NBC Sports Consolidates In Stamford

NBC Sports Group is to bring more than 450 jobs to Stamford as it builds a new studio complex in the town. WNPR’s Harriet Jones reports.

NBC will take over the former Clairol plant in Stamford under this deal, converting part of the 32 acre campus into a hockey studio and consolidating some of its other networks and operations at the site. The announcement was made by Governor Dannel Malloy.

"NBC's $100 million project adding office space and more state-of-the art facilities demonstrates a significant investment here in the state of Connecticut. Some early investments that the state made in digital media and in production credits obviously has led to some other companies joining us."

The deal is fourth announced under the state’s First Five incentive program, offering tax breaks to the first five companies to bring 200 or more jobs to Connecticut. NBC, which is owned by cable giant Comcast, will get a $20 million forgiveable loan from the state to complete the conversion of the buildings. NBC will also benefit from the state’s film and television production tax credit. NBC Sports Chairman Mark Lazarus.

"The strategic imperatives for us to bring our groups together was critical. And with that we investigated many areas. But the experience we've had here and some of the inducements made it make more sense. But this is clearly a strategic decision."

NBC also said it will bring its NHL network to the city as part of its ten year partnership with the National Hockey League.  Stamford’s economic development director Laure Aubuchon says the whole package is a coup for the city.

"Media's one of the true global industries out there in the 21st Century. And as Stamford continues to diversify its economy and build these great pillars of 21st Century businesses, along with finance, media is one of those. We couldn't be more thrilled that that is happening via NBC."

NBC says it will invest $100 million as part of its deal with the state. It will create at least 150 new positions in Stamford, as well as bringing in 300 already existing jobs from New York and Philadelphia.

For WNPR, I'm Harriet Jones.