CBC announces 8-year deal with World Curling Tour
Looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to CBC’s coverage of curling in this country. Ending weeks of speculation, this release from the CBC of a huge long-term deal with the WCT:
CBC Sports today announced an eight-year broadcast and multi-media agreement with Insight Sports Ltd. for the rights to broadcast the World Curling Tour Grand Slam of Curling events. The agreement begins this fall and runs through to the spring of 2014, with the first Grand Slam of Curling final to air on CBC-TV, Sunday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. ET. The remainder of the broadcast schedule will be available in the coming weeks.“Curling has enjoyed a long and proud tradition of coverage on CBC, and we are excited to add these events to our lineup,” said Nancy Lee, executive director, CBC Sports. “The Grand Slams feature the top curlers from Canada and around the world going head to head in thrilling competition. There is no better place for them to be showcased to all Canadians than on CBC.”“Insight Sports is excited and delighted to be able to partner with both the CBC and the World Curling Players Association on such high calibre events in a sport with such a rich heritage and tradition in Canada,” said Ron Bremner, CEO, Insight Sports.
“The World Curling Players Association is pleased the Grand Slam has a solid foundation formed with CBC and Insight Sports. Both organizations have very experienced management teams who will lead this ‘world-class competition’ this year and into the next decade,” said Paul Boutilier, executive director, World Curling Tour and president, World Curling Tour Players Association. “I am very proud of the players, both women and men, for delivering some incredible curling the past five seasons—I know these outstanding athletes will continue to excite and entertain fans and viewers on CBC. This is a great day for all players!”
CBC has provided Canadian curling fans with award-winning coverage of their beloved sport for more than 40 years. In 1998, 2002 and 2006, CBC was selected as host broadcaster for curling at the Olympic Winter Games, and in 1998 the International Olympic Committee recognized CBC’s curling coverage with an IOC Golden Rings Award.
CBC will also broadcast exclusive live coverage of the championship rounds from the Season of Champions events through to 2008. In addition to curling coverage, this winter CBC Sports has coverage of top international sporting events, including FIS Alpine Skiing World Cups and World Championship, FIS World Snowboarding Championship, FIS World Freestyle Skiing Championship, and the World Figure Skating Championships presented by BMO Financial Group.
Viewers can log on to CBC.ca/sports 24 hours a day, seven days a week for comprehensive news and results throughout the World Curling Tour season.
About Insight Sports Ltd:
Insight Sports Ltd. is a leading sports media and entertainment company, operating three specialty television networks: CGTV, Casino and Gaming Television; GOLTV Canada, a 24-hour soccer network; and WFN: World Fishing Network, North America’s only network devoted entirely to fishing. The company also holds a significant interest in the NHL Network, a 24-hour hockey channel.
