After a long drought, DC’s sports scene has seen quite a run in the last few years. The Mystics just took their first WNBA title, the Nats are in the World Series, and the Capitals took home their first Stanley Cup last year. One company at the center of such much success and innovation is Monumental Sports and Entertainment, which is driving everything from sports gambling and esports to their signature teams and facilities along with a burgeoning OTT platform as they help reshape the culture of Washington. In addition, MSE is already driving global partnerships as well, since being unleashed by the NBA last year, with the company recently adding NEC as their latest multinational partner. Cynopsis asked Jim Van Stone, president of business operations for MSE, about the company’s approach on all fields and as the hub of DC sports business.
On lessons learned from the success of the Nats and Mystics: Be prepared to take advantage of the opportunity when it presents itself. We share a firm belief that a rising tide lifts all boats during a successful run. The Nats have an opportunity to build that next generation of fans. Similar in scope and space to our hockey and basketball business, they’re highly focused on youth sports and athletics and building fans at an early age. Success breeds success and winning championships allows you to create business opportunities you’ve never done before.
On the NBA opening the door to foreign markets: Our success globally and internationally really goes back quite some time. We’ve had long-term partnerships with a couple global companies such as Etihad Airways and ORG Packaging, migrating into Alibaba and most recently our Wizards partnerships with NEC and others to come. D.C. is also unique and different with 190 embassies and 1-in-5 residents being foreign born.
On the first adopter push into Japan: We were very fortunate to draft Rui Hachimura, who is a fantastic player and fun to watch on the court but also truly charismatic off as well. It was important for us to create content that is unique about the Japanese marketplace and show Rui off the court and build our profile as an NBA basketball team globally, specifically in Japan, so we hired a Japanese-language correspondent who is capturing authentic content which we are now able to share on the Japanese-version of our Washington Wizards website and Twitter as well as our weekly Japanese podcast.
On OTT success: We’ve been a trendsetter. We looked at the value of live content and what it brings to the table early on as far as the major media demand for the four major sports but also the opportunity for people to consume content on the youth and amateur athletic side along with some emerging sports opportunities. With Monumental Sports Network, we created a platform that allows us to distribute live content for properties where there certainly is an interest and a demand. This year, we will broadcast and stream about 600 sporting events which rivals any regional sports network. Younger audiences have a heavy appetite for an a la carte style of consumption and having an OTT space to allow us to tap into that demographic is very helpful organizationally.
On Ted Leonsis as chairman: We are all a byproduct of Ted as chairman and all our owners as forward-thinking entrepreneurs, mainly in the tech realm. That is the DNA of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. We are very good organizationally at looking at things from a long-term strategic viewpoint with a lot research, including our focus in business intelligence and strategy analytics areas, not only from the team operations side but also in business operations. Being very entrepreneurial in spirit, I believe we are very nimble and also fearless top to bottom. PROGRAMMING
Game 4 of the World Series once boosted FOX numbers as the Astros’ victory to hand the network with its top performance for a Saturday night since January. Although the Series is still down from last year, the telecast still scored 10,646,000 viewers across all FOX Sports platforms, with FOX alone reeling in over 10.2 million viewers with a 5.9 household rating, according to Nielsen. The matchup also drew ratings of 30.4/54 in Houston and 17.3/36 in DC. Meanwhile, FOX Sports also reports that its noon college football telecast on Saturday, which saw Ohio State topple Wisconsin, rank as the top-rated college football game on any network, according to the company, drawing a 4.6 metered market overnight rating. Continuing the theme, the NFL saw last week’s edition of Thursday Night Football delivered an average of 14.1 million viewers across all platforms for the Vikings’ win over the Redskins, including FOX, NFL Network, FOX Deportes, NFL digital, FOX Sports digital, Amazon Prime Video, Twitch and Yahoo Sports. The league reports that the 14.1 million viewers for the game was up 13% over last year’s Week 8 TNF matchup. Season-to-date, the Thursday Night Football tri-cast is averaging 16.0 million viewers – up 20%. DAZN is partnering with Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions for documentary series, One Night, which will spotlight famous nights in recent boxing history. The group of films premieres on DAZN and the DAZN YouTube channel on Nov. 20, and will offer a focus on the battle between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua before their rematch on Dec. 7. ”My Hollywood script came to life that historic June night when unknown boxer Andy Ruiz achieved a victory that shocked the world. It was the real-life Rocky and the perfect story to kick off our partnership with DAZN,” Stallone said. “There is nothing like the world of Boxing…the drama, the humanity, the agony, and the ecstasy. This sport reveals the souls of these courageous warriors like no other sport can so it’s a privilege to be very involved with DAZN and their revolutionary programming.” FOX Sports is gearing up for its turn with the Super Bowl with the launch of a new weekly video series, Super Bowl Stories: Road To Miami, that “takes viewers down memory lane through the lens of the network’s personalities as they recount their favorite Super Bowl moments.” The video series will be available across the FOX Sports and FOX Deportes digital and social media platforms and kicks off with three-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski as he reveals details from his Super Bowl XLIX experience. GOLF Channel serves up over 30 hours of news and tournament coverage to one of the final collegiate events of the 2019 fall season, the East Lake Cup collegiate match play championship, with coverage starting today and running through Wednesday. With the coverage, Golf Channel launched College Golf Talk, diving into the college golf scene. GOLF Channel’s on-air team for the East Lake Cup will feature Bob Papa and Curt Byrum serving as play-by-play host and analyst, respectively. NBC Sports’ new digital series, Off the Dribble, is open for business, debuting on NBC Sports’ YouTube Channel. The NBA-focused show will premiere every Friday throughout the year, hosted by Jacques Slade. From sneakers to burner accounts, the series will “cover all things in the modern NBA, with a classic nostalgic vibe.” Each ten-minute episode will explore and break down the biggest trends and viral content across the Internet. |
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SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION
ESPN Events cut ties with an Albuquerque-based production company that signed on to serve as sponsor of the New Mexico Bowl. The deal was announced in recent weeks. According to the AP, after a report from the Albuquerque Journal stated that the company had no business license with the city of Albuquerque and that CEO Eric G. Martinez faced multiple judgments for unpaid debts. The DreamHouse New Mexico Bowl logo and all references to it have been scrubbed from the bowl's website. The game is set to be played on Dec. 21. Rob Gronkowski and CBDMedic locked in a deal with Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place in a “first-of-its-kind collaboration” that promotes efforts to help people understand CBD and pain management. "CBDMEDIC helped change my life and has been a major part of my pain recovery regiment post-retirement," said Gronkowski. "I'm passionate about sharing my recovery story and encouraging other people to experience the benefits of using CBD. Now, with this powerful promotional partnership with Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place, we hope to encourage others, especially athletes and sports enthusiasts, to try this pain management and recovery solution." DIGITAL, DATA & TECH
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan revealed on Saturday that the org is opening the door to allow wagering on Tour event at the venue where the event was taking place, according to AFP. He stated that the PGA TOUR would be unveiling live sports betting at Tour stops by next year. “When done right, it gives fans the opportunity to engage with your sport over a longer period of time and have more interest in what’s happening across the entire player field,” he said. ESPORTS
Three more banners were revealed for the upcoming Call of Duty League. For the Atlanta franchise, the team announced that it would be partnering with FaZe Clan for the team, working with Atlanta Esports Ventures to run the squad. Subsequently, the team would be known as the Atlanta FaZe. “We found partners that we love, which is not easy on both sides,” said FaZe Clan CEO Lee Trink. “I wanted to look for a creative way to maintain our long-standing relationship with Call of Duty.” The Toronto team, meanwhile will be known as the Toronto Ultra. In addition, Toronto unveiled its mascot: Tilt the squirrel. “When we were thinking through what to call ourselves, our minds travelled through a galaxy of possibilities,” the team said in the announcement. “Animals, historical connections, tough guy references, and even deep sounding monikers. But in the end, we felt we were just trying too hard. We're Ultra, and like Toronto, we love that what we mean is whatever you represent. Proud, humble, smooth, or loud — whatever you are, Ultra is just the beginning of it. You fill in the rest.” Finally, in the least surprising announcement, Immortals Gaming Club confirmed that its team would be known as OpTic Gaming Los Angeles. The company acquired OpTic earlier this year, and opted to maintain the historical branding of the team. TV Azteca and its exclusive global esports programming partner, Allied Esports, announced that Azteca Esports will carry the Gears 5 Pro League in Latin America via a new alliance with Gears Esports. Starting today, Azteca Esports will produce live, weekly coverage of the four-team Latin America region, including a live finale on November 25 at TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City. "Mexico's incredible passion for the Gears franchise has resulted in fans expressing their love of Gears through everything from Gears Ink tattoos to themed weddings,” said Rose Gunson, Esports Creative Program Manager for Gears Esports at The Coalition. “This enthusiasm extends to the games themselves, as the player base in Mexico produces some of the highest activity for Gears titles and features more players playing Gears of War 4 at the highest professional skill levels than anywhere else.” ESL opened the doors to The ESL Academy delivered by DHL, set to provide Dota 2 talent with the “opportunity to display their ability on the big stage.” In cooperation with DHL as founding and presenting partner, the program will implement a system to develop and foster potential Dota 2 talent, accelerating their path to professional esports.The ESL Academy season features over $240,000 in combined prize-pools throughout year one. Following the shroud’s move from Twitch to Mixer last week, fellow streaming Cory 'KingGothalion' Michael – a six year veteran on the platform – also announced his move to Microsoft's streaming platform, where they will join Ninja. "I sat down thinking this was gonna be a tough decision, but it was actually kinda easy," he said on the announcement on Twitter. "It is my belief that working closer with Xbox and Microsoft is not only gonna help us propel what we're doing but also propel what's also has been important to the channel, which is doing good in gaming." THE MAIN EVENT
Coyotes/Sabres on NHL Network at 7p. |
| A Cynopsis Message From SEVENTYSIX CAPITAL
SPORTS INNOVATION CONFERENCE
THE EPICENTER OF SPORTS AND TECH NOVEMBER 6, 2019 • CITIZENS BANK PARK, PHILADELPHIA Join Ryan Howard, David Stern, Ralph Sampson, Ken Shropshire, and many more industry thought leaders focused on sports technology, esports, and sports betting – industries where innovation is moving at an accelerated pace. Click here to register with code CYNOPSIS for 10% off General Admission |
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ON THIS DAY in 1959
The American Football League awards the Buffalo Bills franchise to Ralph C Wilson. In the Know
With a win yesterday, Bill Belichick joined coaching’s 300-win club, which features which other two NFL names? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your company and city). Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
Which boxer had the nickname “Boom Boom”? Answer: Ray Mancini. Kudos: Justin Blair-Henimo Group/NY; Brian Ricco-MultiVision Media, Inc./BOXTV- The Boxing Channel; Art Salisch-Nielsen/NY; Michael Doherty-BC Media/NY; David Haney-Bosack & Co./Pottsville; Michael Narracci-New England Sports Network/Watertown; Derek Houston-Atlanta Braves/Atlanta; Paul Brewer-TV Talent Agents, Inc./North Augusta; Joe Lyons-ESPN/Dallas; John Kukla-KDFW/KDFI/Dallas; Matt Fumagalli-NBC/Chicago; Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Station; Greg Moloznik-GLM Media/Scottsdale; David Hauptman/Denver; Rich Wolfe-Lone Wolfe Press/Scottsdale; Wendy Holmes-KCNC-TV/Denver; Lawrence Fan-San Jose State University Athletics/San Jose; Dave Sikula-San Francisco State University/San Francisco; Bob Ware-NBC Palm Springs/Univision/Palm Desert; John Sutton-Charter Digital Media/LA
Later - Chris |
MULTI-PLATFORM MARKETING MGR
SNY
NYC
Reinforce/solidify SNY's positioning as the Home for NY sports in a breakout way. Using proper creative and marketing strategies, this position will leverage best practices in marketing, social media, digital promotions, mobile marketing, and technology. Min 5 yrs mktg/advertising exp sports/media.
Full info HERE (11/2) MGR, MULTIPLATFORM PROGRAMMING >>
BET/NYC: Manage and schedule content to our VOD and EST (Electronic Sell Through) partners. Previous exp in TV programming and/or scheduling. Great organizational & communication skills a must. Full info HERE(11/9)
DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS >>
National Geographic/LA: Run point on major NGC public relations campaigns for upcoming 2.0 tentpole projects, with a primary focus on scripted content. also be responsible for planning and overseeing assigned shows and talent at key industry events. 10 yrs relevant exp. Full info HERE (11/9)
COORDINATOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT >>
VENN/NYC: Assist the department with planning, organization and execution. Candidate must have knowledge of, and passion for the media and gaming industries, staying up to date across the latest trends. Full info HERE (11/8)
MGR, PRODUCTION ACCOUNTS >>
Nickelodeon/NYC: Supervise logistic and financial elements of Nick Experience projects. Manage aspects of production, including but not limited to legal, risk assessment and financial. 4 yrs of exp in prod. accounting or prod management. Full info HERE (11/8)
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE >>
Major League Soccer/NYC: Establish/maintain company-wide KPI measurements and associated processes to drive strategic decision making. 8+ years of experience, preferably in business intelligence, analytics or relevant data driven support roles. Full info HERE (11/8)
VP, ANALYTICS >>
Major League Soccer/NYC: Dive integration of advanced analytics projects throughout the enterprise & lead a team that will transform data thru application of advanced data modeling techniques. 12+yrs of exp working in data science and/or advanced analytics w/ track record of delivering insights & business impact. Full info HERE (11/8)
COORDINATOR, INTEGRATED MEDIA SOLUTIONS >>
Major League Soccer/NYC: be the subject-matter expert on MLS & SUM Digital advertising systems and processes, who will help operationalize and streamline all internal aspects of our digital media campaigns. 1++ years digital marketing/promotions/advertising role or capacity. Full info HERE (11/8)
TV AD SALES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/SR ACCT EXECUTIVE >>
Black News Channel/NYC: Exp’d in Major market and Network TV Sales and is an extremely motivated multi-platform sales professional. Exceed or at a minimum achieve monthly, quarterly and annual sales/revenue goals. Min 5 yrs media sales exp. Full info HERE (11/8)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE >>
Ride TV/NYC & ATL: confident, driven, goal-oriented, relentless, and self-motivated with a positive attitude and the ultimate team player to succeed in the fast-past entrepreneurial sales environment. 8 yrs sales expe, preferably in the ad sales space. Full info HERE (11/8)
SALES PLANNER >>
Ride TV/Chicago/LA/NYC: Develop media proposals and create sales presentations for all RIDE TV networks and platforms utilizing all available research, sales and content resources. Minimum 1 yr exp as ad sales planner or 3+ yrs as an ad sales assistant. Full info HERE (11/8)
SALES PLANNER >>
The Weather Group/NYC: Dvlp sales plans/packages for clients that meet the needs of the network, clients & sales staff. 2-3 yrs of ad sales ind exp (agency and/or sales) Media math req’d. Potential growth into Sales position Full info HERE (11/7)
DIRECTOR of DEVELOPMENT >>
Thriving NYC production company: Dvlp/generate internal ideas. Identify & Skype talent. Exp preparing and pitching ideas directly to the networks. Oversee shoots & sizzle reels. In-depth knwldg of unscripted prgring & exp in a similar, sr level development role. Full info HERE (11/7)
SALES ASSISTANT >>
UP/NYC: Provide sales support to AEs, Sales Planners & Pricing & Inventory. Establish relationships w/agency buyers. Act as a liaison w/agencies & internal depts. Strong orgnztnl skills, att to detail, ability to work in a fast-paced envir. Prior internship exp in media a +. Full info HERE (11/5)
INVENTORY MANAGER >>
UP/NYC: Support VP, Pricing & Planning. Mng all aspects of channel inventory, oversee flighting & shift requests. Mng day to day bus processes w/sales assistants & sales planners. Provide support for stewardship, deal approvals, and pricing. Strong analytical skills, quick learner and problem solver. Full info HERE (11/5)
DIRECTOR, TECHNICAL & DIGITAL OPERATIONS >>
NBC Sports/Stamford CT: Oversee the design, development, deployment, and support of state-of-the-art sports content management systems, web services and API’s. Full info HERE (11/2)
Jr PUBLICIST >>
NBC SPORTS/Stamford CT: Publicize and promote NBC Sports Group programming in accordance with the overall strategy and brand positioning. BA degree. Min 2 yrs exp working in PR and/or Sports industry. Full info HERE (11/2)
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT >>
9 Story Media Group/NYC: Provide administrative support to two executives in a collaborative, creative, fast-paced environment working in production of current series and development of new properties. Candidate must be organized, detail oriented and self-directed, with strong verbal and written comm skills. Full info HERE (11/2)
MULTI-PLATFORM MARKETING MGR >>
SNY/NYC: Reinforce/solidify SNY's positioning as the Home for NY sports in a breakout way. Using proper creative and marketing strategies, this position will leverage best practices in marketing, social media, digital promotions, mobile marketing, and technology. Min 5 yrs mktg/advertising exp sports/media. Full info HERE (11/2)
MGR, DIGITAL CONTENT (NIGHT SIDE) >>
NBC SPORTS/Philadelphia: Mng a team of NBC Sports Philadelphia’s content producers, ensuring that timely, relevant content is properly published to the website, app and social media accts. Min 7 yrs working in digital content prod, incl 2-3 yrs managing a team or unit. Full info HERE (11/2)
FREELANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR >>
Nickelodeon/NYC: Resp for project mngmt/coordinating social media creative for Nickelodeon’s fan-first, adult-targeted social accounts. Understanding of production methodologies across video, graphics/design & social media platforms. 1-2 yrs managerial exp. Full info HERE (11/2)
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE >>
NYC-based television production: Work closely with the VP and SVP of Finance in all aspects of production accounting/finance Overseeing production accountants & mngng show cash flows to ensure staying on budget. Min 5 yrs exp cost reporting as a production accountant. Full info HERE (10/29)
PROMOTION PRODUCER >>
WTTG/WDCA TV Fox 5 TV/Washington DC: seasoned creative services producer to conceptualize, write and produce dynamic promotional spots that promote our programming while reinforcing and expanding the stations brand and image. 4 yr degree & min 3 yrs brdcst exp in a top 50 market. Full info HERE (10/29) |
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