Fitch: Labor Agreements Drive Stable Outlook for U.S. Pro Sports in 2012

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Link to Fitch Ratings' Report: 2012 Outlook: Professional U.S. Sports

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=660206

New multi-year labor agreements across the NFL, NBA and MLB will help drive stability for professional sports related ratings for 2012 according to Fitch Ratings in its 2012 US Professional Sports Outlook report.

Professional sports have performed remarkably well since 2008 during significantly weak economic conditions, with 2012 likely to be more of the same. Contractually obligated revenue streams remain robust and the demand for sports related broadcasting remains strong. Also helping is the significant level of contractually obligated income that these contracts provide to support the league-wide borrowing programs and support individual team operations.

The largest risk facing the U.S. professional sports market place will be renewals of key revenue agreements from corporate sponsors and advertising partners at or above current price levels. Another potential obstacle will be maintaining attendance levels given the continued uncertainty facing the U.S. economy. Furthermore, renewing luxury suites, club seats and season ticket packages will be more difficult should individual team performance be lackluster.

The report, '2012 Outlook: U.S. Professional Sports', is available at 'www.fitchratings.com' or by clicking on the above link.

Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'

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