Sinclair Expands ASN Syndication

Sinclair Broadcast Group has signed syndication agreements with 41 companies, expanding distribution of its American Sports Network. The agreements add distribution of ASN’s college sports events in 67 non- Sinclair television markets. In combination with Sinclair broadcast stations airing ASN, the combined footprint for ASN in Sinclair and non-Sinclair markets is now projected to reach approximately 83 million households for select games.

The company also announced that it has entered into a multi-year sports rights and content development agreement with the Western Athletic Conference, bringing to six the total number of NCAA Division I conferences for which ASN will produce games.

“We are pleased with the initial market receptivity of our newly launched American Sports Network, which delivers real value and relevant and compelling programming to communities,” said Doron Gorshein, COO of Sinclair Networks. “Our inaugural game between Hampton and Old Dominion aired on Aug. 30  across our platform and, in the Norfolk, Va., market, realized ratings as high as three times previous programming in the same time period, evidence that local content that is meaningful will draw audiences. We are excited to add WAC to ASN’s lineup of games and expect them to have great appeal to viewers, especially in markets in our western footprint.”

“Our relationship with Sinclair is a great opportunity for increased exposure for the Western Athletic Conference and its member institutions,” WAC Commissioner Jeff Hurd said. “The WAC looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the American Sports Network.”

Sinclair also announced the launch of the ASN website, www.americansportsnet.com, where viewers can access ASN’s schedule of games, watch game highlights and get scores.

In response to the news, Wells Fargo Senior Analyst Marci Ryvicker said she expected these announcements “to add an additional high-margin revenue stream. While no financial details were provided in today’s release, we think these new syndication deals should be significantly incremental to the top-line. We are extremely pleased to see [Sinclair] continue to expand its original sports lineup and syndicate its programming across markets in which it does not operate.”