Denver-based ALLCITY Network says it is “reinventing” local sports coverage by delivering daily team-specific shows via streaming video, podcasts and other digital platforms. And now it has its sights set on Dallas.

ALLCITY was first introduced in Denver in 2019 and has since expanded to Phoenix, ChicagoAnd Philadelphia Sports media markets. According to the network, it currently offers over 30 daily shows across the country. And it strengthens its local media presence by engaging fans with original custom apparel lines, tailgate events, watch parties and more.

$12 million Series B funding round aims to shape “the future of local sports coverage in America”

On Tuesday, ALLCITY announced that it has closed a Series B funding round led by broadcast media company TEGNA (NYSE: TGNA). According to multiple reports, the Series B raised $12 million, which is nearly half of the $25 million ALLCITY has raised to date.

Going beyond financing, Virginia-based TEGNA is partnering with ALLCITY on cross-promotion opportunities, content licensing, revenue enhancement opportunities and distribution across TEGNA’s linear channels and streaming apps in key U.S. markets.

“ALLCITY is at a monumental inflection point where the next 18 to 24 months will not only define who we are as a company, but also the future of local sports coverage in America,” said ALLCITY CEO Brandon Spano said in a statement“We have never been more confident in our model and brand than we are now. To have this recognized by such an influential group of investors reinforces this vision and reinforces our commitment to building the next great American sports network.”

The Dallas expansion includes some well-known local names

ALLCITY said it would use the new funds for “continued market expansion, investments in streaming, FAST operations and key management appointments.”

The next market expansion is already in the starting blocks: According to reports from Huddle Up and others, Dallas is next.

ALLCITY’s Dallas “outlet” will be called DLLS, according to sports business writer Joe Pompliano, and former ESPN and New York Times NBA insider Marc Stein will be one of the featured Dallas media personalities.

According to sports media website Awful Announcing, DLLS also nabbed Dallas Mavericks writer Tim Cato of The Athletic and signed Bobby Karalla of Mavs.com – and will receive additional Mavs coverage from Dallas sports radio host Kevin Gray and Cowboys coverage from Jeff Cavanaugh (both formerly of 105.3 The Fan and 97.1 The Freak).

Adam OstrowChief Digital Officer at TEGNA, said that through its “cross-platform approach, distinctive editorial style and diverse offering,” ALLCITY has demonstrated the ability to “build close connections with local sports fans and advertisers, making the company an ideal partner to further expand TEGNA’s extensive sports offering on television and digital.”

“Nothing brings local communities together like local sport, which is why we are excited to double our presence in this category through our investment and partnership with ALLCITY,” Ostrow added in a statement.

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