ortsnet has purchased the Grand Slam of Curling and will operate the international men's and women's curling circuit. Sportsnet, which is owned by Rogers Communications Inc., made the announcement Thursday it had bought the Grand Slam of Curling from Insight Sports Ltd. Canada's top curlers as well as many of the world's best teams compete in Grand Slam of Curling, a major bonspiel series and part of the World Curling Tour. Quote: Scott Moore, the president of broadcasting for Rogers Media, said the Grand Slam of Curling purses will remain at least in the current range of $100,000. But he added they might also increase depending on new sponsorship agreements. The purchase marks the start of a new events division for Sportsnet, which up until now focused on print, online and broadcast communications operations through a magazine, radio and television channels and a number of websites. Quote: Sportsnet will broadcast the series, along with CBC through a sub-licensing agreement. Olympic and world champion Kevin Martin of Edmonton says the broadcast side of the deal is very positive for the sport. So here's what we know: the first Slam will take place in mid-November in Brantford, Ont., and will feature 34 men's and 34 women's teams -- in essence, taking an existing World Curling Tour event and making it a Slam. Ideally, said World Curling Players Association president Pierre Charette, more co-ed Slams will be held down the road, but for now, only the Brantford event and the season-ending Players' Championships