In a surprising move, Time Warner Cable has acquired the rights to televise local broadcasts of the Los Angeles Lakers starting in 2012-13.
As part of the 20-year deal, Time Warner Cable will launch an English and Spanish language sports network available to all providers in Southern California, Nevada and Hawaii. The programming that’s currently penciled in includes pregame, postgame, behind-the-scenes, magazine and historical programming of the Lakers.
Currently, KCAL Channel 9 and Fox Sports Net are the broadcasters of the Lakers. “This long-term agreement represents a huge win for all Lakers fans, providing destination channels, more content and more platforms for the Lakers, one of the premier brands in professional sports today,” Time Warner Cable chairman and CEO Glenn Britt said.
“The Buss family is thrilled to join forces with Time Warner Cable in building the TV home for Lakers fans,” Lakers owner Jerry Buss said in a statement. “Time Warner Cable has been producing quality sports programming for over a decade and the Lakers have been producing championship seasons for even longer. I am particularly proud of being part of the first ever Spanish-language RSN in the country. Together I’m confident we will delight our fans.