EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The LA Galaxy and the Los Angeles Lakers each have a rich tradition of success in their respective leagues, but on October 1, the two clubs found another common ground with the creation of the Time Warner Cable Sports networks, which went live on Monday.
The two storied franchises as well as the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks were the first three franchises to sign onto the networks, which will broadcast all regional games of the three teams in both English and Spanish. Time Warner celebrated the launch of their new cable sports networks, Time Warner Sports Cable SportsNet and Time Warner Cable Deportes, last night with a gala at the network studios.
READ: Galaxy excited about new broadcast partnership
“I think that it’s great for both teams,” Lakers forward Pau Gasol told LAGalaxy.com. “It’s great for sports in L.A. and Southern California. We’re excited that Time Warner has decided to also follow and cover the LA Galaxy.”
Joining the Galaxy, Lakers and Sparks in attendance were various personalities from the worlds of sport, cinema and television. The event left even Galaxy midfielder David Beckham— one of the world’s most recognizable sport and entertainment icons—feeling star struck.
“I’m standing next to Magic, of course I get star stuck,” said Beckham, a diehard Lakers fan who was standing a few feet from Lakers legend Magic Johnson. “I’ve just been with Kobe and there are some great people here tonight so I always look up to people like this.”
PHOTOS: Time Warner Cable SportsNet & Deportes Launch
Beckham wasn’t alone.
“To be honest, I’m a little overwhelmed,” said Galaxy captain Landon Donovan. “I had no idea that it was going to be like this. I was expecting a real quiet evening—to do a few interviews and then go home, but this is cool.”
FIND TIME WARNER CABLE SPORTSNET ON YOUR PROVIDER!
Although there was plenty of buzz surrounding the Lakers, the Galaxy may have added a new marquee name to their fan base on Monday evening. In an interview with LAGalaxy.com, recently acquired Dwight Howard said that he’ll be looking to add a Galaxy snapback cap to his collection.
"I need a Galaxy snapback [hat],” said Howard, who admitted that he was most excited about meeting Beckham at the event. “I have probably about 150 snapbacks and I need one of those."
If Howard does come calling, Galaxy rookie midfielder Jose Villarreal—showing the new partnership between the two franchises—can help out the Lakers star.
“I’ll help him out,” said Villarreal. “I have a lot of hats; I might have one or two so I can give one to him.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
