Marquez Connects On MLB Network Affiliate Sales Post

Former NFL Network, NBC Exec To Lead Rookie Channel’s Distribution Team

By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 8/6/2008 10:46:00 AM

Art Marquez is changing networks and sports.

Marquez, formerly vice president of affiliate sales for NFL Network, is joining MLB Network as senior vice president of affiliate sales and marketing.

Reporting to MLB Network president and CEO Tony Petitti, Marquez will be responsible for overseeing the relationship between the network and cable operators and for continuing to grow the already record distribution of the new cable network.

The service, which is slated to take its first cut on Jan. 1, is expected to launch in some 50 million cable and satellite homes, the most ever for a cable channel. MLB Network’s huge push out of the batter’s box is fueled in part by equity deals MLB Network cut with DirecTV and the owners of In Demand in which access to MLB's Extra Innings out-of-market package was linked to carriage contracts for the fledgling service.

Marquez spent five years at the NFL Network, where he managed affiliate sales during the network’s launch and oversaw marketing, operations and video on demand. Prior to joining the NFL Network, Marquez held similar positions at NBC Cable Networks and Univision.

“Art has extensive experience working with MSOs for both new and established cable networks and his participation in launching the NFL Network will be a critical asset for the organization,” said Petitti in a statement.