Metrosports

Metrosports was an American sports syndication network. Founded in Rockville, Maryland in 1972, they produced television and radio broadcasts of sports games, primarily college football and basketball, for various local stations. In 1984, they were acquired by Total Communications Systems (TCS) and became TCS/Metrosports. After failing to make payments to sports conferences and losing most of its rights deals, TCS/Metrosports filed for bankruptcy in 1985.

For the regional television network known as MetroSports from 1996 to 2013, see Spectrum Sports (Kansas City).

Metrosports
IndustrySports syndication
FateChapter 11 bankruptcy
Founded1972 (1972) in Rockville, Maryland
FoundersLenny Klompus, Marsha Cherner
DefunctMarch 15, 1985 (1985-03-15)

History

In 1972, Metrosports was incorporated under the name Metro Communications, Inc. in Rockville, Maryland.[1] The company was founded by husband-and-wife Lenny Klompus and Marsha Cherner.[2]

In 1984, the Washington Post called Metrosports "one of the nation's leading independent syndicators of college basketball games", citing its syndication deals with the Big East Conference and the Pacific-10 Conference.[3]

After the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision in June 1984 voiding the NCAA's exclusive television contracts with CBS and ABC, schools and conferences were free to seek television deals with other broadcasters and syndicators. In the wake of this, Metrosports signed a $3 million rights deal with the Pacific-10 Conference. However, it only managed to pay $2.5 million, leading the Pac-10 to file suit for the remaining $500,000.[4]

In April 1984, Metrosports was bought out by Total Communications Systems (TCS) and became TCS/Metrosports.[4]

In August 1984, the athletic departments of Penn State, Notre Dame, West Virginia, Temple and Rutgers announced the formation of a National Independent Football Network in conjunction with TCS/Metrosports.[5]

On January 31, 1985, the Big Ten Conference announced it was severing its rights deal with TCS/Metrosports due to non-payment.[2]

On March 15, 1985, TCS/Metrosports filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.[1]

References
  1. Mellon Bank v. Metro Communications v. Committee of Unsecured Creditors, 945 F.2d 635 (3d. Cir. 1991).
  2. Stewart, Larry (February 1, 1985). "College Basketball: Junkies Overdose, Money Disappears". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  3. Ungrady, Dave (January 9, 1984). "Sports Syndicator Earns Rough Reputation In Climb to Big Time". Washington Post. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  4. Stewart, Larry (September 6, 1985). "Strike Up the Band, Here Comes Parade of College Football". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  5. Juliano, Joe (August 21, 1984). "Athletic directors from Penn State, Notre Dame, West Virginia,..." UPI. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
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