COMPLEX NETWORKS BRINGS THE NO. 1 SNEAKER SHOW, ‘SNEAKER SHOPPING’ TO MSG NETWORK STARTING OCTOBER 27
Host Joe La Puma Interviews Pop Culture Icons, Famous Athletes and Musicians About Their Favorite Footwear
New York, October 25, 2017 -- Today Complex Networks and MSG Networks announced that they have partnered to bring popular episodes from Complex's hit digital series "Sneaker Shopping" to television. Beginning October 27, MSG Network will air an episode of "Sneaker Shopping" as part of the recently announced “MSG Shorts” programming, following select Knicks and Rangers games. Popular episodes of “Sneaker Shopping” featuring sports and cultural luminaries including the Ball Family, Allen Iverson, Jimmy Butler, Deion Sanders, Logic and more will run on MSG Network during the NBA and NHL season. “Sneaker Shopping” featuring Logic is up first in “MSG Shorts” on Friday, October 27 after the Ford Knicks Postgame Show.
Hosted by sneaker aficionado and Complex Network’s Vice President of Content Strategy Joe La Puma, “Sneaker Shopping” puts a spotlight on the styles, silhouettes and significance of sneaker culture through the eyes of bold-faced names in music, sports, film, television and pop culture. Over the years “Sneaker Shopping” has featured everyone from Kevin Hart, Roger Federer, Sean “Diddy” Combs, 50 Cent, Bella Hadid, Marshawn Lynch, DJ Khaled, to New England Patriot’s owner Robert Kraft, and the Ball Family, all sharing thoughts on their life, career and personal style with La Puma through the lens of sneakers and style. The show averages nearly two million views per episode on Complex.com and YouTube.
“As we look to bring compelling content to our viewers, we recognize that not all stories fit neatly into 30 minute or 60 minute windows,” said Kevin Marotta, senior vice president of marketing and content strategy, MSG Networks. “Ultimately, our viewers are looking for something that ignites their passion, regardless of how long it is. By partnering with a brand like Complex that has done an incredible job of engaging a young audience with short-form content, we’ll be tapping into some of our viewers’ key passions: sports, music and sneakers.”
“It goes without saying that sports and sneakers go hand in hand,” comments Rich Antoniello, CEO, Complex Networks. “Joe has always been on the forefront of this obsession – he’s an authority -- and his finger has been on the pulse of sneaker culture long before the masses. Sneaker Shopping is a series that’s cool and inclusive and underscores what Complex culture is all about so we are excited to be partnering with MSG Network to give fans a new way to engage in and experience this footwear phenomenon.”
“MSG Shorts,” a new hour-long block featuring original and acquired short-form content and programming, will air after select Knicks and Rangers game coverage throughout the season. “MSG Shorts” kicks off on Friday, October 27 following Knicks coverage. “MSG Shorts” range from 2-20 minutes and will feature new short-form content rolled out throughout the season, along with long-form player interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
About Complex Networks
Complex Networks, formed from the acquisition of Complex Media Inc. through a joint venture by Verizon and Hearst, is a global lifestyle brand and media company and one of the most influential voices in popular culture today. Complex Networks generates over 810 million video views a month across its digital channels – Complex, Collider, First We Feast, Rated Red, Pigeons and Planes, Sole Collector and more – and is a Top 10 publisher in the U.S. for social engagement on channels like Facebook and YouTube.
Complex Networks develops and distributes original programming for its channels and through output deals with premium distributors including go90. The company cultivates content that spans across popular culture from music to movies, sports to video games, fashion to food, reaching the coveted 18-24-year-old male audience. In 2016, the company successfully hosted its first ComplexCon in Long Beach, California, attracting top brands and over 35,000 attendees to the two-day cultural festival.
About MSG Networks Inc.
An industry leader in sports production, and content development and distribution, MSG Networks Inc. owns and operates two award-winning regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network (MSG) and MSG+, and a live streaming and video on demand platform, MSG GO. The networks are home to 10 professional sports teams, delivering live games of the New York Knicks; New York Rangers; New York Islanders; New Jersey Devils; Buffalo Sabres; New York Liberty; New York Red Bulls and the Westchester Knicks, as well as coverage of the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. Each year, MSG and MSG+ collectively telecast approximately 500 live professional games, along with a comprehensive lineup of other sporting events, including college football and basketball, and critically-acclaimed original programming. The gold standard for regional broadcasting, MSG Networks has won 162 New York Emmy Awards over the past ten years.
