NHL, Comcast, Outdoor Life Network and MLS

SoccerPrime · 08-03-2005, 06:45 AM

Ok so NHL is returning soon to a TV near you. But what channel?
Reports are out that ESPN has pissed off the NHL enough that NHL is looking for other locations to broadcast their games nationally. Enter Comcast. The super-mega-large cable company is reportedly trying to claim the NHL rights from ESPN and place them on their own network.
Currently, Comcast owns the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) which is a mildly popular channel thats known for broadcasting the Tour de France. The plans might be, if Comcast gets the ESPN NHL-rights, to place the NHL games on the OLN. Also, Comcast is trying get NFL games for OLN too.

The reason I bring this up, is that if this all happens, Comcast will essentially create a new rival national sports network.

Competition is always good and MLS may benefit by having ESPN fight Comcast for the rights to the MLS games unlike it is now, with MLS paying ESPN to broadcast their games.
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Any thoughts?

dysko · 08-03-2005, 10:50 PM

ESPN didn't really do anything for the NHL... NHL is mad because they used to be getting big TV $$$. However, ESPN figured out that celbrity bowling brings better ratings than hockey. Sucks to be NHL... they sure shot themselves in foot when they sat out a season.... :lamo:

SoccerPrime · 08-04-2005, 05:54 AM

Of course they shot themselves, but Comcast has apparently offered them 50% more than ESPN did, so they might make out on this.

Plus with another Sports Network, maybe we will see even more MLS games on national TV in the future. That has to help!

dysko · 08-04-2005, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

Of course they shot themselves, but Comcast has apparently offered them 50% more than ESPN did, so they might make out on this.

Plus with another Sports Network, maybe we will see even more MLS games on national TV in the future. That has to help!

Comcast is offering 50% more than nothing? It all seems the same to me.

Actually, my understanding is that ESPN wanted a profit sharing deal... Comcast probably came up with some cold hard cash.

SoccerPrime · 08-05-2005, 05:47 AM

ESPN offered (last agreement) $50-60 million.
When that expired they then liked the revenue sharing deal. Obvously the NHL did not. However the NHL is using a revenue sharing deal with NBC for 2005-2006. NBC will also carry Game 2-6 of the Stanley Cup.

Comcast has "reportedly" offered NHL a $90-100 million deal
If NHL doesn't take it, they would be foolish.