Gray Media (NYSE:GTN), in partnership with the New Orleans Pelicans, announces a transformative media rights deal to bring every non-national Pelicans NBA game to 4.1 million households through a new soon-to-be launched multi-state distribution venture called Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network anchored by Gray’s New Orleans television station WVUE (FOX 8 Local First).
The new network will broadcast free, over-the-air and be made available on a variety of pay-TV platforms through Gray’s television stations in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Alexandria, Louisiana; Gray’s television stations in Biloxi, Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Meridian, Mississippi; and Gray’s Mobile, Alabama television station.
By moving the Pelicans games to Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, the team will be available to increase its reach by 16 times over the team’s reach through its previous distribution arrangement with a non-broadcast regional sports network.
“Gray Media is thrilled to be able to leverage our resources to connect our loyal viewers with the growing number of Pelicans fans across the Gulf South,” said Sandy Breland, Chief Operating Officer, Gray Media. “The Pelicans are putting their fans first as now all fans will have the ability to watch the games free over-the-air or through any basic cable, satellite service, or streaming provider that carries the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network.”
GTN shares progressed 17 cents or 3.5%, to $5.06.
