Sportsnet takes ownership of Grand Slam of Curling

Canadian pay-television broadcaster Sportsnet has agreed a deal to purchase the Grand Slam of Curling series from event organiser Insight Sports Ltd. Sportsnet plans to broadcast the series on its own network.

Scott Moore, president of broadcasting at Sportsnet said: “This is a new business for us, this is not just a television property, this is ownership of an event, [and] is part of a new business line Sportsnet is entering into.”

Sportsnet will take over the organisation of the series, setting up a new team within its media unit to manage the property.

The series was put up for sale by Insight Sports this summer after the owners encountered financial difficulties. Public-service broadcaster CBC broke off its five-year deal to broadcast the series towards the end of last season, refusing to show the end-of-season Players Championship following a financial dispute.

Sportsnet will sublicense some television rights to the series to CBC.

The first event of the 2012-13 season takes place in Ontario, Canada, from November 14-18.