Suddenlink Scores Sports Net Deals

Suddenlink Communications has inked carriage agreements with Fantasy Sports Network and Fight Network, the company said Monday.

The Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp.-owned networks will be available to 1.5 million Suddenlink subscribers across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and other markets. Both channels will be available in high-definition (HD) on Suddenlink’s Sports Plus Tier, according to network officials.

“FNTSY Sports Network and Fight Network offer sports enthusiasts new viewing and information options that complement the huge variety we offer in our sports packages,” said Suddenlink Senior Vice President and Chief Programming Officer Kathy Payne in a statement. “Fantasy sports popularity, in particular, has grown rapidly in recent years and our new offerings will help meet demands of that audience.”

Added Leonard Asper, CEO of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp: “Within just one year of our launch, we have hit another milestone with our distribution on Suddenlink because of its reach across the country. With a high demand for live and fresh sports programming, both FNTSY Sports Network and Fight Network and are now available on two top 10 cable providers in the U.S., fulfilling the entertainment needs of new subscribers across the country with our engaging sports properties.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.