DISH Resolves Carriage Dispute with NFL

LOS ANGELES: DISH has ended its carriage dispute with NFL Media, agreeing to distribute NFL Network and NFL RedZone after dropping the channels in mid-June.

The new deal comes just a month before the start of the NFL regular season. Both networks went dark for DISH satellite subscribers on June 16, which according to an NFL statement marked “the first time in NFL Network’s 13-year history that one of its service providers has not continued to offer the network to its subscribers.”

DISH will now distribute the channels on its satellite system and on its digital platform Sling TV.

“We are pleased to see NFL Network and NFL RedZone back on DISH,” said Hans Schroeder, the senior VP of media strategy, business development and sales for the NFL. “This has been a thoughtful negotiation that resulted in a great outcome for our fans. DISH is an important distributor of NFL Network and NFL RedZone, and we are excited to expand our distribution to new fans on the fast-growing Sling TV platform.”

“These networks will give DISH and Sling TV customers the inside look at a favorite American pastime as we approach the NFL season,” said Warren Schlichting, DISH’s executive VP of programming.