ESPN, AEG Officials In Talks About Future Of X Games In L.A.
 |
Alessandri Says ESPN Would
Like To Keep X Games In L.A. |
The summer X Games are in the "final year of a five-year contract" at The Home Depot Center, and ESPN officials said that "talks are progressing" with AEG about reaching a new deal, according to Keith Lair of the SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE. Neither ESPN nor AEG officials will say "how close they are to finalizing a new contract" for the event, which will be held this year from July 30-August 2. ESPN X Games Managing Dir Rick Alessandri said, "Once we get past the games, we'll sit down and figure out our steps. We love L.A.; AEG is probably the best partner out there. Our intention is to try and do something that allows us to remain here." He noted that there are "at least six cities that have inquired about the X Games each year," and that "of those, only three are 'major players.'" ESPN X Games GM Chris Stiepok said, "We're talking with AEG all the time. We have constant dialogue. We're working toward getting something done with them. There are a lot of moving parts involved. We're hoping to let everyone know at X or prior to X." AEG VP/Communications Michael Roth said of ESPN, "We have a tremendous relationship with them. We're hopeful that they will stay here." Lair notes ESPN has "already partnered with AEG on building a television studio and restaurant at L.A. Live," and the ESPY Awards are "broadcast each year from" AEG's Nokia Theater." Before ESPN "settled on Southern California and Colorado for long-term deals" for the summer and Winter X Games, respectively, they had "two-year contracts with other cities." Stiepok said keeping the event in L.A. "year after year really allows us to concentrate on growing in other areas, in other sports and competitions" (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE, 7/17).
|
Related Stories By Company
|
Related Stories By Sport
|
Gruden Committed To Improving On "MNF"
November 20, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
NBC, Fox See Ratings Gains For NFL Week 10
November 19, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Ohlmeyer Addresses Steve Phillips Story
November 19, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
St. Peter's, Monmouth Benefit From ESPN
November 18, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
MSG Counting Down College BBall Moments
November 18, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
|
Nike Increasing Ties To Action Sports
September 21, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Economy Impacting Dew Tour, Athletes
September 18, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Portland's Dew Tour Stop A Success
August 17, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Rally Car Driver Turns To eBay For Sponsors
July 31, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Maloof Money Cup Kicks Off Friday
July 10, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
|
|
