership. "Working around the draft was a great way to get access to this talent," Russo said. "We might explore other things going forward." Vuono said he is using the model for the old NFL Quarterback Club, when he was the head of licensing for the league.