NBC and Versus Set to Announce New TV Deal
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 19, 2011 11:48 AM EDT
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Well at least they got rid of Joe Beninati.
According to the Sports Business Daily, NBC and Versus have agreed to a deal to renew the NHL's TV rights:
NBC and Versus have agreed to a deal to renew the NHL’s TV rights, according to execs close to the deal. A formal announcement is expected to come this afternoon. Specific deal terms are not known, but the bidding had gone above $200M per year. Fox pulled out of the bidding last week, and Turner pulled out yesterday, saying it could not find a business model to support the money the NHL appears to be getting in this negotiation. The NHL never came back to ESPN with a final bid, sources said. ESPN’s interest in picking up the package stayed until the end of the bidding process. But sources said it was too difficult for the NHL and ESPN to work around NBC and Versus’ matching rights.
Personally I'm not a fan of seeing the NHL on a network that is in twenty million fewer homes than ESPN, not to mention what having only one channel does to playoff scheduling. Obviously I'm just speculating here, but it sounds to me like the NHL wasn't all that interested in going back to ESPN. Maybe they didn't want to share the network with all the other major sports, who knows.
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Versus/NBC has more then 1 channel. It’s a deal with NBC Sports Group, Comcast/NBC so they can use USA etc..
And most likely Versus (which will be rebranded) will get to 85-90 million homes in the next 2 years if not earlier..
We all see how ESPN treats the NHL right now and it wouldn’t change if the NHL was on ESPN. Maybe next year especially if the NBC and NFL are locked out but it’ll be put on the back burner once again.
Comcast/NBC has shown a commitment to the sport and growing it. And it’s working as I’ve never seen the sport more popular. And with the Comcast/NBC merger, they can now work together. The new NBC Sports Group is working to become a top tier sports network and they plan to build it AROUND AND WITH THE NHL. Will they rival ESPN anytime soon? Hell no. But they’re going to rebrand Versus, put it in more homes and make it more visible (those are the main problems with the NHL’s #1 Cable Network). Which is a good step and there’s a lot more to come.
twitter.com/NYRangers365
by NYRangerFan718 on Apr 19, 2011 11:58 AM EDT reply actions
I’m not going to re-hash everything else I said, but I agree with everything you said here:
http://www.blueseatblogs.com/2011/04/19/nhl-and-versusnbc-strike-10-year-deal/
by Dave Shapiro on Apr 19, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll believe all of it when I see it. And if you don’t think the NHL would get more coverage on ESPN if they were shown on ESPN, answer this question:
Before ESPN showed NASCAR, how often did you hear about it on Sportscenter?
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 19, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Your site is blocked at work, due to your Communist views and subversion, LOL
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 19, 2011 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok read it on my phone. Great breakdown of the whole thing.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 19, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure since I don’t watch SC anymore. I have no use for it. Last time I had it on, they did some “Top athletes in NYC thing” and they had some bum soccer player from the Red Bulls (which no one watches) but not Lundqvist? ….
Right now it was obvious ESPN really wanted the NHL to save them for next season when the NBA will definitely be locked out and the NFL might. They clearly didn’t want to pay the $200m a year but they were still in it till the end. According to everyone, ESPN has actually be giving the NHL some air time lately (during the playoffs) and it’s still not much at all. So what does that say?
Here are your choices:
A) A network, rebranding itself, trying to become a new force in the sports world. Which has shown it will work to help grow the sport. Will try new things such as the Winter Classic (which probably would’ve never happened on ESPN considering how the HC went in 2003), Hockey Day In America (which was a huge success). They didn’t shun you right after the lockout and they are willing to put up the big bucks right now. They plan to build around you and will consider you their #1 option.
B) A network that pushed you aside right after the lockout and basically said “You’re not worth our time”… Won’t offer the $$$ that option A will. Yes they have way more reach but the NHL would been stuck on ESPN2 (that was the deal). Not even on ESPN, their main network. Maybe you’ll be their 3rd or 4th, possibly 5th option but who knows. With option A, you’re clearly #1. Will they show more highlights on ESPN/SportsCenter? Yes, they definitely will but will the NHL ever be the lead story? No (Maybe during the playoffs/finals but that’s not enough)..
(There’s more to say for both A and B but I’m on a train and really don’t feel like typing anymore)
End with this, Do you really think a couple of extra minutes on SportsCenter and some extra highlights on ESPN would make the NHL more popular? The NHL was never and will never be the lead story on ESPN and that’s what they would really need, to be able have a huge impact.
With NBC Sports Group, Comcast/NBC the NHL is #1 and with NBCSG trying to build a new sports brand to rival ESPN (that part probably isn’t possible, at least at the moment) they will put the NHL front and center. We don’t know exactly what their plans are but we’ll find out soon enough.
twitter.com/NYRangers365
by NYRangerFan718 on Apr 19, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey. I watch the Red Bulls games. Me and about two other people on the planet do.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
red...bull???
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
hockey on grass played with feet instead of sticks and a ball instead of a puck. Most popular sport in the world? Nevermind.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
….
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
ihateyou
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
you love me
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
by Kevin Power on Apr 19, 2011 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I… can’t quit you.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
You guys are too friggin funny
by Mr. Avery to you on Apr 19, 2011 10:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They’d have gotten a room a long time ago if they could actually agree on the motel.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
"On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, it's the guy who's willing to die who's gonna win that inch."
you…had me at hello
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
by Kevin Power on Apr 19, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
You..complete me?
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
"On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, it's the guy who's willing to die who's gonna win that inch."
frankly my dear…i don’t give a dam
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
by Kevin Power on Apr 20, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
They should remake that movie using currently accepted urban linguistics, translating the above into:
“Bitch please!”
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
"On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, it's the guy who's willing to die who's gonna win that inch."
I'd watch that
it’d cut the run time from 3 hours…to fifteen minutes
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
by Kevin Power on Apr 20, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
That funny cuz that’s what my girls always tellin me “as much as you love hockey you should like soccer its just like hockey on grass blah blah blah” I just don’t get it tho its never appealed to me..
by Mr. Avery to you on Apr 19, 2011 8:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You just need to find a team to support, not necessarily a local team. Once you have a team, and hopefully some other football fans near you, you’ll be hooked.
"Mes que un club"
-Ahmad Bradshaw is undoubtedly a psychic genius.
by Scratch and Snif on Apr 20, 2011 6:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I got your back on that Red Bulls thing
Agudelo is legit.
@TheRealSoxy
i wrote a blog about this too
i’m probably in the minority because the old days of espn/espn2 are light years ahead of what vs has to offer
unless vs can get gary thorne to mispronounce everyone’s name and scream at the slightest hint of a scoring chance it’s not the same
@joereiter
Blueshirt Banter
"You can be a lion maybe once in your life. If you don't make this deal, you're a
mouse forever….Wouldn't you rather be a lion for one day than a mouse for life?"
Oh c’mon, I liked Gary Thorne, he at least had a natural enthusiasm for the game. Doc Emrick sounds like somebody’s squeezing his ballsack anytime something decent happens in the game (and he takes a SHAHT!).
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
"On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, it's the guy who's willing to die who's gonna win that inch."
Still get to hear Gary on nhl 11… and I must admit I actually liked his game 7 matteu call the best…still gives me goosebumps..“THE RANGERS HAVE WON THE GAME! 1940 IS HISTORY!!!!”
by Mr. Avery to you on Apr 20, 2011 11:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
the best part about that was him thinking they'd won the cup on that goal, hence the call
and apparently nobody thought anything of my blog post…..
@joereiter
Blueshirt Banter
"You can be a lion maybe once in your life. If you don't make this deal, you're a
mouse forever….Wouldn't you rather be a lion for one day than a mouse for life?"
Sorry I didn’t get to read it yet and Yeah I’ve always thought that too I just figured he meant Vancouver was just a small obstacle between us and destiny lol but it was still such a poignant moment…and leading up to it like “the chants of 1940 haven’t left….yet…” just so epic…sorry I watch that game about once a week lol ok maybe month…
by Mr. Avery to you on Apr 20, 2011 1:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
it's a quick read, check it
@joereiter
Blueshirt Banter
"You can be a lion maybe once in your life. If you don't make this deal, you're a
mouse forever….Wouldn't you rather be a lion for one day than a mouse for life?"
And, I’ll agree on ESPN2, they were wall to wall hockey back in the day. I’d come in to school like a zombie from watching highlights/games all night.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
"On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, it's the guy who's willing to die who's gonna win that inch."
See you responded to me on Blue Seat Blogs, Dave
NBC absolutely not on top of their game in Olympics coverage. My hope is their losing the Olympics means they put all their eggs in the NHL basket, so to speak
I didn't know Boudreau was in Austin Powers movies.
by It may HAVE to Last a Lifetime on Apr 19, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
GO PACK GO -- 13 Time World Champions
Let's Go Rangers
by Plusch on Apr 19, 2011 12:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
the poll question
I feel like this venue isn’t exactly the best place for a question like that.. chances are hardcore hockey fans (like the ones who would peruse a team blog) are going to know the primary NHL channel.. question might be more poignant if offered to casual fans.
Or if the question were phrased “Would you be able to find VS if it hadn’t been showing hockey for however many years?”
"In the '60s I slept with many women, often outside in the mud and rain. It's possible a man may have slipped in there, there's no way of knowing."
+1 yeah I never woulda known what VS is had it not been for hockey….but of course now I know where it is..its where I have to watch some rangers games with earplugs in lol
by Mr. Avery to you on Apr 19, 2011 2:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
True
Versus still broadcasts fishing shows and rodeos pretty frequently
"Mes que un club"
-Ahmad Bradshaw is undoubtedly a psychic genius.
by Scratch and Snif on Apr 20, 2011 6:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Nothing wrong with fishing shows……
PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
by nathansfamous on Apr 20, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLX86vR-iDE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Anyone see this yet or am I late ?
by XxC17xX on Apr 19, 2011 12:57 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Here is a snippet from John Ourand's article:
I found this very interesting. An NBC Game on Thanksgiving Friday (day after). Genius. Everyone goes out and buys shit in the morning, comes home, turn on NBC and you have some good NHL action.
The deal will see NBC and Versus carry all Stanley Cup playoff games nationally, with the conference semis appearing exclusively on the two nets. It also will see NBC and Versus televise 100 regular-season games, including a new Thanksgiving Friday telecast on NBC. The agreement includes all digital rights for the games NBC and Versus televise. NBC has committed to a national "Game of the Week" and Winter Classic, and Versus will televise a national "Game of the Week," plus the All-Star Game, NHL Premiere Games, NHL Faceoff and any future NHL Heritage Classic games in Canada. NBC and Versus will continue to share the rights to the Stanley Cup Final. As part of the deal, NBC Sports Group agreed to build a new studio for NHL Network in Stamford, Conn.
twitter.com/NYRangers365
by NYRangerFan718 on Apr 19, 2011 12:59 PM EDT reply actions
Sorry the 1st part is me and the 2nd paragraph is from the article lol
by NYRangerFan718 on Apr 19, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
That is a good idea, another chance for the NHL to take ownership of a day, like they are doing with New Years Day
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 19, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Also every NHL Playoff Game will be broadcast nationally!
Starting this Saturday. With Pens/Bolts @ 12pm on Versus leading into NBC broadcast of Caps/Rangers @ 3. Pens/Bolts was originally going to start @ 7:30 and it was going to be JIP’d after the 7pm game.
So EVERY game will be on national TV. This wasn’t the case originally so it looks like we are already starting to see some of the workings of this deal.
I like it. Not sure how they’re going to work it during the week but we’ll see:
http://twitter.com/stevelepore/status/60387899660709888
twitter.com/NYRangers365
every game meaning during the playoffs.
Here are some other notes from the 1pm press conference which isn’t over yet:
“Hockey will be promoted across all 40 NBC/Comcast networks.”
“Ebersol says we are no more than 90 days away from renaming VERSUS to something more involved with NBC Sports Group.”
“Ebersol credits Sam Flood for reinventing the way games are broadcast. “Its made hockey on television most intimately produced sport.”
“Every playoff game will be seen on NBC, VERSUS or potentially other NBC channels.”
“The 2nd round of the playoffs is now exclusively on NBC and VERSUS.”
“90 exclusive games on VERSUS this year, up from 50 in past years.”
Also, the main reason the NHL went with Comcast/NBC over ESPN was the fact that ESPN wanted to do ONE GAME A WEEK. With the new Comcast/NBC deal there will be 100 games across both networks, compared to about 30-40 on ESPN2/ABC..
twitter.com/NYRangers365
by NYRangerFan718 on Apr 19, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
great 40 more games means more chances ill have to hear some annoying douche instead of Sam and JD er I mean Joe lol
by Mr. Avery to you on Apr 19, 2011 1:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ok I officially stand corrected
This sounds like a very good deal for the league, and for the fans. I should have known better than to throw my hat in ESPN’s ring
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 19, 2011 1:22 PM EDT reply actions
Radio
That’s the thing that kills me. I get all the MSGs, VS & of course NBC so that doesn’t really affect me. But I like to listen to morning (& afternoon) sports talk on my commute. 1050 ESPN doesn’t even touch on hockey & that’s the Rangers broadcast network. Bommer & Carton touch on it every now and again, but I can’t listen to Carton. His voice is like nails on a chalk board in the mornings.
I may have to suck it up and pay for Sirius again. •grumbles & kicks a kitten•
Emrick does a good job. Just because he broadcasts the Devils for his regular job, doesn’t mean he stinks Nationally.
by NYR #35 Richter on Apr 19, 2011 3:51 PM EDT reply actions
Will this deal impact MSG's broadcast schedules in any way?
I ask because I am stuck in Hockey Hell, aka the Capital District of New York State. Any time the cursed Buffalo Sabers broadcast a game, they are allowed to black out any Ranger/Islander/Devil games that are scheduled to be shown.
--
"No left turn unstoned"
(road sign created by the Merry Pranksters)
Sorry, but I am in hockey hell. Hockey hell is Fla. Ever go to a Panthers game ?(When they are not playing the Rangers) I went from MSG to what is now the Bank Atlantic Center. I could not believe all the gimmicks they would use to keep fans entertained. The only “gimmick” they had at MSG was beer and food.
PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
by nathansfamous on Apr 19, 2011 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
As long as I get to watch the damn playoffs
i have been on the phone with Comcast 3 times in the last week over the lack of game 1 being shown in my area. to pay Comcast and then also for the Center Ice package and not be able to watch the first game of the playoffs still has me pissed off!!!
Starting next season, EVERY playoff game will be on National TV. Whether it’s on Versus, NBC or one of Comcast/NBC’s many other channels. So next season, you won’t need Center Ice during the playoffs. Not to mention the 100 games that will air on Versus and NBC during the Regular Season.
twitter.com/NYRangers365
by NYRangerFan718 on Apr 19, 2011 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Thank God!!!
I can’t believe I am actually happy about this!!
by Eastversewest on Apr 19, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe I am just biased because I watch a lot of Sports Center, but I feel that ESPN is the opinion leader of the sports world, and if I were a league executive I’d be willing to take less money to get a deal done with them. If ESPN broadcasted NHL games, they’d feel obliged to promote the sport, not only with commercials but with increase air-time on Sports Center and their numerous talk shows.
That said, I don’t mind the NHL being on a less-than-mainstream network like Vs., as long as the league makes enough money to keep the game afloat. Truth, be told, if hockey was as popular with the casual fan as football is, I probably wouldn’t enjoy it as much.
I'd agree with you on ESPN
but the 1 game a week thing versus (punny) having 2-3 games a week on VS/NBC is the tipping point
"In the '60s I slept with many women, often outside in the mud and rain. It's possible a man may have slipped in there, there's no way of knowing."
Here are a couple of good reads on the deal:
Steve Lepore over @ Puck The Media discusses why this is great for NHL fans:
http://bit.ly/ea4dyl
Here is the Conference Call Transcript (Bettman and Ebersol discuss the new Deal) Very good read: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=560306
twitter.com/NYRangers365
I see this as a win / win situation for the NHL and us as fans. Hockey is on the rise of the popularity cycle again. Hollywood has been indirectly promoting hockey through movies again the last few years.
With possible NFL and NBA lockouts, the NHL has a chance to gain new fans and bigger market share. Then again other than being able to watch more games , more money coming in to the NHL does not directly affect us unless they raise salary caps.
PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
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