More NHL on Major Netorks

[fredmccallyRTR]

I'm relatively new to watching the NHL, but the entertainment level to me is way beyond both basketball and baseball. So, why no major TV deals?

And no, I don't count NBCSN as a major network. Is it bad negotiations, marketing, price points, something else?

 

[TiLoBrown]

So the major TV network isn't a major TV network.... Got it

 

[Cobiemonster]

I'm relatively new to watching the NHL, but the entertainment level to me is way beyond both basketball and baseball. So, why no major TV deals?

And no, I don't count NBCSN as a major network. Is it bad negotiations, marketing, price points, something else?

They do show NHL games on NBC sometimes(usually the Winter Classic, Sunday afternoon games in the 2nd half of the regular season and some playoff games) - if NBCSN gets another sport at some point then it can really make the next step

I do like NBC and NBCSN, they do a really good job with the Hockey telecasts and the things they've done marketability wise has gotten better throughout the years

 

[TiLoBrown]

People have a huge misconception about NBCSN. Everyone thinks they're going after ESPN. They're not, NBC Sports Group may go after 1 or 2 NFL and NBA games, but look at their lineup. They going after the market ESPN ignores. NHL, EPL, F1, and NASCAR. NBC Sports Group is in alot better shape than Fox Sports 1/2 and CBS Sports Network because of it.

 

[Cobiemonster]

People have a huge misconception about NBCSN. Everyone thinks they're going after ESPN. They're not, NBC Sports Group may go after 1 or 2 NFL and NBA games, but look at their lineup. They going after the market ESPN ignores. NHL, EPL, F1, and NASCAR. NBC Sports Group is in alot better shape than Fox Sports 1/2 and CBS Sports Network because of it.

Yeah NBCSN is trying to take everything else - unless FS1/2 and or CBS Sports Network pays a ridiculous amount of money to steal one of the major sports, they're going to be way behind

NBCSN wants to mold their channel into their own thing - they want everyone to know that this is where you can find the NHL - the league is better for it too

 

[Comeds]

Take away the NFL and ESPN suddenly looks a lot smaller.

People can watch a ton of NHL hockey now and for free. Sure some people might have to look for it, but that's OK.

 

[awaz]

People have a huge misconception about NBCSN. Everyone thinks they're going after ESPN. They're not, NBC Sports Group may go after 1 or 2 NFL and NBA games, but look at their lineup. They going after the market ESPN ignores. NHL, EPL, F1, and NASCAR. NBC Sports Group is in alot better shape than Fox Sports 1/2 and CBS Sports Network because of it.

And I love them for it. Tons of hockey, every epl game, lots of mls games. Thank you kindly.

 

[BOSSMANPC]

I'm happy with NBC and their hockey coverage. It's better than when it was on ESPN because the intermissions are all about hockey plus they have the pre game and post game show's that are all hockey as well.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

ESPN should have some NHL coverage IMO. I don't watch ESPN much but you need that hype machine for the push. Like at bars & restaurants where they typically play ESPN.

 

[ChicagoIrish]

I think the NHL is getting bigger and bigger in America.

Won't be long until ESPN carries some NHL

 

[Cobiemonster]

ESPN should have some NHL coverage IMO. I don't watch ESPN much but you need that hype machine for the push. Like at bars & restaurants where they typically play ESPN.

I don't like the whole hype thing, I want nothing to do with ESPN, they over-hype anything, I wouldn't want Hockey to become like the other sports in the sense that certain players/teams get overhyped - don't like ESPN because of that

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

I think the NHL is getting bigger and bigger in America.

Won't be long until ESPN carries some NHL

Yuppp, but let's not give it back to ESPN. Let them keep sucking off their annoying as LeBron James highlights

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

I don't like the whole hype thing, I want nothing to do with ESPN, they over-hype anything, I wouldn't want Hockey to become like the other sports in the sense that certain players/teams get overhyped - don't like ESPN because of that

I don't like hype either, that's why I avoid watching ESPN, but they need the hype to compete with other sports leagues or else it will cut in on their revenue. I get more than my share of the NHL but ESPN is often the main access for many more casual fans. Something the NHL still needs to attract if they're going to remain on par with the other sports leagues. It's really about money, but I think we should be aware of what drives these sports leagues to operate.

 

[Cobiemonster]

I don't like hype either, that's why I avoid watching ESPN, but they need the hype to compete with other sports leagues or else it will cut in on their revenue. I get more than my share of the NHL but ESPN is often the main access for many more casual fans. Something the NHL still needs to attract if they're going to remain on par with the other sports leagues. It's really about money, but I think we should be aware of what drives these sports leagues to operate.

I hate ESPN so much, I want the NHL to be able to do it their own way and not rely on other networks - right now the NHL is doing just fine - I actually think it's doing better than MLB and NBA when you consider the current states of those sports

 

[TiLoBrown]

I don't like hype either, that's why I avoid watching ESPN, but they need the hype to compete with other sports leagues or else it will cut in on their revenue. I get more than my share of the NHL but ESPN is often the main access for many more casual fans. Something the NHL still needs to attract if they're going to remain on par with the other sports leagues. It's really about money, but I think we should be aware of what drives these sports leagues to operate.

Only the idiot casual fans like a hype machine. And the NHL is doing just fine without them. Look at the attendance percentage, the NHL does better than the NBA.

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

Only the idiot casual fans like a hype machine. And the NHL is doing just fine without them. Look at the attendance percentage, the NHL does better than the NBA.

That it does

 

[Upstater]

The NHL suffered a bit when it was "Versus" before becoming NBCSN. I think they are doing a great job with their coverage and the NHL has benefited from being on there. I used to like "NHL Tonigh" on ESPN and the games they covered were good although it seemed like the same teams for the most part.

ESPN is a terrible network unless you like basketball and college football. Even college football is being offered on many other channels as well.

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

The NHL suffered a bit when it was "Versus" before becoming NBCSN. I think they are doing a great job with their coverage and the NHL has benefited from being on there. I used to like "NHL Tonigh" on ESPN and the games they covered were good although it seemed like the same teams for the most part.

ESPN is a terrible network unless you like basketball and college football. Even college football is being offered on many other channels as well.

Only gripe with NBCSN is this stupid ''Wednesday Night Rivalry'' game, when most of the time teams aren't even rivals lol

 

[forty_three]

I'm relatively new to watching the NHL, but the entertainment level to me is way beyond both basketball and baseball. So, why no major TV deals?

And no, I don't count NBCSN as a major network. Is it bad negotiations, marketing, price points, something else?

It started out as a bum deal, when it was "Versus" or even worse "Outdoor life network", but long term it's a great deal for hockey because they take it seriously. As others have said, NBCSN/Comcast are not after ESPN, they are after market share. They are picking up sports where the fans are much more passionate. They have Formula 1 and Hockey, two of the three sports I am most passionate about. Plus they show the Tour De France. Another bonus for me.

I think hockey did what NBC wanted it do do for them, and they repay it by staying true to the game and not talking down to fans. It really has worked out best.

I don't like the whole hype thing, I want nothing to do with ESPN, they over-hype anything, I wouldn't want Hockey to become like the other sports in the sense that certain players/teams get overhyped - don't like ESPN because of that

It has been years since I have cringed listening to John Buccigross reach for an 80's music reference or Stewart Scott say "Boo yah". And I am happier for it.

Only gripe with NBCSN is this stupid ''Wednesday Night Rivalry'' game, when most of the time teams aren't even rivals lol

Agreed. Especially when other "rivals" are playing. I think they had Boston and Tampa or something on last year when Ottawa was in Montreal. C'mon guys... That's an easy one.

 

[Upstater]

Only gripe with NBCSN is this stupid ''Wednesday Night Rivalry'' game, when most of the time teams aren't even rivals lol

I agree with you on this but it seems as though they needed to find a some sort of a hook since they have the national game. I think they do try too hard to create rivalries.