John Morris, of Canada, yells to his teammate after he throws a rock during the mixed doubles curling match against the Czech Republic at the Beijing Winter Olympics on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, in Beijing. A group that includes two-time Olympic gold medal curler Morris and former NFL player Jared Allen has purchased the Grand Slam of Curling tour from Sportsnet. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Brynn Anderson
TORONTO - Nic Sulsky's journey into curling began just a few years ago, marked by a vision for the sport's potential. Fast forward to Tuesday, where he finds himself part of an acquisition that could usher in significant changes for the sport known as the Roaring Game.
As the current CEO of The Curling Group alongside Rumble Gaming founder Mike Cotton, former NFL standout Jared Allen, and two-time Olympic curling champion John Morris, Sulsky and his team have struck a deal with Sportsnet to take over ownership and operations of the Grand Slam of Curling series post-season.
For Sulsky, this move represents an opportunity to propel curlers into the limelight. "I feel the sport is compelling, but it's the curlers who have the potential to break through," Sulsky said. "That's our first job: to create a star system for these amazing athletes."
Sulsky's involvement with curling deepened during his tenure as chief commercial officer for PointsBet Canada, which became Curling Canada's sports betting partner in 2021. The PointsBet Invitational was later integrated into the Season of Champions calendar, providing Sulsky firsthand insight into the sport's operations and potential.
The acquisition does not sever ties with Sportsnet, which will remain the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of the series. Sulsky's group, with strategic adviser Jennifer Jones onboard, is eager to build on the Grand Slam's legacy. "Our mandate is to elevate professional curling, offering an enhanced experience for athletes, sponsors, and fans," Sulsky remarked.
Operated by Sportsnet since 2012, the Grand Slam series showcases top men's and women's teams globally, boasting a total prize pool of $2 million. The partnership aims to foster the sport's growth while maintaining top-notch broadcasting and comprehensive coverage.
The upcoming 2024-25 Grand Slam season will proceed as planned, featuring five events overseen by The Curling Group with Sportsnet handling coverage. Further plans for the tour's growth and development will be unveiled in the coming months.
The Curling Group's mission goes beyond mere ownership; it seeks to revolutionize curling through strategic investments, innovation, and content production. The entity envisions modernizing the sport on a global scale, with a commitment to enhancing the player-centric experience.
While financial specifics were not disclosed, the acquisition encompasses global media rights, with reports suggesting a substantial eight-figure sum. Sulsky anticipates closing the fundraising phase in the coming weeks, buoyed by promising discussions with top venture and private-equity groups worldwide.
As Sulsky transitions from his role at PointsBet Canada, Allen, a former Pro Bowler turned curler, and Morris, an Olympic gold medalist, bring their unique expertise to the table. The acquisition announcement coincided with the opening day of the Princess Auto Players' Championship, marking the final team event for Jones, who plans to retire from four-player curling at season's end.
