Ilitch organization considering a regional sports network for Tigers, Red Wings and more
Christin Stewart #14 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates his three-run home run that scored Pete Kozma #33 and JaCoby Jones #21 against the Kansas City Royals on September 20, 2018 in Detroit. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
(WJBK) - The Ilitch organization announced on Thursday it's exploring the creation of a regional sports network. The Ilitch represents the Detroit Tigers, The Detroit Red Wings and other leading entertainment brands.
A press release said the network would serve as the new home for the Tigers, Wings and other sports and entertainment-related content. It would televise, broadcast and distribute the content.
"We have two perennially highly-rated and historic franchises, which provide compelling year-round content and programming," said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports and Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. "As such, we feel our organization is uniquely positioned to explore the launch of what we believe could be a highly successful regional sports network.”
Officials say their exploratory process is starting immediately, but no deadline has been set for completion.
The Tigers and Red Wings rank number one and two, respectively, in terms of total primetime consumption in the Detroit television market, officials said.
“FOX Sports Detroit is a great partner and we look forward to discussing renewal and extension possibilities," Granger also said.
Some notable RSNs that are owned either fully or in part by sports properties include YES Network, SNY, NESN, MSG, MASN and Altitude Sports.
Ilitch officials didn't give any other details at this time.