TORONTO, February 14, 2024 – Game+—a subsidiary of global multi-platform media company Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc.— announces its first-ever athletic sponsorship of Major League Pickleball (MLP) star Zane Navratil. This comes after last year’s multi-year broadcast agreement between Anthem and MLP to bring complete coverage of the 2023 and 2024 MLP seasons throughout Canada exclusively on Game+.
As the exclusive television home for Major League Pickleball coverage in Canada, Game+ is proud to partner with Zane Navratil, who makes history as the Network’s inaugural athlete brand ambassador. 2023 was a breakout year for Navratil, that found him competing in the final rounds of every MLP Season 2 event as a member of the Orlando Squeeze.
As part of the sponsorship, Navratil will represent the Game+ logo on his apparel throughout 2024. Additionally, he will appear in special content across the Game+ Network and social media platforms, and participate in press tours in Canada. Navratil and Game+ initially built a strong rapport through the Network’s support of the Stop Alzheimer’s Now Foundation. Game+ sponsored Navratil’s Stop Alzheimer’s Now Swear Jar, donating to Alzheimer’s research any time he swore. Navratil has long-been a major proponent of the organization, and has frequently recognized Game+’s contributions on his weekly podcast.
"I am unbelievably excited to partner with Game+,” Navratil said. “Game+ was ahead of the curve when it came to televising esports, fantasy sports, fight programming, and more. As a professional pickleball player, it's exciting that they are investing in the pickleball space, as well!"
“Game+ has had a great working relationship with Zane since the Network began covering Major League Pickleball, and we are proud to officially welcome him onboard with our first-ever athlete sponsorship,” said Chad Midgley, VP of Content for Anthem. “He is truly an incredible ambassador for the sport, and we know that he will bring that same passion and dedication to his role as a representative for Game+.”
About Game+
Game+ (www.gameplusnetwork.com) is a North American sports channel that airs both live event and studio-based programming featuring emerging and popular sports content. In addition to fast-paced live action sports programming from across the globe, Game+ presents the absolute best in sports analysis, wrestling, strength and endurance, action-adventure series and lifestyle programming. The channel is available on IPTV, cable, satellite systems and subscription streaming services across North America. Game+ is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., a leading global sports media company. For more information, visit www.gameplusnetwork.com and @GamePlusNetwork on X.
About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a global multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Toronto, Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City, and Cleveland. Anthem's portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and sports television channel and digital media company; global film distribution company Gravitas Ventures; Fight Network, the world's premier combat sports channel with broadcast distribution across 10+ countries and available globally through multiple OTT platforms; TNA Wrestling, one of the world's leading wrestling organizations; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion; Game+, the leader in sports wagering, Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. For more information, visit www.anthemse.com.