Fitch: 2014 U.S. Sports Outlook Stable at Mid-Year

NEW YORK--()--The U.S. Sports sector maintains a stable outlook as it hits the midpoint in 2014 on stable attendance and television viewership, well as labor peace, according to a new Fitch Ratings report.

'Despite economic uncertainty related to discretionary spending, U.S. Sports ratings are holding steady at mid-year,' said Chad Lewis, Senior Director.

Smaller markets where team performance is weak will likely continue to face pricing pressure on sponsorship, advertising and luxury seating products as well as game-day revenue streams such as food and beverage, parking and game-day ticket sales.

Nevertheless, significant levels of contractually obligated income including national and local television contracts provide a significant offset to any deterioration in game-day revenues.

For more information, a special report titled '2014 Mid-Year Outlook: US Sports' is available on the Fitch Ratings web site at www.fitchratings.com or by clicking on the link.

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

Applicable Criteria and Related Research: 2014 Midyear Outlook: Sports (Professional Sports)

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=752789

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Contacts

Fitch Ratings
Chad Lewis, +1 212-908-0886
Senior Director
Fitch Ratings, Inc.
33 Whitehall Street
New York, NY 10004
or
Media Relations:
Elizabeth Fogerty, +1 212-908-0526
elizabeth.fogerty@fitchratings.com

Contacts

Fitch Ratings
Chad Lewis, +1 212-908-0886
Senior Director
Fitch Ratings, Inc.
33 Whitehall Street
New York, NY 10004
or
Media Relations:
Elizabeth Fogerty, +1 212-908-0526
elizabeth.fogerty@fitchratings.com