Fox, Tci Will Form Cable Sports Network A La Espn

Fox Broadcasting Co. and TeleCommunications Inc. are expected this week to announce a joint venture to create a national sports cable network that will compete against the successful ESPN, people close to the negotiations said Monday.

Fox and TCI are eager to capitalize on one of the fastest-growing and lucrative businesses in cable.

“Sports are a must-see for men who are otherwise hard to reach,” said Michael Wolf, a partner at Booz, Allen & Hamilton. “Sports are driving the sales of small dishes and other alternatives to cable. People are willing to pay top dollar for sports.”