The beach is getting a little crowded. But that's a good thing for the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball circuit.
The AVP has added Comcast regional sports networks and Universal Sports to its television roster. Deal terms were not disclosed.
The Comcast RSNs and Universal Sports join Versus, NBC Sports and FSN in televising sand sport matches this year.
Comcast's regional sports networks in Atlanta, Chicago, New England, the Mid-Atlantic region, Philadelphia, Sacramento, San Francisco and Portland, Ore. will encore at least 10 of the AVP events that will premiere on Versus. The Comcast RSNs reach some 35 million homes.
Universal Sports, available in more than 45 million homes, will show the semifinals live for events in Coney Island, Hermosa Beach and the Cup Championship in Chicago as a precursor to the finals airing on NBC Sports.
For its part, UniversalSports.com will stream each semifinal match, with on-demand video of each match available for two weeks after the event airs. Universal Sports will also serve encores of the finals after they air on NBC Sports.
"Universal Sports and Comcast's regional sports networks extend our reach to the American public and our fans," said AVP CEO Jason Hodell in a statement. "We're very pleased to be partnering with them to ensure viewers catch as much tour action as possible."
Noted Universal Sports president Carlos Silva: "These semifinal events are a great complement to world class beach volleyball events already available on our network. Fans won't miss any of the excitement leading up to the finals on NBC Sports."
