News > ESPN buys sports channel NASN
December 5, 2006
Via: Variety
NASN, the European channel that specializes in live broadcasts of major American sports, has been bought by Disney-owned sports web, ESPN.
Last month Variety revealed the Mouse House was in talks with NASN's owners, Setanta Sports and Benchmark Capital Europe.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Deal is expected to close early next year subject to regulatory approvals.
"Growing our business in Europe is a key strategic initiative for us," said Russell Wolff, managing director of ESPN International. "We expect NASN, which has performed well and created a unique market position, to be a strong addition to our portfolio."
Amory B. Schwartz, co-founder and chief executive of NASN, said, "In four years, we have developed NASN from an inspiring idea to the home of North American sports in Europe, and the acquisition by ESPN is testimony to the soundness of our vision and execution.
"We are delighted to be part of ESPN, which will help us continue to deliver the best sports programming for our viewers, and reach even more sports fans in Europe."
NASN claims to be the only web in Europe completely dedicated to North American sports, airing more than 800 live and as-live sports events each year.
"This acquisition will allow us to accelerate our European television business, which has grown rapidly since the launch of ESPN Classic in 2002," said Lynne Frank, managing director of ESPN, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
"NASN is a great fit for our company and we will continue to build on its success and appeal across some of the most vibrant multichannel markets in the world."
