Ilitches consider developing new sports TV network

One of Detroit’s largest developers is considering branching out into TV. The Ilitch organization, which owns the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, and dozens of city blocks in Cass Corridor and downtown, could create a new sports TV network in the next few years.

According to a release from the organization, the Regional Sports Network, “would serve as the television, broadcast and distribution home for the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings, and additional sports- and entertainment-related content.”

The teams are currently broadcast on Fox Sports Detroit. The Detroit News reports that the Pistons, owned by Tom Gores, would be a natural fit for the network as well.

The organization opened the Little Caesars Arena last September in Detroit, which brought all four major sports teams within blocks of each other. While the developers promised neighborhoods, office, and residential under the umbrella of “the District Detroit,” so far, only the Mike Ilitch School of Business has opened, along with parking garages and many, many surface parking lots.

The Ilitches are also responsible for renovating the Fox Theater in the late 1980’s, but this is the only renovation they’ve completed.

Today’s statement from the company said, “Most recently, the Ilitch organization invested $1.4 billion in The District Detroit, home to all four of Detroit’s major professional sports teams. Additional entertainment, dining, retail, residential, and office developments in The District Detroit are underway.”

Even though the Tigers and the Red Wings are both a few seasons away from being competitive teams, they tend to get good ratings on TV.

“As leaders in the rapidly evolving sports and entertainment industry, the creation of a new network would be a natural business extension for our organization,” said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports and Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “Live sports remain some of the most sought-after content on television and across digital platforms. We look forward to exploring how a new network could be of a positive benefit to our teams, fans, and community.”