Nextsportstar.com Partners with USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties

TORONTO, July 18, 2012 /CNW/ - NextSportStar.com, one of the world's largest online sports communities, today announced it is joining USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties, a division of the USA TODAY Sports Media Group. The partnership will offer opportunities and benefits for both parties in terms of content, traffic and advertising. Some of the other properties under USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties include BNQT action sports properties, MMAjunkie.com and its associated UFC and mixed martial-arts properties, and the Big Lead Sports properties. The result is one unified collection of premium sports inventory that allows advertisers to reach sports enthusiasts at scale while providing unique and extensive targeting opportunities.

VSince its launch a year ago, NextSportStar.com has quickly become the one-stop social, entertainment and radio/TV hub with a worldwide total of over 80 million visitors and an average of 6 million unique visits monthly. And recently, NextSportStar.com launched provocative and engaging exclusive live RadioTV broadcasts that are free to watch and in which members can interact with the programs' hosts with text questions.

The USA TODAY Sports Media Group is currently the fourth-largest digital sports audience with approximately 20 million unique monthly users, according to the June comScore report. "Nextsportstar.com is a compelling and unique digital property with an engaging and enthusiastic audience, and USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties is excited to have it as part of our portfolio as we help agencies and advertisers drive sales and build awareness" said Clay Walker, Vice President of USA TODAY Sports Media Group.

USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties is comprised of national, local and enthusiast sport audiences; 11 directly owned and operated digital sports properties; 500 exclusive representative and partner sites; and 15 sports channels dedicated to reaching vertical sport enthusiasts. Channels include: the National Hockey League (NHL), National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), NCAA Football (NCAAF), NCAA Basketball (NCAAB), National Association for Stock car Auto Racing (NASCAR), Fantasy Sports Soccer, High School/Prep, Hispanic, Action, Outdoor, Lifestyle and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)/Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Combining the best of Facebook and Twitter in one site, NextSportStar.com delivers a unique social experience and sense of community rich in online content. Launched July 2011, NextSportStar.com has continued to grow at a fantastic pace due to an aggressive strategy of on-going user-centric growth and expansion.

In addition to NextSportStar.com RadioTV, other popular features with fans include:

• Uploading videos and photos within their personal profiles
• Playing online sports-related games
• The ability to socialize and immediately share interests in more than 140 characters

NextSportStar.com is unswerving in its desire to provide over-and-above involvement to its members. As the one-stop portal for social communications and entertainment on the web, NextSportStar.com fans worldwide can continue to expect the best social experience and sense of community available.

Visit www.nextsportstar.com or contact Mike Cecere, [email protected], direct phone line 416-712-4831