NHL Network and Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK), today announced a long-term agreement with the NHL Network to add the network to its Digital Classic level of service by the start of the 2009-10 NHL season. Under the terms of the agreement, the NHL Network will reach nearly two-thirds of the Comcast’s total digital customer base.

Financial terms were not released

“We’re excited to extend our relationship with Comcast and its customers by providing more NHL programming to more fans, as this is another important step in NHL Network’s ongoing pursuit of broader distribution,” said John Collins, NHL COO. “We are pleased that Comcast has seen value in the NHL Network to expand its commitment and are confident that there will be more expansion deals for the Network to come.”

“Comcast is a major destination for sports fans, and our relationship with the NHL is an important part of our sports strategy,” said Matt Bond, Executive Vice President, Content Acquisition. “The NHL is seeing intense popularity these days, and as one of the largest distributors of NHL games we’re happy to bring more fans into the living-room arena through our popular Digital Classic service.”

In addition to live NHL games aired on NHL Network, Comcast’s Digital Classic customers now will have access to special event programming on-location at NHL Winter Classic, NHL All-Star, NHL Entry Draft and Stanley Cup Final, post-game press conferences, IIHF World Junior hockey, documentaries and profiles, the signature daily live highlight show – NHL on the Fly – which airs nightly throughout the hockey season and much more. Additionally, fans will have access to more NHL On Demand programming including condensed games, player profiles, historic games and more.

Source: Comcast

OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK

• Turn Out the Lights: Tiger Stadium to be Completely Demolished - The Biz of Baseball
• How Reports on Revenue-Sharing Figures in MLB Have Dried Up - The Biz of Baseball
• Chinese Baseball Association to Work With China Youth Baseball League to Develop Talent - The Biz of Baseball
• MLB International Renews Four Broadcast Agreements, Adds Network Ten in Australia - The Biz of Baseball
• LWIB: Did Judge Sonia Sotomayer Save Baseball? Cubs Sale Stalled? Draft Slotting, Troubles for Redbirds - The Biz of Baseball
• Editorial: Hicks is on the Wrong Side of the $600 Million Asking Figure for Texas Rangers - The Biz of Baseball
• Winston-Salem Dash Ballpark to Open In 2010 - The Biz of Baseball
• Long-Time White Sox Exec, David Schaffe Retires - The Biz of Baseball
• 2009 NBA Playoffs Are Highest Rated, Most Watched Ever for ESPN - The Biz of Basketball
• TNT Sees Most Watched NBA Playoffs in Turner's 25-Year History of Televising the NBA - The Biz of Basketball
• 2009 NBA Playoffs Are Highest Rated, Most Watched Ever for ESPN - The Biz of Basketball
• TNT Sees Most Watched NBA Playoffs in Turner's 25-Year History of Televising the NBA - The Biz of Basketball
• An Interview with David Kahn, President of Basketball Operations, Minnesota Timberwolves - The Biz of Basketball
• With Portion of Cavs Being Sold to Chinese Investors. LeBron Should Remain in Cleveland - The Biz of Basketball
• David Kahn Selected as President Basketball Ops of Timberwolves - The Biz of Basketball
• Agreement Reached on Stadium Terms for 49ers in Santa Clara - The Biz of Football
• United Football League Announces Coaching Assignments - The Biz of Football
• Comcast and NFL Network Reach Carriage Agreement - The Biz of Football
• Help the "Dr. Z/Nothing Is Impossible Foundation" - The Biz of Football
• Taylor Rejoins Dolphins. Signs 1-year, $1.5M Contract - The Biz of Football
• NFL Releases Potential 2013 Super Bowl Sites - The Biz of Football
• Business of Sports Network - Autism Awareness Challenge - The Biz of Football