Matchroom Multi Sport competitions land agreement shortly after broadcaster also signed up darts competitions
The Mosconi Cup and US Open nineball pool competitions will be shown by ESPN in the US this year.
The Matchroom Multi Sport competitions have landed the agreement shortly after it was announced that ESPN will also be showing Matchrooms darts competitions such as the World Darts Championship, World Matchplay, Grand Slam of Darts and the World Grand Prix.
Matchroom Multi Sport CEO Emily Frazer, speaking to Broadcast Sport ahead of the deal being announced, said that the World Nineball Tour, which the US Open and Mosconi Cup are part of, said that the deal, “has been a long time coming,” and that “we’ve always been knocking on the door.”
Frazer believes the broadcast agreement could be vital to grow the game in the US, where nineball pool is popular as a pastime but, “People don’t know it’s a professional sport, and that you can go and watch someone miss the nineball because 3,000 people are screaming at them.”
This year’s Mosconi Cup, which is the sport’s equivalent of golf’s Ryder Cup competition between Europe and the US, is due to be held in Orlando on 27-30 November, and Frazer noted that the popularity of the tournament across the US could lead to more events being held in different parts of the country, such as the West Coast.
However, the first part of the deal will see every session of the US Open on ESPN+ from 25-30 August, being shown from the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas.
Coverage of both competitions will see an American slant, Frazer explaining, “We naturally cater to the US with the Mosconi and US Open.” This will see American punditry teams and US themed entertainment at the events, among other additions.
Overall, Frazer said: “This agreement with ESPN is a significant moment for professional pool in the United States. The Mosconi Cup has a proud history with ESPN, and we’re delighted to see it return while introducing the US Open Pool Championship to ESPN audiences for the very first time.
“The recent US Darts Masters demonstrated the appetite for world-class Matchroom events on ESPN, with an electrifying atmosphere that captivated fans throughout the weekend. We’re excited to build on that momentum, and we’re confident pool will deliver the same energy, drama and entertainment for viewers this year.
“These are two of the biggest events in our sport, and together they showcase everything that makes professional pool so compelling – elite competition, incredible personalities and world-class entertainment. Partnering with ESPN allows us to reach new audiences while continuing to serve our loyal fans in the US.”
No comments yet