In a significant move for the sport, The Curling Group has reached an agreement with Sportsnet to take over the ownership and operational reins of the Grand Slam of Curling once the current season wraps up. Sportsnet is set to remain the exclusive broadcaster in Canada for the event series under this new arrangement.
Behind The Curling Group is a team of industry heavyweights including Nic Sulsky and Mike Cotton, known for their contributions to sports, media, and entertainment, complemented by Jared Allen, a former NFL standout, and John Morris, a curler with two Olympic gold medals. They are joined by elite international curlers like Jennifer Jones, who are contributing as strategic advisors.
Nic Sulsky, serving as CEO of The Curling Group, expressed enthusiasm for the future of the Grand Slam of Curling, emphasizing the group’s commitment to elevating the sport. “Our goal is to transform professional curling, offering a premium and reinvigorated experience that heightens engagement for everyone involved – from the athletes and sponsors to the worldwide fan community,” Sulsky stated.
Rob Corte, Sportsnet’s VP of Production, highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership, pointing out Sportsnet’s continued dedication to delivering top-notch curling broadcasts and comprehensive coverage. He remarked on The Curling Group’s ambition to advance the Grand Slam of Curling, looking forward to jointly fostering the sport’s growth.
Since its management by Sportsnet in 2012, the Grand Slam of Curling has stood out as a premier series, showcasing top-tier men’s and women’s curling teams from Canada and globally, with a season prize pool of over $2 million.
John Morris shared his excitement about being involved in the future direction of the Grand Slam of Curling, recognizing its vital role in offering a competitive platform for the world’s finest curlers. “As someone who has competed on the tour for more than two decades, I’m eager to help evolve the sport on a global scale and create unforgettable experiences for curling fans,” Morris said.
The 2024-25 season of the Grand Slam of Curling is set to proceed with its scheduled events under the stewardship of The Curling Group, with Sportsnet providing detailed broadcast coverage from all five venues. The Curling Group plans to unveil further details about the Grand Slam of Curling’s expansion and future initiatives soon.
As the 2023-24 Grand Slam of Curling series approaches its climax with the Princess Auto Players’ Championship at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, Sportsnet is ready to kick off its exclusive television and streaming coverage of the esteemed event starting Thursday, April 11. Jennifer Jones, a strategic advisor for The Curling Group and a participant in this week’s championship, marks her final competition before hanging up her curling shoes.
