Comcast is spinning off most of its NBCUniversal cable network portfolio, including USA, MSNBC and CNBC. The company chose the name Versant, not intended to be consumer-facing, to emphasize its role as a house of brands.

Versant, Comcast’s planned cable spin-off entity, has struck a two-year ad sales agreement with corporate cousin NBCUniversal. Under the pact, which will cover the next two upfront cycles, NBCU will handle sales under its One Platform banner.

The spinoff will house Comcast's cable TV assets like USA, MSNBC, CNBC and E!, as well as some digital brands like Fandango.