Yesterday Comcast announced its Xfinity TV service will no longer be carrying the NFL Network. The network joined Xfinity’s available service in July of 2009, but recent negotiations have been taking place that came to an unfortunate standstill.
“Our programming agreement with the NFL Network has expired. This means that NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and NFL on Demand programming are currently unavailable through Xfinity.
Now after less than 24 hours Comcast and the NFL have reached a deal after Comcast’s chief Brian Roberts had a phone call with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
We know unexpected changes to your TV lineup can be frustrating, and we apologize for the inconvenience. We are committed to bringing you the entertainment you love, and we have made reasonable offers that NFL Network has not accepted,” Xfinity stated in an update.
Little is known if about the deal to restore the NFL Network to Xfinity, but for now, the two companies have agreed to bring back the NFL Network.
Seeing Comcast willing to drop the NFL network is a significant change, as in the past, sports networks could almost write their own contracts. Now it seems that more cable networks are willing to drop TV networks to help keep costs down.
Blackouts are becoming more common recently as networks and cable TV fight over fees. Networks want more money to offset the fact that fewer people are paying for live TV series. Cable TV companies like Comcast want to keep costs down to help prevent more people from canceling.
Look for the battles with locals to become more common. Over the next few years, many contracts with services like DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more are coming up for renewal. With local owners demanding a seat at the table now, these services have to negotiate with a long list of owners instead of just one company.