On Wednesday afternoon, Raquel Gottsch Koehler, Gatsby Gottsch Solheim, and Teton Ridge CEO Deirdre Lester joined Western Sports Round-Up to discuss a milestone day for Teton Ridge, Rural Media Group, and Western sports.
The collaboration between Rural Media Group and Teton Ridge began in 2021 when Teton Ridge acquired The American Rodeo. Recognizing Teton Ridge’s dedication to Western sports, the Gottsch family saw an opportunity to elevate the industry.
“This was never about us, it was really about elevating the Western lifestyle, elevating the athletes, elevating the rural communities that we’re all so proud to call home,” Gottsch Koehler said.
Lester expressed excitement about building on the Patrick Gottsch and the family’s vision for The Cowboy Channel.
“We’re not here to come in and change things, we’re here to take what’s already in place and already existing and just take it forward and further and to the next level,” Lester said. “We’re going to continue to invest in the people, the sport, the athletes, and all of the things that are wonderful about The Cowboy Channel.”
The acquisition, announced Wednesday morning, positions Teton Ridge as the largest rights holder in Western sports, with exclusive PRCA licensing and a portfolio that includes The Cowboy Channel, The Cowgirl Channel, and The Cowboy Channel+.
While Teton Ridge focuses on expanding Western sports, the Gottsch sisters remain devoted to their late father’s legacy, continuing to lead RFD-TV into its 25th anniversary year.
