Rock Entertainment Group, Gray Media join forces to launch Rock Entertainment Sports Network

Rock Entertainment Group, the umbrella entity that houses Dan Gilbert’s sports and entertainment properties under the ROCK Family of Companies, and Gray Media, owner of WOIO and WUAB in Cleveland and WXIX in Cincinnati, have reached an agreement to launch “Rock Entertainment Sports Network.”

The parties plan for the new network to start over-the-air on Gray’s television stations in Cleveland and Cincinnati in August, with future over-the-air, multichannel video programming distributors, and streaming components to be announced as the network grows, according to a news release

Rock Entertainment Sports Network will serve as the home for the American Hockey League 2015-16 Calder Cup Champion Cleveland Monsters, the NBA G League Cleveland Charge, St. Edward High School Varsity Sports, starting with football this fall, and programming from the Frontier League Lake Erie Crushers, the release said.

The network will be available on Channel 22.1 through free over-the-air broadcasts and the parties intend for it to be available through major cable, satellite and virtual pay-TV platforms throughout Ohio, according to the release.

“We are excited to be part of the Rock Entertainment Sports Network and work with great partners such as REG and Gray Media to bring Crushers baseball to Northeast Ohio and beyond,” said Len Komoroski, Crushers chairman and managing partner, in the release. “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the skill and stories of the Crushers as they pursue their dream to make it to the Majors playing in a Major League Baseball Partner League, as well as the family fun and entertainment that epitomizes Crushers baseball.”

“Our fans are the lifeblood of Rock Entertainment Group,” said Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, in the release. “We are constantly looking for ways to evolve the opportunities our fans have to engage with all sports across our region and state.

“From our dynamic college and professional teams to our semiprofessional and high school sports, passion, pride and our commitment to delivering world class experiences via these sports is deeply ingrained in our culture. The establishment of Rock Entertainment Sports Network will offer fans in Ohio unparalleled access to all levels of competitive sports and provide our diverse array of sports teams an unprecedented platform to connect with fans of all interests.”

“Gray is thrilled to partner with Rock Entertainment Group to bring live sports free over-the-air to viewers across Ohio,” said Matt Moran, senior managing vice president for Gray Media and Avon resident, in the release. “This joint venture is a game changer for Ohio sports fans and will usher in a new era of free televised live sports in Ohio.”

This groundbreaking partnership will bring free, 24/7 access to local Ohio sports and entertainment programming to millions in Ohio, according to the release.

Gray and Rock Entertainment Group will use the network to create, produce and air sports programming across the state, offering a wealth of sports content to viewers and fans, the release said.

“We are looking forward to working with Rock Entertainment Group to bring free, over-the-air sports to Ohio’s great fans,” said Sandy Breland, Gray’s chief operating officer, in the release. “Our strong Ohio television stations and corporate teams are ready to bring this new sports television model to Ohio.”

Rock Entertainment Sports Network is scheduled to begin airing games in Cleveland and Cincinnati in August, with plans to grow to additional markets in the following months.