AT&T Sports Networks announced today that the company’s regional sports network brand – ROOT SPORTS– will be rebranded as AT&T SportsNet in July 2017 in the Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain and Southwest regions.
The new AT&T SportsNet brand will continue the same passionate, local sports coverage while reflecting a new legacy of growth under the AT&T brand.
“We have always brought an authentic and personal level of coverage to all of our teams, because as fans, we also know the history and feel the rivalries,” said Bill Roberts, head of content for AT&T Sports Networks. “And while we have that same undying commitment to quality, this rebrand will help us heighten the experience as we transform our visual effects capabilities further.”
The rebrand will include a more iconic graphics package, bringing in a mixture of photography and animation to replace the purely animated ones used before. In addition, the new AT&T SportsNet logo will include the iconic AT&T globe and signature blue.
The new logo and visuals will be gradually introduced into the Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain and Southwest Markets through off-channel and promotional efforts effective immediately while the on-air transition will take place on July 14, 2017.
“We have a history of bringing insider access and compelling sports coverage into our fans homes and that will continue. But we have had the same visual effects since 2011, so with this rebrand and new graphics packages, we’re excited to bring a new look and features to our teams and their fans for a truly immersive feel,” said Patrick Crumb, president of AT&T Sports Networks.
The new AT&T SportsNet brand promises to keep the same authentic local sports coverage while pursuing more enhanced storytelling. As always, the network will continue to be the trusted connection to our teams, players, sponsors, and viewers. When the networks officially transition to AT&T SportsNet, all of the existing team partnerships and programming will remain intact.
ROOT SPORTS® –Northwest Region will not change its name. It will remain under the ROOT SPORTS brand and continue to be the television home of the Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders FC, Portland Timbers, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Big Sky Conference and Mountain West Conference.
About AT&T Sports Networks:
AT&T Sports Networks operates AT&T SportsNet and ROOT SPORTS® regional sports networks in Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain and Southwest regions. The four networks combined reach just over 13 million households across 22 states and own exclusive rights to produce and distribute live events from more than 25 teams and conferences. AT&T Sports Networks is a subsidiary of AT&T.