NBC, Versus have inside track on NHL deal

Interesting SI article on the ongoing TV negotiations. With Versus now owned by NBC (which is now owned by Comcast), and NBC having exclusive negotiation rights at the moment, sounds like ESPN won't get any piece of the pie.

Also, what's interesting, is Flyers owner Ed Snider has a share in Comcast, so he "won't let" the league take its broadcasts anywhere else.

over 1 year ago wtnelson 8 comments 0 recs |

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I saw that tweet too, If someone wants to challenge ESPN then you have to have the nhl. Capitalization done on purpose.

Each of my replies is a work of art, each more brilliant than the last.

by An Unmitigated Disaster on Feb 8, 2011 6:40 PM MST reply actions

Not that I’m entirely optimistic that it would really help the NHL, but a NFL lockout would really shake things up next year — especially if ESPN started covering hockey again. I doubt NBC will broadcast many more games than their usual 3 or 4 in the second half + post season.

by MalachiConstant on Feb 9, 2011 8:12 AM MST reply actions

I think the market penetration of HD would eliminate a lot of the old “I can’t see the puck” syndrome that plagued hockey in the past. Good marketing, including Sunday matinee games, would be essential if the NFL makes the silly mistake of a lockout. This may not make the NHL as popular as the NFL, but it would not take much to double the NHL’s current viewership, and that would be big news.

Jonas Holøs- Putting the Ø in defense since 2010!

by niwotsblessing on Feb 9, 2011 8:41 AM MST up reply actions

I’m a little bummed that the Flyers owner won’t let ESPN even get a game or two a week, but not that upset. ESPN has burned every bridge with me when it comes to the NHL. Only its website gets any love from me any more.

I’m very curious to see what happens to Vs.
With NBCUniversal’s money behind it, I’m assuming a MLB, MLS and major college package would be down the line. NBC already has NFL rights, so there would be an NFL “show” presence as well, but likely not games.

Also, expect all Comcast subscribers to see the new Vs. channel bumped up a bit on the dial.

"I'm sick of following my dreams. I'm just going to ask them where they're goin', and hook up with them later." -- M.H.

by Dixomatic on Feb 9, 2011 10:40 AM MST reply actions

How in the hell does the FCC allow a cable company to own a major network? You don’t think that’s going to hit consumers squarely in the pocket books over the next 40 years? Actually, I think it already has and will continue to do so. I wish I wasn’t so damn addicted to hockey. If I wasn’t, I think I’d be giving Netflix about $10 a month and calling it good.

An end to this "When" thing. When.

by Bob in Boulder on Feb 9, 2011 12:59 PM MST reply actions

The FCC is inept.

My 46 inch HDTV is used only for netflix and the wii. Hockey games I catch online. I can hook up my computer to the tv, but the image quality usually isn’t good enough to bother.

by MalachiConstant on Feb 9, 2011 1:04 PM MST up reply actions

This is how I run my setup. I guess that if I were rich I wouldnt mind having cable, but im way better off without it except when the game is on.

Thanks Joe...

by mfured20 on Feb 9, 2011 1:48 PM MST up reply actions

So, how many more years until VS and NBC figure out there are hockey teams not named the Penguins and hockey exists west of the Mississippi?

I know my name is spelled "Luxury Yacht" but it's actually pronounced Throatwarbler Mangrove.
Member of the PFJ and the Spanish Inquisition.
No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!!

by Luxury Yacht on Feb 9, 2011 2:42 PM MST reply actions