FORT WAYNE, Ind. – IPFW Athletics and its multimedia rights partner, Learfield Sports, introduced PBS39 as IPFW’s TV partner to join with the Mastodon Sports Properties for the 2014-15 athletic season. PBS39 will broadcast a total of eight contests including men’s and women’s basketball and men’s volleyball.

“We are extremely excited to partner with PBS39 in broadcasting IPFW athletic events,” said Kelley Hartley Hutton, IPFW Director of Athletics. “Every day we strive to boost the IPFW Athletics brand, and adding a broadcast partner in Fort Wayne gives us opportunity to do that.”

The agreement package includes eight games, five for men’s basketball: December 20 against Valparaiso, January 10 against South Dakota, January 24 against North Dakota State, February 7 against Oral Roberts, and February 28 against Western Illinois; one for women’s basketball: February 21 against North Dakota State; and two for men’s volleyball: February 20 against Ohio State and April 4 against Ball State.
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“It is exciting for PBS39 to expand its local service in this collaboration with IPFW,” said Bruce Haines, General Manager of PBS39. “Public television stations nationwide have experienced success in their local programming by including athletics and utilizing their other digital channels. On game days, PBS39 will air its regular program schedule on PBS39Explore (39-4) to ensure access to these shows. With the eight games to be offered on our main channel, PBS39 can connect the community with IPFW at a time of national interest in Mastodon basketball and volleyball – it’s a terrific opportunity.”

Mastodon Sports Properties is a property of Learfield Sports, which manages the multimedia rights for 99 collegiate properties and titles the prestigious Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup with award co-founders NACDA and USA Today. Learfield’s multimedia rights encompass numerous content distribution platforms to deliver the passion of college athletics across radio, television, and digital networks to fans globally. For more about the company, its 40-year history and comprehensive portfolio, visit learfieldsports.com.