Comcast’s cable TV spinoff company Versant will “have its own sports strategy, including bidding on live sports to add to its current portfolio,” according to Alex Sherman of CNBC.com. CEO Mark Lazarus said that he has “already held talks” with both the NWSL and MLB about “potentially acquiring live game rights.” The NWSL has a 2026 package it is currently shopping and “could add a fifth media partner” to its existing roster. It is “unlikely Versant has the financial firepower to compete for the Sunday Night package.” A small package of games for USA Network, one of several networks on Versant, could “help boost Versant’s future distribution conversations with pay-TV providers.” For MLB, carving out a chunk of games for USA Network can “help improve the league’s reach.” Once loose from NBCUniversal, Versant will “have to showcase the value of its content on its own, no longer able to link itself to NBC’s broadcast network.” Versant will “have about a two-year grace period, as nearly every major TV distribution deal is locked down until 2027, with the bulk coming up for renewal in 2028.” One sport Lazarus said that he “won’t be bidding on is F1,” noting that he “doesn’t think the racing league will move the needle on distribution deals.” Lazarus added that post spinoff, Versant will “have a negotiated promotional deal with NBCUniversal where programming is marketed between the two companies’ networks and digital properties.” There will be “no money exchanged in the deal” (CNBC Sport, 5/8).
Comcast’s Versant aiming to add live sports to portfolio
