beIN SPORTS Aligns with HC2 Broadcasting for Live Sports Channel

beIN SPORTS has inked a deal with HC2 Broadcasting for beIN SPORTS XTRA that will make it the first 24/7 live sports channel available free, over-the-air on broadcast television.

The English-language channel will be immediately available in 15 major markets across the U.S. on HC2’s stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, Atlanta, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Hartford, Columbus, Las Vegas and Austin, among others.

Antonio Briceño, beIN SPORTS’ deputy managing director for North America, said: “Today marks a significant day as beIN SPORTS is now able to deliver the best in world-class sports to a new segment of fans on over-the-air television, where all that is required for access is an antenna to start watching live events for free. We’re thrilled to be the first network to air advertiser-friendly live sports 24/7 on broadcast channels to nearly 7 million households. This milestone furthers our mission to deliver the highest quality sports content to the most viewers possible, regardless of platform.”

Craig A. Geller, executive VP of HC2 Network, said: “We are extremely excited to build upon our current partnership with beIN SPORTS in delivering the very first 24/7 premium sports channel OTA-focused on the general market sports fan. HC2 Broadcasting recognized the changing media landscape and has built a best-in-class data and distribution platform for today’s top content providers to extend their reach to homes who have cut the cord or are cord-nevers. On launch, HC2 Broadcasting’s footprint will extend the beIN brand into these 15 key markets. At HC2 Broadcasting, we are committed to creating opportunities that connect and engage these coveted homes with our content partners and advertisers.”