Comcast, NFL Settle Dispute

PHILADELPHIA/NEW YORK: A long-term carriage agreement has been reached between the National Football League (NFL) and Comcast Corporation, covering a broad array of video content, including the live 24-hour NFL Network, VOD for Comcast’s Digital Classic cable customers and the ability to offer the NFL’s RedZone Channel when it’s created.

Both parties will take immediate joint action to discontinue pending legal actions. Comcast will make the network available through its Digital Classic service, with a full launch by August 1. In addition to NFL Network’s in-studio shows, commentary and live-game broadcasts, Comcast’s Digital Classic customers will now have access to a slate of NFL content on demand.

“We are delighted to have come to an agreement with the NFL,” said Brian L. Roberts, the chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation. “Our goal has always been to provide our digital customers with access to the NFL’s unique content and, working together, we have struck the right balance between value and distribution on a variety of viewing platforms. We are looking forward to bringing the NFL’s programming to our customers just in time for the start of the NFL season.”

“We are very pleased that NFL Network and other NFL content will be widely distributed in millions of more homes on Comcast’s service,” added the National Football League’s commissioner, Roger Goodell. “We look forward to having NFL Network’s coverage of training camps and the preseason showcased this summer on Comcast. NFL Network is the only TV channel devoted exclusively to football 24/7, 365 days a year.”