In a move that significantly expands the reach of New Orleans Pelicans basketball, Gray Media and the team have announced a groundbreaking media rights agreement. Every non-national Pelicans NBA game will now be available to 4.1 million households through the newly launched Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network (GCSEN), a multi-state distribution venture anchored by Gray’s New Orleans station WVUE (FOX 8 Local First).
This transformative deal makes Pelicans games accessible for free over-the-air, and also available on various pay-TV platforms through Gray’s television stations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. This represents a sixteen-fold increase in the team’s reach compared to its previous arrangement with a regional sports network.
Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson emphasized the team’s commitment to making games accessible to as many fans as possible. “This deal means that Pelicans games will now be available to millions of more fans with this free, over-the-air broadcast product,” she stated.
Gray Media’s Chief Operating Officer, Sandy Breland, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the company’s dedication to connecting viewers with the growing Pelicans fan base.
Success of Previous Broadcasts
The decision to partner with Gray Media was also influenced by the success of previous broadcasts on WVUE. Mikel Schaefer, Vice President and General Manager of WVUE-TV, pointed out that the ten Pelicans games broadcast last season achieved the highest ratings ever for the team, demonstrating the strong appetite for accessible Pelicans content.
Commitment to the Fan Experience
Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha emphasized the importance of providing the best fan experience and accessibility. He believes this new media deal delivers on that promise, bringing premier access and unique team content to a much larger audience.
Key Points:
- Non-national Pelicans games will now be available to 4.1 million households.
- Games will be broadcast for free over-the-air and on pay-TV platforms.
- The partnership significantly increases the team’s reach.
- The decision was driven by the desire to make games more accessible to fans.
- The success of previous broadcasts on WVUE further validated the need for this deal.
Overall, this landmark deal represents a major win for both the New Orleans Pelicans and their fans, ensuring that more people than ever can enjoy the excitement of Pelicans basketball.