Anthem Sports buys a controlling stake of channel that broadcasts New Japan Pro Wrestling and WOW Wrestling in America.
Anthem Sports and Entertainment have announced in a press release that they have acquired a majority share in HDNet, the company that owns AXS TV and HDNet Movies.
In their press release, Anthem Sports stated;
Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a global multiplatform media company, today announced it has acquired a majority interest in HDNet LLC, parent of the widely distributed U.S. television networks AXS TV and HDNet Movies, and will assume operating management of the two popular channels that cater to music, sports, entertainment and lifestyle audiences. The deal also includes AXS TV’s extensive library of owned programming, including wrestling, MMA and entertainment content.
The two networks add significantly to Anthem’s rapidly growing portfolio of content, which is currently available in 120 countries and includes diverse and popular sports and entertainment programming targeted to passionate communities with a focus on millennial viewers.
Leonard Asper, CEO, Anthem Sports & Entertainment spoke on the deal, saying;
“We are very excited to add these two successful channels to our portfolio. Anthem was founded with a mission to deliver compelling, targeted content and experiences to passionate fans globally on the platform of their choice. The music, sports and entertainment communities served by these channels are a natural extension and perfect complement to our existing properties. The addition of AXS TV and HDNet Movies will allow for increased content ownership, digital expansion and even more compelling programming for consumers and our distribution partners.”
Anthem Sports acquired Impact Wrestling in January of 2017 from Dixie Carter and moved to the Anthem-owned Pursuit Channel the following year, to mixed results. This could possibly means Impact joining the likes of NJPW and WOW Wrestling on AXS, although nothing is confirmed yet.
HDNet Founder Mark Cuban said;
“Anthem’s combination of targeted brands, enthusiastic audiences, operational expertise, international footprint and vision makes them an ideal partner to take AXS TV and HDNet Movies to their next levels. Given Anthem’s portfolio of premium content and complementary programming networks, we could not ask for a better home, and we are looking forward to the results we will collectively generate for this new partnership.”
In addition, American television personality Steve Harvey has also joined Anthem Sports as an investor and now has a spot on the Anthem board.
Harvey offered his thoughts on him joining, saying;
“My team and I see great opportunity in Anthem. They have incredible shows, experiential entertainment, and a huge reach. We look forward to collaborating with Anthem on content development that will surprise and delight this newly expanded audience.”