Earlier this month, the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers announced they were parting ways with ROOT Sports, one year before their contract was to expire with the regional sports network. Now, the team has announced a new partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group which will see a network of television affiliates throughout the Pacific Northwest which will serve as the new television home of the Trail Blazers known as the Rip City Television Network.
The team also announced the launch of a new, paid, subscription-based direct-to-consumer streaming service, BlazerVision starting with the 2024-25 season. The announcement marks the first time in Trail Blazers history that a majority of games will be available to fans via over-the-air television.
Fans within the Trail Blazers local broadcast market will have access to watch all local and non-exclusive nationally televised games across Sinclair’s family of local over-the-air television stations in Portland, KATU and KUNP. Outside of the Portland metro area, games will be available on Sinclair stations in Seattle, Medford, Eugene and Yakima/Pasco with the expectation being more markets will be added in the coming months.
“Launching the Rip City Television Network and BlazerVision is a turning point for our fans,” said Dewayne Hankins, President of Business Operations, Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter in a statement. “We’ve put our fans first and started a new chapter, making it easier than ever to enjoy Trail Blazers basketball. Whether on TV or streaming with BlazerVision, we believe this is the best way to create lifelong fans and keep them connected. This is a big win for all of Rip City.”
“Partnering with the Trail Blazers to launch the Rip City Television Network aligns with our mission to continue to add value to our broadcast stations and provide greater accessibility and engagement for local sports fans. By delivering Trail Blazers games via broadcast television, we are bringing innovative solutions to reach more households across the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to the immense impact this partnership will have for basketball fans throughout the region,” said Scott Shapiro, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy, Sinclair.
The team also confirmed Kevin Calabro, Lamar Hurd and Brooke Olzendam will return for their eighth season to call all Trail Blazers games on the new broadcast home. Trail Blazers Broadcasting will continue to produce the pregame, halftime and postgame show for each game. Others who will also be involved with Trail Blazers TV coverage include Michael Holton, Neil Everett, Jamie Hudson, Terry Porter, and Tom Haberstroh.
The price for BlazerVision is $120 for the full season or $19.99 per month. Those who sign up for the full season before Nov. 1 will get two upper deck tickets to any Blazers home game. Current season ticket holders will receive a free one-year subscription to BlazerVision.
