The Curling Group will assume ownership and operations of the Grand Slam of Curling event from Sportsnet after the conclusion of this season, with Sportsnet continuing as the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of the series.
The Curling Group is a new sports business venture led by sports, media and entertainment industry veterans Nic Sulsky and Mike Cotton, former NFL pro player Jared Allen and two-time Olympic gold medal curler John Morris. A number of elite international curlers, including Jennifer Jones, are also working with the Group as strategic advisors.
“The iconic Grand Slam of Curling is the world’s only international curling event series, and we are excited to build on its legacy as we write curling’s next rockin’ chapter,” said Sulsky, CEO of The Curling Group. “Our mandate is to take professional curling to the next level, delivering a reimagined, premium experience that will enhance curling’s engagement opportunities for the athletes, sponsors, and, most importantly, the sport’s global fanbase.”
“This partnership will help grow the sport while allowing Sportsnet to do what we do best—provide fans a world-class broadcast and the most in-depth curling coverage,” said Rob Corte, VP of production at Sportsnet. “The Curling Group is fully invested in taking the Grand Slam of Curling to the next level, and we look forward to growing curling together for years to come.”
Operated by Sportsnet since 2012, the Grand Slam of Curling is an elite series of curling events featuring the best men’s and women’s teams from across Canada and worldwide, with at least $2 million in total prize money each season.
“The Grand Slams have been an integral part of the curling season for us athletes ever since I started competing on tour over 20 years ago, providing a platform for the world’s best curlers to improve their game under high-stakes pressure,” said Morris. “I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the next stage of the Slams as we look to expand the sport globally and provide a unique curling experience that fans will not soon forget.”
The 2024/25 Grand Slam of Curling season will continue as planned with its previously announced events, with The Curling Group overseeing operations and Sportsnet airing coverage at all five locations. The Curling Group will announce more details regarding plans and growth of the Grand Slam of Curling in the coming months.
Image courtesy Grand Slam of Curling
