ABC Launching Saturday ESPN Programming Block

Stations will showcase original ESPN series, original program ‘Winners Bracket'

By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/12/2010 10:37:18 AM

ABC is launching an ESPN-branded Saturday afternoon programming block. Dubbed ‘ESPN Sports Saturday' the block will feature a one-hour original series, Winners Bracket, as well as a mix of some of ESPN's other programs. Hannah Storm, who anchors the morning edition of SportsCenter, will host the block.

ESPN's newsmagazine show E:60, Homecoming with Rick Reilly and selections from the "30 for 30" documentary series will be coupled with Winners Bracket.

Winners Bracket will be hosted by SportsNation co-host Michelle Beadle and former NFL star Marcellus Wiley. The two will debate the week in sports using a bracket-style format, with 16 newsmakers facing off each week to see who will be the winner. Other ESPN analysts and contributors will appear regularly.

"We are excited about this brand new sports offering from such a trusted brand," said Bill Hoffman, VP and general manager of WSB-TV in Atlanta and the chair of the sports committee for the ABC Affiliate Board of Governors.  "This program comes as a result of great creative thinking and collaboration between the ABC Board and ESPN."

‘ESPN Sports Saturday' will air from 4-6 p.m. starting April 3. It will run from April-August, returning in December for another round of programs. Some days the block may be less than two hours, depending on local or other special programming.