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NBA TV follows NFL Network to Comcast's digital classic tier
It doesn't appear to be coming in time for everyone to enjoy C-Webb and The Glove's studio antics during the NBA Finals, but now that Comcast closed a deal to bring NFL Network to its many digital classic subscribers, working out an agreement to add NBA TV (home of the pioneering all-SkyCam broadcasts & silent game) as well was the only logical followup. No word on exactly when the switch will happen, but hoops fans should keep an eye on their (soon to change drastically) channel lineup with the long term deal slated to shift the channel off the sports tier and into mass availability ahead of the 2009-10 season, bringing along plenty of VOD and streaming content to Comcast.net. Unfortunately, NBA League Pass is still a pay add-on, but we guess that would be asking for just a bit too much, right?
NFL & Comcast reach agreement: NFL Network switches to digital classic by August 1
Forget all the fights and accusations, the NFL Network and Comcast have reached an agreement that will see the channel moved from the sports tier to its Digital Classic level by August 1, available to almost 2/3 of the company's subscribers. Also coming to cable bound NFL fans? Video on-demand content and Comcast will have the "ability" to offer the no longer exclusive NFL Redzone Channel when it launches. No word on what this means for any other operators but we wouldn't be surprised if this deal is just the first of several providing wider access to NFL Network. Now, just to see how much our cable bill jumps in the fall to know the real cost of this addition.
NFL Network & Comcast could be close to a deal, moving channel to digital basic
Not that we usually put much stock in Peter King's NFL rumors, but word is the NFL Network and Comcast are close to working out a deal that will put the channel right where the NFL wanted it all along, on the regular digital cable package instead of the added-price sports tier. Since the channel didn't disappear May 1 as threatened, it would seem an agreement on pricing has been reached and according to King things were nearly finished on Thursday and Friday but the two have been hammering out final details even today. We'll see if this really happens, and not a moment too soon negotiations also under way with Fox, CBS and NBC and labor talks due to get under way with the Players Association.
NFL Network remaining on Comcast, for the time being
As you already know, the NFL Network's contract with Comcast expires tonight, and while the two fight it out over where the channel belongs, on basic cable or a sports tier, it's been threatening to leave the cable company's lineup altogether. Not quite at the 11th hour however, comes word from the Comcast Voices blog that the two are still trying to work things our and due to currently "productive discussions" NFL Network will stay on Comcast systems for now. It'll still be some time be some time before their court case has a ruling, but we're sure your voice on the matter has already been heard.
NFL Network, Comcast slapfight could see channel yanked May 1
This Hatfield & McCoy-like dispute has been going on for years now and it might be ready to come to a head. In case you haven't seen the ads, the NFL Network could leave Comcast altogether May 1. As always, the NFL wants to be on the basic tier in every subscriber's house alongside ESPN and, less popular, Comcast owned channels, and Comcast wants to keep it on the sports tier, where only those willing to shell out extra will see what it claims is the 4th most expensive channel it has. We like the NFL, but we also hate higher basic cable bills for stuff not everyone wants to watch. Of course, an 11th hour reprieve is always possible -- see Viacom, Big Ten Network and more, but next month Comcast subs may have to choose which large, greedy corporation they love more.Read - NFL, not Comcast, is behind dispute over NFL NetworkRead - I Want NFL Network
