On Friday, April 1, FSN Pittsburgh, FSN Rocky Mountain and FSN Northwest will be no more. They’ll change their brand and logos to a new name, Root Sports. The owner of all three regional sports networks, DirecTV Sports decided to take the channels on a different route, no longer employing the Fox Sports Net name although the new networks will still be affiliated with FSN and take its national programming.
The name “Root” is partially taken from “rooting for the home team” and also establishing more of a local presence on the channels.
Root Sports Pittsburgh will have the local rights to the Pirates and Penguins.
Root Sports Rocky Mountain will maintain the rights to the Colorado Rockies and the Utah Jazz.
Root Sports Northwest will air the Seattle Mariners as well as the MLS’ Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers.
With MLB Extra Innings on a free preview from April 1-12, it will be noted how each of the new channels ingratiate themselves with the local sports fans, and if they go over the top in promoting their local connections.
