The ratings for the NHL have been pretty solid throughout the Playoffs, and with the Finals now tied 2-2, they're only going to get better. On the heels of this great news, comes even more great news for NBC in that the NHL has decided to extend the contract with the network for another two years. Via Globe and Mail....Now, NBC and the NHL are set to announce an extension to their relationship for another two years, past the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and Stanley Cup playoffs.I still think NBC has to get their priorities straight when it comes to the use of Versus, but they've improved their broadcast over the last few years immensely. It also doesn't hurt that the star power is finally there for advertisers, and that the network is also airing the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.
It will likely be a continuation of the no-money-down/split-revenues-after-costs arrangement that has existed since the two sides fell into each other's arms after the NHL lockout in 2004-05.
At that time, NBC got an inexpensive property to fill out its sports schedule, while the NHL got the perfume of network respectability after locking out its players and fans for a complete season.
Despite the hiccup of NBC switching away from a playoff overtime to a Kentucky Derby prep show in 2008, the relationship has worked reasonably well for both sides.
NBC, NHL set to extend broadcast deal (Globe and Mail)
Can NBC and ABC trade NHL and NBA contracts? Because they clearly do the other league better.
ReplyDeleteNBC I think blows at handling the NHL (see this scheduling mess) and the NBA on ESPN/ABC is awkward to watch at times.
SS, deep down I think that you want both sports/networks to utilize John Tesh more. Hard to argue that.
ReplyDeleteI want to see Don Cherry on the intermission shows on NBC!
ReplyDeleteIt's just strange to me that NBC placed a higer priority on some stupid "reality show" than the Stanley Cup Finals.
ReplyDeleteI have never liked the "Game of the Week" format. Regional coverage is better, yet the NHL seems content on having NBC show one game per week.
ReplyDeleteIn the future, prepare for some still photos of Stanley Cup Finals Game 3 as an all new episode of Deal or No Deal airs on NBC.
ReplyDelete/French Open Semifinals'd
Just what America needs, Brad James. A chance to prove that Canadians are just as loud and stupid and ignorant as their American neighbours. Just say no to Don Cherry!
ReplyDeletewalnuts the reason Games 3 & 4 were on Versus and not NBC was so that NBC didn't interfere with Conan's first week hosting "The Tonight Show".
ReplyDeleteAnd that "I'm Blago's Wife, Get Me a Fucking Lawyer".
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