Denver-Based ALLCITY Network says it’s “reimagining” local sports coverage by delivering daily, team-specific shows across streaming video, podcast, and other digital platforms. And now it’s setting its sites on Dallas.

First launched in Denver in 2019, ALLCITY has since expanded to the Phoenix, Chicago, and Philadelphia sports media markets. It currently offers over 30 daily shows across the country, the network says. And it’s fueling its local media presence by targeting fans with original custom apparel lines, tailgate events, watch parties, and more.

$12M Series B round to help define ‘the future of local sports coverage in America’

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

Virginia-based TEGNA is making a play beyond funding by partnering with ALLCITY on cross-promotional opportunities, content licensing, revenue extension opportunities, and distribution via TEGNA station’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 will also define the future of local sports coverage in America,” ALLCITY CEO Brandon Spano said in a statement. “We have never had more conviction about our model and our brand than we do right now. For this to also be recognized by such a powerful group of investors only reinforces that vision and increases our commitment to building America’s next major sports network.”

Dallas expansion includes some familiar local names

ALLCITY said it plans to use the new funding for “continued market expansion, investment into streaming, FAST operations, and the hiring of key management positions.”

The next market expansion is already teed up, and it’s Dallas, according to reports by Huddle Up and others.

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

According to sports media website Awful Announcing, DLLS has also snagged Dallas Mavericks writer Tim Cato from The Athletic and pulled in Bobby Karalla from Mavs.com—and will get further 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 Ostrow, chief digital officer at TEGNA, said that through ALLCITY’s “multiplatform approach, distinctive editorial voice, and diverse offerings” have shown its ability “to form deep connections with local sports fans and advertisers, making them an ideal partner to further expand TEGNA’s robust sports offerings across TV and digital.”

“Nothing brings local communities together like local sports, which is why we are pleased to be doubling down on the category through our investment and partnership with ALLCITY,” Ostrow added in a statement.

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