ESPN Secures World Armwrestling League TV Rights

ESPN will air arm wrestling and curling events as part of separate content deals announced Friday.

The sports network reached an exclusive carriage agreement with the World Armwrestling League (WAL) to telecast eight hours of programming on ESPN networks and WatchESPN, including the Jan. 10 2014 World Armwrestling League Championship, said network officials.

Other events from the WAL will air throughout the summer, according to the network.

“Bringing the action of the World Armwrestling League to ESPN is yet another example of our commitment to reaching fans of all sports.” said Daniel Ochs, Director of Content Strategy & Acquisitions at ESPN. 

ESPN also said it will deliver more than 300 hours of live action from the Seasons of Champions curling events on ESPN platforms in the U.S. through March 2015 as part of an deal with the Canadian Curling Association.

The announcement comes off the heels of ESPN’s debut coverage this past weekend of the 2014 European Curling Championships on ESPN3.

“Through this agreement with the Canadian Curling Association, ESPN is making a new and exciting commitment to the sport,” said Brian Kweder, senior director of programming and acquisitions for ESPN.  “We look forward to delivering these events nationwide to draw out the curling fan in all of us.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.