MAVTV Inks DirecTV Deal

MAVTV has reached a distribution deal with DirecTV, the network announced Thursday.

The long-term carriage deal will push the sports and entertainment network's subscriber base to more than 26 million households beginning June 10, according to network officials. The network's programming lineup includes motorsports events, King of the Cage mixed martial arts shows, original game and food programming as well as acquired movies.

"We are thrilled to be joining DirecTV," said Bob Patison, MAVTV president in a statement. "It's further proof that we have a significant place in the market and our offering is what people want - real American action, real American laughs, real American drama and real American adventure."

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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.