Gray Media Group Enters Partnership with University of Tennessee for Enhanced Sports Coverage

Gray Media Group (GTN) has partnered with the University of Tennessee Athletics to expand sports coverage across the state. The partnership involves three major markets in Tennessee and plans to extend coverage to Chattanooga and Jackson. GTN's Tennessee Valley Sports Network will broadcast comprehensive sports content, enhancing the presence of Tennessee Athletics on television.

Gray Media Group (GTN) has entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Tennessee Athletics, the Vol Network, and local stations to enhance sports coverage across the state. The collaboration, which involves WVLT in Knoxville, WSMV in Nashville, and WMC in Memphis, will elevate the presence of Tennessee Athletics on television [1].

Under this agreement, GTN will utilize its newly established Tennessee Valley Sports Network (TVSN) to broadcast comprehensive sports content to the three major markets in Tennessee, with plans to extend coverage to Chattanooga and Jackson. This initiative signifies a strategic move to deliver intensified local sports programming to a broader audience [2].

The partnership will feature over seven hours of exclusive Tennessee Athletics-related shows, including a new football pre-game show this fall. Volunteer Gameday will air live two hours prior to kickoff from Neyland Stadium or any road game on TVSN, featuring the "Voice of the Vols" Mike Keith, WVLT award-winning anchor Brittany Tarwater, and former Tennessee quarterback Heath Shuler. The partnership will continue through June 2028 [3].

Analysts have mixed views on the impact of this partnership on GTN's stock. While the average target price for GTN is $5.10, with a high estimate of $7.00 and a low estimate of $2.00, the average brokerage recommendation is currently "Outperform" [1]. The GuruFocus estimate for GTN's GF Value in one year is $4.23, suggesting a downside of 18.02% from the current price of $5.16 [1].

In its latest earnings call, GTN reported total revenue of $782 million for Q1 2025, a 1% increase over the high end of their guidance. The company also reduced its outstanding indebtedness by $17 million and exceeded expectations in political advertising revenue. However, core advertising revenue decreased by 8% compared to Q1 2024, and the net loss was $9 million compared to a net income of $88 million in the previous year [1].

The expansion of sports coverage is a strategic move for GTN to enhance its local content offerings and strengthen its presence in key markets. The partnership with the University of Tennessee Athletics and the Vol Network will provide GTN with valuable content and an opportunity to reach a larger audience.

References:
[1] https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2987448/gray-media-gtn-partners-with-university-of-tennessee-for-expanded-sports-coverage-gtn-stock-news
[2] https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/gray-partners-with-university-of-tennessee-network-to-expand-athletics-coverage/
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/university-of-tennessee-athletics-the-vol-network-and-gray-media-stations-sign-game-changing-telev-ce7c5cdede88f523