Robust Coverage builds off Sports Information Leader’s acquisition of FCS partner The Sports Network
Chicago – July 9, 2015 – STATS LLC, the world’s leading sports technology, data and content company, announced its preseason Football Championship Subdivision All-America teams today to kick off a broad plan that will see it significantly expand its coverage of FCS. The 2015 group is headlined by Villanova quarterback John Robertson, the returning national player of the year, as well as five members of four-time defending champion North Dakota State across the three All-America teams.
STATS, which purchased The Sports Network (TSN) in February, will look to build on the momentum its acquisition has created for rich content in the FCS market. For almost three decades, TSN has served the FCS community with such staples as a pre- and postseason All-America team, weekly Top 25 poll, national players of the week, award watch lists and season-ending awards.
In addition, STATS is creating a dedicated FCS website featuring breaking news, real-time scores and other unique content that will combine the strengths of the company’s data, editorial and products expertise for players, coaches and fans.
“The FCS community is thrilled for what the future holds as our new partner STATS enhances our coverage, building on years of teamwork and relationships forged by The Sports Network,” said FCS Managing Director Mike Kern. “FCS Football is ‘Every Down, Every Day,’ and we’re confident that STATS will be with us every step of the way.”
To help build out its FCS coverage, STATS has brought on Phil Sokol, TSN’s former Director of Operations, and Craig Haley, the company’s former FCS Senior Editor.
“As STATS looks to grow all areas of its sports coverage globally, we couldn’t be more excited to take on this initiative and accept this responsibility,” said Brian Orefice, STATS’ Director of News and Editorial Operations. “Bringing together Phil and Craig’s wealth of FCS knowledge and experience with STATS’ resources and distribution power will break new ground in what was already unprecedented coverage.”
In the coming weeks, STATS will announce initial watch lists for its Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year awards, details around its new FCS website and plans for its postseason awards. The company is scheduled to release its preseason Top 25 poll on Aug. 10, with the FCS Kickoff set for Saturday, Aug. 29 – when four-time defending champion North Dakota State takes on Montana.
“The FCS schools and conferences have relied upon our national coverage for years,” said Haley, “and the players, teams and national playoffs on this level are so deserving of it. To continue this passion of ours is thrilling.”
The FCS competes at the NCAA’s Division I level, and is home to 125 schools in 13 conferences across the country. Approximately 150 FCS players are on NFL rosters annually, including current stars Tony Romo (Eastern Illinois), Joe Flacco (Delaware), Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado), Jared Allen (Idaho State) and Julius Thomas (Portland State).