The NFL is close to reaching agreements with its network partners, FOX and CBS, on contract extensions. The deals with FOX, CBS and NBC run through the end of the 2011 season, and it’s likely the networks will have two years added to their deals. NBC’s extension, although not as close to completion, is also expected to get done.
Currently the NFL gets $622 million CBS annually and $712 million from FOX for the rights to their respective Sunday games. Maybe more importantly for the NFL is the status of their own network in relation to the nations largest cable provider, Comcast.
NFL Network had been carried on a premium sports tier for Comcast’s 24-million subscribers, and the NFL for more sometime now has been arguing it should be on the regular digital cable package. The problem comes about with the fact that the league wanted 70 to 80 cents per viewer household.
Roger Goodell has taken it upon himself to personally work face to face with Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts.
It seems that both the NFL and Comcast are acting a little self absorbed in this situation. The NFL is asking a ridiculous carrying price while Comcast has been unwilling to talk due to their interest in further the partly Comcast owned Versus network–getting NFL games and/or official programming would be a major step.
NFL close to extensions with Fox, CBS [Sports Business Journal]
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