NBCUniversal, Versant Finalize Ad Sales Deal for Two Years

NBCUniversal and Versant, Comcast’s forthcoming cable network spinoff, have reached a two-year agreement in which NBCU will continue to sell domestic advertising inventory for Versant’s portfolio, which includes major cable channels and digital properties, under NBCU’s One Platform banner. This partnership ensures that both companies will benefit from NBCU’s advanced adtech, targeting tools, and measurement capabilities, providing continuity during the transition period as Versant establishes itself as an independent media company. Mark Marshall, NBCU’s chairman of global advertising and partnerships, will oversee sales strategy and revenue for both groups, while Tom Winiarski, formerly NBCU’s president of platform monetization, will become Versant’s executive vice president of ad sales strategy and monetization. The arrangement aims to simplify the ad buying process for clients, offering a unified sales team for both companies’ inventory. Versant’s leadership, including CEO Mark Lazarus, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in ensuring agility and seamless operation as the company builds its own brand and strategy. The deal is seen as a means to maintain stability in ad sales for Versant while it navigates its initial years as a standalone entity.