Incentives bring sports media companies to Conn.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut, long the home of sports-media giant ESPN, is using tax breaks and other financial incentives to attract similar companies to what is fast becoming an industry cluster.

In just over a year, ESPN has announced a major expansion project in Bristol, NBC Sports has agreed to move from New York to Stamford, and a new golf cable outlet, Back9Network, has agreed to build its studio in Hartford.

They join other sports broadcasting companies such as WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.) and the Yes Network in calling Connecticut home.

George Norfleet, the director of the state's office of film, television and digital media, says Connecticut is actively courting other members of the industry, and believes it is becoming the "Silicon Valley" of sports media.