Rock Entertainment Sports Network to be Carried on Spectrum Across Northeast Ohio

Home of Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, Original Cavaliers Programming, Ohio High School Sports and More Now Found on Channel 979

CLEVELAND, OH – Rock Entertainment Sports Network, a joint venture between Rock Entertainment Group and Gray Media ("Gray") (NYSE: GTN), owner of WOIO and WUAB in Cleveland and WXIX in Cincinnati, have reached an agreement with Spectrum to carry the network across Northeast Ohio on Channel 979. Additional statewide coverage of the network on Spectrum is set to follow.

Rock Entertainment Sports Network serves as the home for the American Hockey League 2015-2016 Calder Cup Champion Cleveland Monsters, the NBA G League Cleveland Charge, original programming for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Monsters and Charge, the Frontier League Lake Erie Crushers, college football and Ohio high school sports. The network debuted its first live sports program in August 2024 and has since produced more than 55 live broadcasts featuring high school, college and professional sports.

The introduction of Rock Entertainment Sports Network expands access to live viewing for fans based in Ohio for both the Cleveland Monsters and the Cleveland Charge. This season, the Monsters will air 22 games live on the network (the team's full broadcast schedule can be viewed here) and the Charge will host 14 games (the team's full schedule can be viewed here).

In addition to live broadcasts of the Monsters, Charge, Ohio high school sports and more, Rock Entertainment Sports Network carries the following original Cavaliers, Monsters and Charge programming:

• THE CHASE DOWN presented by Fubo: 30-minute weekly show focused on all things Cavaliers. This show will break down games and catch fans up on all the news with the Wine and Gold. Hosted by Justin Rowan and Carter Rodriguez.
• The LANDscape presented by Hospitality Staffing Solutions: 30-minute bi-weekly show hosted by Serena Winters. Each episode will feature the influential faces, voices and people that are shaping The Land. New episodes every other Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
• CAVALIERS COURTSIDE: 30-minute show fills in fans on everything Cavaliers with a courtside view from your host, Cavs play-by-play announcer John Michael. Stay up to date with the team both on- and off-the-court with new episodes every other week on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
• THE ROAD BACK presented by Rocket Mortgage: 30-minute monthly show that follows the Cleveland Cavaliers through the season and takes fans behind the scenes with the Wine and Gold.
• MONSTERS OT: 30-minute bi-weekly EMMY nominated show hosted by the 'Voice of the Monsters' Tony Brown. Each show entertains and informs fans on everything Cleveland Monsters. Interviews with players and coaches, behind the scenes looks at practice and much more. New episodes air every other Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
• CHARGE FASTBREAK: 30-minute bi-weekly show hosted by the 'Voice of the Charge' Scott Zurilla, gets you up to speed on everything related to the Cleveland Charge. Interviews with players and coaches, behind the scenes looks at practice and so much more. New episodes air every other Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

The introduction of Rock Entertainment Sports Network to Spectrum, in addition to free over-the-air access on channel 22.1, positions the network as the most fully distributed and diverse sports network in the state. Rock Entertainment Group and Gray Media continue to explore additional major cable, satellite and virtual pay-TV platforms throughout Ohio to carry Rock Entertainment Sports Network.

For a full schedule of programming on Rock Entertainment Sports Network visit here.

Rock Entertainment Group and Gray Media Join Forces to Launch Rock Entertainment Sports Network

The new Rock Entertainment Sports Network will be the 24/7 home of local Ohio sports, including the Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, St. Edward High School and Lake Erie Crushers Programming

CLEVELAND, OH – Rock Entertainment Group (REG), the umbrella entity that houses Dan Gilbert’s sports and entertainment properties under the ROCK Family of Companies, and Gray Media (“Gray”) (NYSE: GTN), owner of WOIO and WUAB in Cleveland and WXIX in Cincinnati, have reached an agreement to launch “Rock Entertainment Sports Network.” The parties plan for the new network to start over-the-air on Gray’s television stations in Cleveland and Cincinnati this August, with future over-the-air, multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) and streaming components to be announced as the network grows.

Rock Entertainment Sports Network will serve as the home for the American Hockey League 2015-2016 Calder Cup Champion Cleveland Monsters, the NBA G League Cleveland Charge, St. Edward High School Varsity Sports, starting with football this fall and programming from the Frontier League Lake Erie Crushers. The network will be available on channel 22.1 through free over-the-air broadcasts and the parties intend for it to be available through major cable, satellite and virtual pay-TV platforms throughout Ohio.

“Our fans are the lifeblood of Rock Entertainment Group. We are constantly looking for ways to evolve the opportunities our fans have to engage with all sports across our region and state. From our dynamic college and professional teams to our semiprofessional and high school sports, passion, pride and our commitment to delivering world class experiences via these sports is deeply ingrained in our culture,” said Nic Barlage, Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO. “The establishment of Rock Entertainment Sports Network will offer fans in Ohio unparalleled access to all levels of competitive sports and provide our diverse array of sports teams an unprecedented platform to connect with fans of all interests.”

In addition to airing live coverage of the Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, St. Edward High School Varsity Football and Lake Erie Crushers programming, Rock Entertainment Sports Network plans to air live broadcasts of additional local college, high school and other professional teams.

“Gray is thrilled to partner with Rock Entertainment Group to bring live sports free over-the-air to viewers across Ohio,” said Matt Moran, Senior Managing Vice President for Gray Television and Avon, OH resident “This joint venture is a game changer for Ohio sports fans and will usher in a new era of free televised live sports in Ohio.”

This groundbreaking partnership will bring free, 24/7 access of local Ohio sports and entertainment programming to millions in Ohio. Gray and Rock Entertainment Group will use the network to create, produce and air sports programming across the state, offering a wealth of sports content to viewers and fans.

“We are looking forward to working with Rock Entertainment Group to bring free, over-the-air sports to Ohio’s great fans,” said Sandy Breland, Gray’s Chief Operating Officer. “Our strong Ohio television stations and corporate teams are ready to bring this new sports television model to Ohio.”

Rock Entertainment Sports Network is scheduled to begin airing games in Cleveland and Cincinnati in August 2024 with plans to grow to additional markets in the following months.

Rocket Mortgage Named Presenting Partner of Tennis in the Land

Presenting partnership of Cleveland’s largest annual professional women’s sporting event underscores Rocket Mortgage’s commitment to supporting and championing women's sports

Photos and videos from previous Tennis in the Land tournaments are available here.

CLEVELAND – Rocket Mortgage, in partnership with Rock Entertainment Group and Topnotch Management, today announced a two-year agreement to become the presenting partner of Tennis in the Land. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 250 tournament, hosted August 17-24, 2024, in Cleveland’s Flats West Bank, will now be known as “Tennis in The Land powered by Rocket Mortgage.”

Tennis in the Land powered by Rocket Mortgage is the largest annual professional women’s sporting event in northeast Ohio and offers fans the ability to watch professional women's tennis in an intimate setting, designed to get fans incredibly close to the action. The tournament, which is a precursor to the US Open, has been played in Cleveland since 2021 and has seen tremendous growth each year. To meet the demand on the heels of this success, the event relocated to a more expansive site in the Flats West Bank in downtown Cleveland. In its first year at the new venue, seven of the 12 Tennis in the Land sessions sold out.

“We are proud to sponsor Tennis in the land since it brings a unique event to the local community, grows representation for women’s sports and amplifies the voices and stories of spectacular athletes,” said Casey Hurbis, SVP of Brand Experiences and Strategic Partnerships for Rocket Mortgage. “Through this partnership, we will celebrate the spirit of competition while also creating an unforgettable experience for tennis fans in Cleveland and throughout the region.”

Each year, the tournament draws top players from across the world. Former participants include 2017 US Open Champion Sloane Stephens, 2020 Australian Open Champion Sofia Kenin, 2022 WTA Finals Champion Caroline Garcia, and several Grand Slam finalists and players who have reached Top-10 in the world. The tournament has also hosted American favorites Emma Navarro, Shelby Rogers, Peyton Stearns and Cleveland’s own Lauren Davis. In 2023, 13 of the Top 50 players in the world competed in Cleveland.

“As part of a new annual project, Topnotch, along with several tournament partners including Rocket Mortgage, will contribute to Changeover, a non-profit committed to community betterment within Cleveland through the transformation and enrichment of tennis courts. During this year’s project, the partners will provide funds to resurface Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center’s tennis courts, which will supply another mental and physical fitness alternative to residents. Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center is home to one of Tennis in the Land's beneficiary partners, Advantage Cleveland, an initiative providing Cleveland’s youth with tennis, wellness, fitness, literacy, STEM and creative expression programs to promote hope, healthy living and productive futures. The project is set to be completed and opened by the tournament’s first session in mid-August.

“By aligning with an influential brand like Rocket Mortgage, Tennis in the Land continues to elevate its profile and raise the platform for women’s professional tennis here in Ohio and beyond,” said Kyle Ross, Tennis in the Land Tournament Director. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with Rocket Mortgage and Rock Entertainment Group as we grow the event and its presence within the local, national and global tennis ecosystems.”

In 2022, Tennis in the Land and Rock Entertainment Group, the corporate umbrella for Dan Gilbert’s Family of Companies sports and entertainment properties, announced a multi-year partnership centered around driving commercial growth for the WTA 250 tournament.

“At Rock Entertainment Group, we are committed to creating impactful events, moments and memories for our fans, our city and our region. Our continued partnership with Topnotch Management on the Tennis in the Land tournament is a testament to that commitment,” said Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. “We are excited to be joined by yet another Family of Companies property to further advance the event’s influence on the growth of women’s sports and northeast Ohio.”

Tickets are on sale now at tennisintheland.com/tickets.

Tennis in the Land and Rock Entertainment Group Announce Multi-Year Strategic Partnership

Rock Entertainment Group Partners with Topnotch Management to Elevate Ticket Sales, Partnerships, Hospitality and Youth Participation for WTA 250 Tournament

Tennis in the Land, the largest annual women’s sporting event in Ohio, and Rock Entertainment Group (REG), a transformative leader in sports and entertainment, today announced a new collaborative multi-year partnership centered around driving commercial growth for the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 250 tournament. The agreement aligns REG with tournament owner and operator Topnotch Management to elevate ticket sales, corporate partnerships, hospitality and youth participation for the week-long summer event.

One of just five standalone WTA events in the United States, Tennis in the Land is part of the prestigious US Open Series and features 32 singles players and 16 doubles teams competing in 54 matches over seven days. In its second year in downtown Cleveland at the iconic Nautica Entertainment Complex in the Flats West Bank, the tournament has drawn over 30,000 fans and produced an estimated $4M+ in total economic impact for the city and region since its inception in 2021.

“Over the past two years, Tennis in the Land has flourished to become a much anticipated week-long annual event for Northeast Ohio,” said Nic Barlage, Rock Entertainment Group, Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO. "As its momentum continues to build, Tennis in the Land has all the ingredients to become one of the most unique and impactful women's tennis tournaments in the country. We are excited to partner with Topnotch Management to grow the event to its maximum potential and help to shine a spotlight on women in sports."

"As Tennis in the Land continues to establish itself as one of the premier sporting events in our city and state, there’s no better partner to support the growth of the tournament than REG," said Topnotch Management Director of Events and Tennis in the Land Tournament Director, Kyle Ross. "Joining the REG family provides us with additional expertise and holistic experience to take this event to the next level. Our tournament, our team, and the tennis community will greatly benefit from the resources of the leading sports group in the city."

“Tennis in the Land, the annual Women’s Tennis Association 250 event, will continue to bring the most elite women’s tennis players to Cleveland adding to the marketability of our community as a sports town,” said David Gilbert, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. “I have no doubt that Rock Entertainment Group will aid Topnotch Management in continuing to grow this great event and we’ll see it majorly impacting our community, beyond the economics, for years to come.

REG, who recently announced a strategic partnership with gaming and lifestyle giant 100 Thieves, was formed in 2021 as the umbrella entity of sports and entertainment properties under the Dan Gilbert Family of Companies. It includes the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, AHL Cleveland Monsters, NBA G League Cleveland Charge and Cavs Legion of the NBA 2K League. REG also operates Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Legion Lair Lit by TCP in Cleveland, and Cleveland Clinic Courts, the Cavs training and development center in nearby Independence, Ohio.

As the unified brand platform, REG formally links multiple sports, venues, music, and content properties together to better position them collectively for collaboration, growth and new opportunities, while relentlessly creating amazing experiences for fans, teams, partners, stakeholders and thousands of staff members across the full spectrum of properties.

Rock Entertainment Group and 100 Thieves Announce Collaborative Partnership to Accelerate Commercial Growth

100 Thieves and Rock Entertainment Group (REG), a transformative operator in sports and entertainment, today announced a new collaborative partnership that aligns the two prominent entities in the Dan Gilbert Rock Family of Companies (FOC) with a unified business framework designed to accelerate commercial growth.

Through a strategic approach and shared service model, the partnership will introduce new synergies that unlock innovative business solutions and maximize opportunities across both organizations.

“With forward-thinking leadership, relentless ambition and incredible creativity, 100 Thieves has formed one of the most celebrated gaming brands in the world,” said Nic Barlage, Rock Entertainment Group, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO. “As competitive gaming and hype culture continues to explode in popularity, they are a brand poised for growth and success far into the future. We are excited to share our institutional knowledge and resources to help build upon their already multi-dimensional and global platform.”

"The Cavaliers have been supporters of 100 Thieves since we were founded in 2017 so we are excited to be working more closely with them through this strategic partnership,” said John Robinson, 100 Thieves President and COO. “As the worlds of sports, gaming, and pop culture continue to converge, working together will help us both build around this shared vision."

REG was formed in 2021 as the umbrella entity of sports and entertainment properties with the Dan Gilbert Rock Family of Companies. It includes the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, AHL Cleveland Monsters, NBA G League Cleveland Charge and Cavs Legion of the NBA 2K League. They also operate Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and Legion Lair Lit by TCP in Cleveland, as well as Cleveland Clinic Courts, the Cavs training and development center in nearby Independence, Ohio. As the unified brand platform, REG formally links multiple sports, venues, music, and content properties together to better position them collectively for collaboration, growth and new opportunities, while relentlessly creating amazing experiences for fans, teams, partners, stakeholders and thousands of staff members across the full spectrum of properties.

Rock Ventures, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse announce formation of Rock Entertainment Group

Cleveland, OH - Rock Ventures, in association with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse organization, announced today the formation of Rock Entertainment Group. The new umbrella entity and brand now formally link multiple sports, venues, music, and content properties together to better position them collectively for collaboration, growth and new opportunities.

The mission and focus for Rock Entertainment Group will be to optimize the position as world class operators in sports & entertainment by developing a unified, branded platform for relentlessly creating amazing experiences for fans, teams, partners, stakeholders, and their thousands of staff members across the spectrum of properties.

“Our properties and ventures have organically grown into this umbrella platform, as we have already been operating collectively and collaboratively in many ways,” said Rock Entertainment Group CEO Len Komoroski. “This launches a new era in our journey, as we unify and continue to evolve.”

“By leveraging resources across the Rock Entertainment Group family, we create greater outcomes and opportunities through a shared service model designed to drive collaboration,’ said Rock Entertainment Group President and Chief Operating Officer Nic Barlage. “Simply put, we’re obsessed with finding a better way, while driving efficiencies and innovation.”

“Rock Entertainment Group is the next logical step in ensuring our award-winning culture and operational approach is fused and branded together more appropriately,” added Mark Hollis, Vice President of Business Development for Rock Ventures. “We have a team full of experts in their fields and they are passionate about providing incredible experiences for our fans, partners, team members and the communities where we work, live and play.”

The Rock Entertainment Group teams and venues are part of Dan Gilbert’s Rock Family of Companies and include the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA, the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL, the Canton Charge of the NBA G League, Cavs Legion of the NBA 2K League, the operation of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Legion Lair lit by TCP home of Cavs Legion in Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Courts - the Cavaliers’ training and development center in Independence, Ohio.