CLEVELAND – Rock Entertainment Sports Network (RESN, Rock Sports) has appointed Michael Conley as the network’s first President. Rock Sports, a joint venture between Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group and Gray Media, delivers 24/7 coverage of Ohio sports, from high school rivalries and college matchups to professional teams.
Launched in August 2024, Rock Sports has quickly become home to more than 25 sports properties and teams, including the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters and NBA G League Cleveland Charge. In its first year, the network has aired more than 185 live sporting events and 300 hours of original programming, including nine weekly original shows.
“Michael’s passion to lead, evolve and grow people, coupled with his experience and acumen across media and technology made him the perfect team member to lead Rock Entertainment Sports Network,” said Nic Barlage, Rock Entertainment Group, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Arena CEO. “His work ethic, vision and execution were integral to the network’s inception and early growth. We look forward to seeing Rock Entertainment Sports Network continue to expand and deepen its connection within our Ohio communities under his leadership.”
Conley, who joined Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013, currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer. He oversees the organization’s Broadcast Administration and Information Technology teams. Notably, in addition to pioneering the launch of Rock Entertainment Sports Network, Conley led the digital transformation of Rocket Arena in 2019, expanded the IT operations and recently spearheaded the development of Rocket Arena’s industry-leading game presentation control room.
“Rock Entertainment Sports Network has quickly become the go-to destination for both professional and amateur sports across Ohio,” said Matt Moran, Gray Media Senior Managing Vice President. “Michael has played a key role in bringing live sports and must-see programming to our network. In his new role, we are confident that he will continue to grow Rock Sports and take it to new heights.”
“I’m humbled and grateful to have this opportunity to continue to build something impactful for Ohio sports,” said Michael Conley, Rock Entertainment Sports Network President. “We look forward to continuing to bring communities together through accessible, high-quality coverage of the teams and athletes that matter most to our fans.”
Rock Entertainment Sports Network is available statewide in Ohio. Viewers can find the network over the air in Cleveland on channel 22.1, in Columbus on channel 17.1 and in Cincinnati on channel 19.3. It is also carried on Spectrum cable across Northeast Ohio on channel 979 and select programming will be streamed online at watchrocksports.com.
For a full schedule of Rock Sports broadcasts and more information on the network, visit watchrocksports.com. Follow the network on social media at @watchrocksports on Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube for network updates.