IMG AND iBN SPORTS ANNOUNCE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION PACT

Multi-Year Agreement Looks to iBN as Preferred Internet Streaming Partner

IMG Sports Media, the sports production and distribution division of IMG Worldwide, announced a preferred provider agreement with iBN Sports, a premiere Internet sports network.  The comprehensive three-year agreement gives iBN access to IMG’s vast library of multi-media content, and also calls for IMG to provide iBN with consulting expertise and worldwide facility utilization.

"We are extremely pleased to  be working with IMG and look forward to a long-lasting venture," said Michael Conley, Executive Vice President, iBN Sports. "This arrangement helps to ensure the long-term vision of iBN Sports as a worldwide leader in Internet TV sports programming for fans, athletes, sponsors, teams, and leagues worldwide."

"IMG is the premier sports, entertainment  and media company in the world and we are honored to be working with them for sports content streamed over the web," said John Mudge, Chief Executive Officer, iBN Sports. "This strategic alliance is a mutual win, delivering IMG’s best in content over iBN’s robust worldwide sports network.”

"The combination of IMG's global resources and iBN Sport’s longstanding partnerships will maximize the opportunities we can develop for iBN Sports," added Togo Keynes, Head of U. S. Digital Media Sales & Vice President Business Development, IMG Media.  “We believe iBN Sports  has tremendous potential and we are excited about working together on these new initiatives and  helping iBN build enriched content offerings for fans and sponsors alike.”

“We are very pleased to team with iBN Sports,” said Dipesh Morjaria, IMG’s Global Head of Digital Sales.  “This venture fits our strategic plan to grow our digital broadband business and become a major provider of content for the broadband community.”  

Operating in 30 countries and with 140 sales executives across the world, IMG Sports Media distributes nearly 18,000 hours of high-quality programming in nearly every sports genre and represents global rights negotiations for all forms of media including television, radio, in-flight, DVD, mobile and broadband. 

IMG Sports Media advises many of the world’s leading sports governing bodies, sporting events and cultural organizations, including: International Olympic Committee, All England Lawn Tennis Club (Wimbledon), The European Tour, The Premier League, The Indian Premier League, International Rugby Board, Le Mans 24 Hours and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (The Open Championship). 

About iBN Sports

iBN Sports is the premier destination of Live Internet sports network programming.  Fans are provided both LIVE and On-Demand sports programming of world class competitions, in depth news and information.  Sports enthusiast can go to www.ibnsports.com and watch full screen, high definition (HD) video footage anytime, anywhere from amateur to professional sports such as Surfing, Skateboarding, Snowboarding, Motocross, Drag and Auto Racing, Ultimate Fighting MMA, Boxing, Pro Cycling, Pro Baseball, High School, Ivy League College, Maccabi Games, AAU, and other high interest Action and Extreme Sports.  iBN Sports markets sports content through brand specific sports channels, partnerships, clubs, sponsors, radio advertising, print media publications, restaurant distribution chains, and related web sites.  Consistent with world-class events, its production capabilities are driven by an experienced group of Hollywood branding, design, and media experts.  iBN is headquartered in Orange County California and operates worldwide. 

About IMG Sports Media
IMG Sports Media, the sports production and distribution division of IMG Worldwide is the world’s largest independent producer and distributor of sports programming.  IMG Sports Media produces more than 8,000 hours of television, online, mobile and radio sports content across 240 categories of sports, including golf, football (soccer), tennis, cricket, cycling, motor sports and mixed martial arts.  IMG Sports Media also represents the broadcast rights to many of the world’s premier sporting events and maintains the world’s largest sports archive with more than 250,000 hours of footage.