The Portland Trail Blazers and Comcast SportsNet have joined forces to create a new 24-hour, seven-days-a-week sports network aimed at serving Oregonians and residents across the Northwest.
Comcast SportsNet President Jon Litner and Blazers Executive Vice President of Business Operations Mike Golub announced the formation of the network, Comcast SportsNet Northwest, at the Rose Garden Monday.
“The network provides more games, more access, more overall programming for Portland Trail Blazers fans than we have ever had in our history,” Golub said. “Moreover, the deal creates a sports network based in Portland that will not only cover Blazers’ basketball, but also other relevant sporting events and teams.”
Comcast SportsNet Northwest will broadcast at least 55 regular season games, including 28 of 36 home games in High Definition TV. The network will work in tandem with the Blazers’ over-the-air coverage to televise 81 regular season games. Expanding pre-game and post-game coverage, special shows devoted to the NBA draft, a season preview, a morning sports show and playoff games will round out the new network’s additional programming.
“This is a great deal for our fans,” said Golub. “It also gives [the Blazers] greater exposure, and ultimately serves the local sports fans in the best way possible.”
Comcast Cable will carry the Northwest’s newest sports network, making it available to cable and satellite subscribers throughout the region starting in October.