Triple Threat: FSN Secures Deals With Pistons, Tigers, Red Wings
FSN Detroit has signed long-term media rights deals with the Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings. The deals, each running for at least 10 years, provide FSN Detroit with exclusive carriage of all local telecasts of all three teams (FSN). Industry insiders estimate the three deals to be worth "at least $1[B] over at least the next decade" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/19). The deals ensure that other media companies will not try to launch local RSNs in the Motor City. Just last month, Comcast shut down its Detroit RSN Comcast Local, which went to 1.3 million subscribers. And EchoStar and AT&T were active in bidding for the Pistons rights, which could have led to another RSN in the market. FSN’s move comes amid reports that Comcast plans to launch Big Ten Network in Big Ten markets before next football season. Sources said that Comcast made its Big Ten decision after supporting FSN’s move to pick up the Pistons rights (FSN had the right to match any offer), since it would keep AT&T and EchoStar from setting up another RSN. As part of the deal with FSN, no Pistons games will be available on local broadcast television for the first time (John Ourand, Staff Writer).
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FSN Detroit To Televise Up
To 152 Tigers Games This Season |
FINE PRINT: In Detroit, Mike Brudenell reports FSN Detroit this season will televise "up to 152 Tigers games -- an increase from 134 last year -- including 103" in HD, while ESPN or Fox are scheduled to pick up the remaining 10 games. The Pistons' deal "kicks in next season" and will see FSN for the first time owning rights "to all local telecasts." Pistons games this season have been televised on FSN and Channels WMYD-MYT and WDIV-NBC in Detroit. The Red Wings' deal will take effect in 2012 "when a contract signed in 1997 expires." FSN has had rights to all local Red Wings telecasts since '03. FSN will televise "at least" 70 Pistons games and 70 Red Wings games, using its FSN Plus outlet to "help with overlapping schedules." FSN Senior VP & GM Greg Hammaren: "This is not only an investment in the teams but an investment in the fans, city and the state, which has been suffering through tough times. We're going to be in this for the long haul, in the good and bad times." Hammaren also "reinforced the network's satisfaction with its on-air talent" including George Blaha and Greg Kelser for the Pistons, Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond with the Red Wings, and Mario Impemba and Rod Allen for the Tigers (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/19).
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