Digital 120 Sports content deal positions Spark SMG brands for the future

CHICAGO, Dec. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With the continued growth in digital content consumption, 120 Sports announced today an innovative, first of its kind, digital-led partnership with Spark SMG focused on real-time brand integrations across the league-owned multi-sports network.

The partnership is designed to better position Spark SMG clients with audiences as they increasingly migrate towards mobile devices and other OTT platforms. The partnership involves eight Spark SMG clients in total; one of them, Bass Pro Shops, launched its campaign on 120 Sports at the beginning of November.

Bass Pro Shops will work closely with 120 Sports to produce and deliver branded content in real time to capitalize on the value of timely content around new and evolving news and stories, as well as deliver an authentic brand experience for users.

"As digital content consumption increases, we see increasing opportunities to engage our customers in new and exciting ways," said John Acosta, Director of Media, Bass Pro Shops. "Our partnership with 120 Sports and Spark is opening up new doors for us, and we're excited to thrust our brand into the dynamic world of digital sports content."

As part of the campaign, 120 Sports and Bass Pro Shops have created a branded interview series with athletes, coaches and important figures across all sports, highlighted by their "offseason" routines. The series, Inside/Out, aims to explore how these competitors enjoy spending their free time and seek adventures off the playing field.

Recognizing the importance of innovative technology and real-time digital content, the Spark SMG and 120 Sports collaboration includes unique integrations to reach a targeted audience of tech savvy consumers on behalf of their partner brands.

"The world of digital content continues to provide increasing opportunity for advertisers, and unlock new and exciting investment opportunities for our clients," said John Muszynski, Chief Investment Officer, Spark SMG. "We're thrilled that our partnership with 120 Sports will give our clients incredible access to captivating sports content like never before."

120 Sports will work with Spark SMG brands to create an on-site presence at several large, sporting events this coming year that will capitalize on trending sports conversation and buzz.

"120 Sports is honored to partner with such a forward-thinking and creative group of partners to produce original content that will resonate with the next generation of sports fans," said 120 Sports president Jason Coyle. "Spark's leadership and brand teams continually have demonstrated incredible amounts of imagination, foresight, and care for their clients, and we are excited for the opportunity to create something special with them."  

Additional Silver Chalice companies, Campus Insiders and The ACC Digital Network, will also partner with brands in the Spark SMG portfolio.

About 120 Sports:

120 Sports is a first-of-its-kind network partnership involving multiple leagues and media properties created for the digital generation and the devices it uses most. 120 Sports features official highlights, news, expert analysis and debate, all integrated with real-time social conversation through a new platform built to intuitively integrate video and data in ways consumers haven't experienced before. Equity partners in 120 Sports include Time Inc. /Sports Illustrated, MLBAM, the NHL, the PGA TOUR, Campus Insiders and Silver Chalice.

120 Sports is currently available as a free native application for both iOS and Google Play, as a web experience at 120Sports.com, on OTT platforms Apple TV and Google Chromecast, as well as other distribution platforms.

To learn more about 120 Sports, visit http://www.120sports.com or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/120Sports and Twitter https://twitter.com/120Sports.

SOURCE 120 Sports