Simple Networks, a company owned by former DirecTV executives Jason Markham and Evan Grayer, and Inversiones Bahia, a Panama-based private equity office, have teamed up to acquire Golf Channel Latin America from telco AT&T.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Golf Channel Latin America offers a wide range of programming, including original content produced in-house, news and other programming licensed from the Golf Channel in the US, exclusive PGA Tour tournaments and international events, including the Ryder Cup and the Open Championship.
The channel is distributed by pay-television operators to more than 10 million households across Latin America.
As part of the transaction, the channel’s entire production operations have been transferred from Buenos Aires to Imagina US’s production facilities in Miami, Florida.
“Golf Channel is the home of golf in Latin America, and Evan and I have found the ideal partners in Inversiones Bahia,” said Markham, who will oversee the channel’s day-to-day operations as chief executive. “Their vision and track record of success in their investments fit perfectly with our plans for the channel.
“Together we are committed to continuing to develop our live tournament coverage and golf content to bring the best product possible to our viewers, distribution partners and advertising clients.”
Phil Piazza, senior vice-president of programming at Golf Channel/NBC Sports Group, added: “Through our licensing partnership with Simple Networks and Inversiones Bahia, Golf Channel Latin America’s programming schedule is bolstered by our slate of engaging content, including our critically acclaimed Golf Central Live From the Majors platform and Emmy-nominated coverage of the Open Championship.”