Sports Illustrated Broadcast & Digital Nets to Roll Out in Asia

HONG KONG: Time Inc. and ASN Ltd. have entered into a partnership to develop a Sports Illustrated sports broadcasting and digital network across Asia.

The new agreement will see the Hong Kong-based, Pan-Asian ASN and ASN2 pay TV sports channels, companion websites and mobile apps rebranded to Sports Illustrated/Sports Illustrated 2. The partners will also collaborate on daily programming development, coverage of global sporting events and expansion of worldwide distribution across linear networks, SVOD, OTT, digital, mobile and emerging platforms and technologies.

Sports Illustrated/Sports Illustrated 2 in Asia is scheduled for a spring 2016 launch. The new networks will feature a mix of event coverage and original video programming from SI Group brands (SI, SI Kids and FanSided) surrounding live broadcasts of many popular sports leagues and events, including the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup finals and March Madness.

“This groundbreaking partnership speaks to the power of all our brands—in this case Sports Illustrated—and enables us to build a significant international presence across new platforms,” said Steve Marcopoto, the president of Time Inc. International. “Our partners at ASN have built a strong foundation, and together we look forward to creating a differentiated and compelling sports network in the most populous region in the world.”

“There is tremendous potential for Sports Illustrated to flourish as a global sports brand,” said Rich Battista, Time Inc.’s executive VP and president of entertainment and sports group and video. “This exciting partnership will see our sports properties heavily integrated in a region of the world where the appetite for premier global sports coverage is exploding and growth opportunities abound.”