Blazing a New Trail: The Trail Blazers' Groundbreaking Media Partnership

In a move that promises to revolutionize the way fans experience Portland Trail Blazers basketball, the team has announced a game-changing partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group. This landmark deal will see the launch of the Rip City Television Network, a dedicated regional sports network, as well as the introduction of BlazerVision, a cutting-edge direct-to-consumer streaming service. The announcement marks a significant shift in the team's media strategy, positioning the Trail Blazers at the forefront of sports broadcasting innovation.

Unlocking Unprecedented Access for Rip City Faithful

Rip City Television Network: Bringing the Game Closer to Fans

The Rip City Television Network represents a transformative shift in the Trail Blazers' media landscape. By partnering with Sinclair Broadcast Group, the team has secured a network of local television affiliates throughout the Pacific Northwest, ensuring that the vast majority of games will be available to fans via over-the-air television. This unprecedented level of accessibility will allow the Rip City faithful to follow their beloved team like never before, with games broadcast across Portland, Seattle, Medford, Eugene, and Yakima/Pasco, with the potential for further market expansion in the coming months.The Rip City Television Network's reach extends beyond just game broadcasts. Fans can also look forward to a comprehensive suite of pregame, halftime, and postgame programming, produced by the Trail Blazers' own broadcasting team. This includes the familiar voices of Kevin Calabro, Lamar Hurd, and Brooke Olzendam, who will continue to call all the action, as well as the contributions of Michael Holton, Neil Everett, Jamie Hudson, Terry Porter, and Tom Haberstroh.

BlazerVision: Revolutionizing the Streaming Experience

Complementing the Rip City Television Network's over-the-air offerings, the Trail Blazers have also announced the launch of BlazerVision, a new, paid, subscription-based direct-to-consumer streaming service. Set to debut in the 2024-25 season, BlazerVision will provide fans with unparalleled access to Trail Blazers games, ensuring that no matter where they are, they can stay connected to the action.The introduction of BlazerVision represents a significant shift in the team's media strategy, as it marks the first time in Trail Blazers history that a majority of games will be available to fans via streaming. This innovative approach not only caters to the evolving viewing habits of modern sports fans but also underscores the Trail Blazers' commitment to delivering a seamless and accessible experience for their loyal supporters.

A Win-Win for Fans and the Trail Blazers

The partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group and the launch of the Rip City Television Network and BlazerVision have been hailed as a "turning point" for the Trail Blazers and their fans. Dewayne Hankins, the President of Business Operations for the team and the Rose Quarter, emphasized the organization's focus on putting fans first and starting a new chapter that makes it easier than ever to enjoy Trail Blazers basketball.This sentiment is echoed by Scott Shapiro, the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy at Sinclair, who expressed the company's excitement to partner with the Trail Blazers and bring innovative solutions to reach more households across the Pacific Northwest. The partnership, he believes, will have a profound impact on basketball fans throughout the region, providing greater accessibility and engagement with the team they love.The Trail Blazers' new media strategy represents a significant investment in their fan base, ensuring that the Rip City faithful can follow their team with unparalleled convenience and flexibility. Whether tuning in on over-the-air television or streaming through BlazerVision, fans can now enjoy the thrill of Trail Blazers basketball like never before, solidifying the team's position as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving world of sports media.