Diamond Comic Distributors has signed a deal with Comic-Con HQ, the new SVOD channel from the organizers of San Diego Comic-Con and Lionsgate (see "Comic-Con, Lionsgate to Launch SVOD Channel"), as the first title sponsor for Free Comic Book Day.  The “multi-level partnership” will help “offset costs for comic shop retailers participating in Free Comic Book Day, including reducing rates on FCBD store bags,” the announcement said.

Comic-Con HQ will launch the beta version of its site and apps in conjunction with Free Comic Book Day on May 7.

In addition to the Gold Book Sponsors (see "FCBD 2016 Gold Sponsor Comics Announced"), additional sponsors DK Publishing, LEGO, New York Comic Con and Transcontinental Printing support the event.

Over 2300 shops are expected to give away over 6 million comics (see "FCBD Preorders Top 6 Million") to over 1.5 million fans this year.