Who Owns Golf Channel?

What does Versant own?
Versant owns 12 brands across cable television and digital media. Cable networks include CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network, E!, Syfy, Oxygen, and Golf Channel. Digital assets include Fandango (movie ticketing), Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregation), GolfNow (golf booking), GolfPass (golf subscription), and SportsEngine (youth sports management). All brands were transferred from Comcast as part of the January 2026 spin-off.

Is Versant publicly traded?
Yes. Versant trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol VSNT. The company was created through a tax-free spin-off from Comcast Corporation on January 5, 2026. Comcast shareholders received Versant shares in a tax-free distribution. No parent company or controlling shareholder exists.

When was Versant created?
Versant Media Group was created through the spin-off of Comcast Corporation's cable television networks. The planning process began in January 2025, the company was officially named Versant in November 2025, and regular-way trading on Nasdaq began January 5, 2026, under the ticker symbol VSNT.

Who is Versant's CEO?
Mark Lazarus serves as CEO. He previously served as Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group at Comcast. Lazarus was appointed to lead Versant in preparation for the spin-off and is responsible for executing the company's strategy of growing digital revenue while managing the decline of linear cable television.

What is the relationship between Versant and Comcast?
Versant was spun off from Comcast and operates as a completely independent company. Comcast retained NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, Universal Pictures, and the theme park businesses. There is no ongoing ownership relationship between the two companies. Versant and Comcast maintain temporary transition services agreements for shared IT, real estate, and back-office functions.

How many brands does Versant own?
Versant owns 12 brands: seven cable television networks (CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network, E!, Syfy, Oxygen, Golf Channel) and five digital assets (Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, SportsEngine).

What is Versant's revenue?
Versant has not yet published full financial results as an independent company. Estimated annual revenue is approximately $7 billion, based on the revenue generated by these assets while part of Comcast. The company's revenue is split between cable affiliate fees, advertising sales, and digital platform transactions.

Why did Comcast spin off Versant?
Comcast announced the spin-off in January 2025 to separate its declining linear cable television assets from its growth businesses in streaming (Peacock), broadband, and theme parks. Comcast leadership argued that the cable networks would perform better as an independent company with focused management and the ability to pursue its own strategic priorities, including digital expansion and potential acquisitions.