Gray Television Will Bring Ten New Orleans Pelicans Games To Leading Local Broadcast Television Stations

Rhea-AI Summary

Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) and the New Orleans Pelicans have reached a new sports rights deal, making ten Pelicans games available during the 2023-24 NBA season to more than three million households across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The deal includes distribution on leading local television stations and major cable and satellite pay TV systems, expanding the reach of live games in the region.

Market Research Analyst

The new sports rights deal between Gray Television, Inc. and the New Orleans Pelicans represents a strategic maneuver to leverage local broadcasting networks to increase viewership and fan engagement. By expanding the reach of Pelicans games to over three million households across multiple states, both entities are tapping into a larger market, potentially increasing advertising revenues and strengthening brand presence. This move underscores a trend in media rights deals where regional sports are broadcasted more widely, aiming to capture the localized fan base.

From a market research perspective, the deal could signify a shift in sports consumption patterns, with a growing preference for local broadcasting over national networks. This could influence future negotiations and contracts between sports franchises and broadcasters. The enhanced accessibility to games may also drive merchandise and ticket sales, contributing to the economic impact on the surrounding regions.

Financial Analyst

This partnership could have a positive financial impact on Gray Television's revenue streams, particularly through increased advertising during game broadcasts. The deal also reflects a strategic investment in content that is likely to have high engagement metrics, which is a key driver in the television industry. By securing the rights to broadcast ten Pelicans games, Gray is positioning itself to capitalize on the high demand for live sports programming, which commands premium advertising rates.

For investors, the deal may be viewed as a growth opportunity for Gray Television, potentially improving its competitive position in the regional broadcasting market. However, the exact financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, making it challenging to quantify the immediate financial impact. Long-term benefits will depend on the company's ability to effectively monetize these broadcasts and possibly expand the deal to additional markets.

Sports Media Consultant

The agreement between Gray Television and the New Orleans Pelicans is part of a broader industry trend where regional sports teams are seeking to maximize their media exposure through local television deals. This approach not only increases the team's visibility but also enhances fan loyalty by making games more accessible to a regional audience. The decision to simulcast games across multiple stations in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama could set a precedent for how regional sports teams negotiate television rights in the future.

An important aspect of this deal is the potential for increased fan engagement through localized content. By broadcasting on free over-the-air channels, as well as major cable and satellite systems, the Pelicans are ensuring that their games are accessible to a wide audience. This strategy may also serve to counter the trend of cord-cutting, where viewers are moving away from traditional cable subscriptions in favor of streaming services.

New Orleans, Jan. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray”) (NYSE: GTN) and the New Orleans Pelicans jointly announced that they have reached an innovative new sports rights deal that will make ten of the Pelicans games during the 2023-24 NBA season available to fans on leading local television stations serving audiences throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The first game scheduled is Friday January 12, 2024 as the Pelicans take on the Denver Nuggets at 8pm.

The new distribution agreement with Gray will make Pelicans games available to more than three million households across three states. It will bring live games in the New Orleans market available on WVUE-TV FOX 8 and Bounce through its free over the air broadcasts along with its carriage on all major cable and satellite pay TV systems including COX, Spectrum, Comcast, DirecTV and Dish Network. In addition, Gray will simulcast these games on Louisiana television stations in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Alexandria. The games will also be simulcast on Mississippi stations in Biloxi, Jackson, Hattiesburg and Meridian and in Mobile, Alabama.

Following today’s announcement, Gray will seek distribution arrangements for these Pelican games by television stations located in additional markets in Louisiana and Mississippi that are owned by other broadcasters.

“We know people in this region are passionate about their sports. We are thrilled to partner with the Pelicans and make these games available for all fans,” explained New Orleans resident and Pelicans fan Sandy Breland, who is also Gray’s Chief Operating Officer.

“The Pelicans welcome the opportunity to partner with Gray Television in this 10-game deal that will provide over-the-air viewing access to Pelicans games for more than 3 million households and over seven million people across the Gulf South region,” said New Orleans Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha.

Calling the Pelicans broadcasts will be Emmy award winning play-by-play announcer Joel Meyers, former NBA star and color analyst Antonio Daniels and sideline reporter Jennifer Hale.

The games listed below will air on Gray stations starting January 12, 2024:

DATE	DAY	TIME	OPPONENT
1/12/2024	FRIDAY	8:00 PM	AT DENVER
1/19/2024	FRIDAY	7:00 PM	VS. PHOENIX
2/9/2024	FRIDAY	9:30 PM	AT L.A. LAKERS
2/27/2024	TUESDAY	6:30 PM	AT N.Y. KNICKS
3/1/2024	FRIDAY	7:00PM	VS. INDIANA
3/22/2024	FRIDAY	7:00 PM	AT MIAMI
3/26/2024	TUESDAY	7:00 PM	VS. OKC THUNDER
4/7/2024	SUNDAY	5:00 PM	AT PHOENIX
4/12/2024	FRIDAY	9:00 PM	AT GOLDEN STATE
TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD

About Gray:

Gray Television, Inc. is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Gray is the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Its television stations serve 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. Gray also owns video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. Gray owns a majority interest in Swirl Films. For more information, please visit www.gray.tv.

Gray Contacts:

Sandy Breland, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, 404-266-8333
Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333

New Orleans Pelicans Contact:

Sam Shannon, Corporate Communications Manager, 434-284-0451

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What is the new sports rights deal announced by Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) and the New Orleans Pelicans?

The new sports rights deal will make ten of the Pelicans games during the 2023-24 NBA season available to fans on leading local television stations serving audiences throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

When is the first game scheduled under the new distribution agreement with Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) and the New Orleans Pelicans?

The first game scheduled is Friday, January 12, 2024, as the Pelicans take on the Denver Nuggets at 8pm.

How many households will the new distribution agreement with Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) make Pelicans games available to?

The new distribution agreement will make Pelicans games available to more than three million households across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Which television stations and pay TV systems will carry the Pelicans games under the new distribution agreement with Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE: GTN)?

The games will be available on WVUE-TV FOX 8, Bounce, and all major cable and satellite pay TV systems including COX, Spectrum, Comcast, DirecTV, and Dish Network.

In which additional markets will Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) seek distribution arrangements for the Pelican games?

Gray will seek distribution arrangements for these Pelican games by television stations located in additional markets in Louisiana and Mississippi that are owned by other broadcasters.