The NHL announced today that they have reached an agreement with AT&T; U-verse. NHL Network and NHL Network HD are now available to AT&T; U-verse TV customers, for those that purchase the carrier’s sports tier package.
NHL Network is available to all U-verse TV customers who subscribe to the U400 programming package or The Sports Package. U-verse TV customers can also watch NHL Network in spectacular High Definition (HD) with an HD service subscription. NHL Network is on channel 638 in Standard Definition and channel 1638 in HD.
“NHL Network is an exciting addition to our U-verse TV channel lineup,” said Chris Lauricella, assistant vice president of programming, AT&T; Operations, Inc. “Year-round hockey fans can catch in-depth coverage of their favorite sport and also enjoy live games in HD. This is just one more way we’re delivering the content our customers want.”
“We are thrilled to have secured distribution of NHL Network through AT&T; — a leader in the communications field,” said Jody Shapiro, senior vice president of distribution, NHL Network. “This agreement is an important step in expanding NHL Network’s reach, while providing AT&T; U-verse TV customers access to comprehensive hockey coverage 24-hours a day.”
Source: National Hockey League
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
Vin Scully Named Top Sportscaster of All-Time by ASA - The Biz of Baseball
Jim Rice Interview Highlights From MLB Network - The Biz of Baseball
Federal Grand Jury Looking at Clemens Testimony - The Biz of Baseball
Henderson and Rice Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame - The Biz of Baseball
MASN Partners with DC50 to Simulcast Nationals Games - The Biz of Baseball
Why the Final Bidder for the Cubs May Not Be the Final Bidder - The Biz of Baseball
Hall of Fame Election Results to Be Broadcast on MLB Network - The Biz of Baseball
The MLBPA Let Romero and Mitre Down - The Biz of Baseball
Dave Barnett Joins Texas Rangers Radio Broadcast Team - The Biz of Baseball
YES Network Most-Watched Regional Sports Network in U.S. for 6th Straight Year - The Biz of Baseball
On Baseball Prospectus: Why a Cap in MLB Isn’t Needed - The Biz of Baseball
Final Bidder For Chicago Cubs Could Be Selected in 7 to 10 Days - The Biz of Baseball
In a sign that the NHL Winter Classic is here to stay, the NHL Winter Classic 2009, broadcast New Year's Day on NBC from historic Wrigley Field, earned a 2.9 overnight rating and a 6 share (1-4:15 p.m. ET), the best overnight NHL regular season rating in nearly 13 years (Feb. 3, 1996 on Fox, six-game regional, 3.0/7) and a 12 percent increase over last year's inaugural event (2.6/5, 1-4:45 p.m. ET). The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4 in the second U.S. outdoor game in NHL history.
"Year one was an extraordinary experience. Year two was the establishment of what promises to be a great tradition," said NBC Sports President Ken Schanzer.
Top 10 Metered Markets:
1. Chicago 11.8/21
2. Detroit 10.5/20
3. Buffalo 10.1/20
4. St. Louis 5.3/10
5. Pittsburgh 4.4/8
6. Denver 4.2/10
7. Providence 3.5/7
8. Indianapolis 3.4/6
9. West Palm Beach 3.3/6
10. Orlando 3.2/5
Source: National Hockey League
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
Editorial: MLB Network Launch Nearly a Grand Slam - The Biz of Baseball
Jeff Moorad Resigns as CEO of D-Backs to Pursue Purchase of Padres - The Biz of Baseball
Subscriber Confusion Surrounds MLB Network Launch - The Biz of Baseball
Video: Bud Selig Launches MLB Network - The Biz of Baseball
Interview: Tony Petitti, President and CEO, MLB Network - The Biz of Baseball
NPR: Maury Brown Talks MLB Network Launch - The Biz of Baseball
Comcast Picks Up MLB Network for New England - The Biz of Baseball
Upcoming Interview: Tony Petitti, President and CEO, MLB Network - The Biz of Baseball
ESPN Takes on MLB Network with Classic Games in Jan. - The Biz of Baseball
Connors, Purcell Deny Interest in Purchasing Times Stake in Red Sox - The Biz of Baseball
MLB Network Not Initially Available in Canada, International Markets - The Biz of Baseball
Channel Listings For MLB Network - The Biz of Baseball
Giants May Redefine Variable Ticket Pricing in MLB, and Beyond - The Biz of Baseball
The Anatomy of a Yankees Spending Spree - The Biz of Baseball
10 Major League Baseball Stories to Watch in 2009 - The Biz of Baseball
NBA on TNT: Comments from Wizards/Cav and Blazers/Mavs Games - The Biz of Basketball
NBA.com to Stream Entire NBA Development League Showcase Online - The Biz of Basketball
University of Oregon’s New Arena to be Named After Phil Knight’s Son - The Biz of Basketball
Magic Johnson on Isiah Thomas: "I couldn’t recommend him again" - The Biz of Basketball
NBA D-League Set To Tip-Off Eighth Season Friday - The Biz of Basketball
NBA Signs Deal With Harlem Globetrotters - The Biz of Basketball
Bridgestone, The Official Tire of the NHL and the NHLPA, has partnered with NHL Network to create “Captains Driven By Bridgestone,” a 20-part original series that debuts on November 20, 2008, at 8 p.m. ET.
Airing through April 2009, the series will provide exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes access to the NHL’s top team leaders in each episode. Hosted by Christine Simpson, the series will offer fans fresh insight into the lives of current and former NHL captains.
“Captains Driven By Bridgestone” continues the tradition of NHL Network by providing fans with complete, authentic hockey coverage both on and off the ice.
In addition, NHL.com will present features focused on the attributes of great NHL leaders, providing fans with even more original content. “Captains Driven By Bridgestone,” builds upon the Bridgestone Greatest NHL Captains promotion, which allows fans who visit NHL.com to select the greatest NHL captains for each of the past four decades.
“NHL Network and Bridgestone are excited to provide hockey fans with this exclusive series.
Each captain leads in his own personal way. They are dynamic, energetic innovators. It will be fun to look inside that world,” said John Shannon, Executive in Charge of Programming and Production for NHL Network.
Source: NHL Network
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
Blackout Blues Update: Owners to Meet in NY to Address TV Territories - The Biz of Baseball
A’s Inch Closer on Environmental Impact Report for Ballpark Development - The Biz of Baseball
After Securing Second NL MVP, Pujols Joins MLS to St. Louis Group - The Biz of Baseball
White Sox Announce 2009 Spring Training Move to Glendale - The Biz of Baseball
FSN Rocky Mountain Extends Agreement with Rockies to 2020 - The Biz of Baseball
Class-A Salem Avalanche Change Name to Salem Red Sox - The Biz of Baseball
UCONN’s Big Man Hasheem Thabeet on the Cover of ESPN The Magazine’s College Hoops Preview Issue - The Biz of Basketball
KG and T-Mac Release "Embrace Change, Vote '08" Shoes Through adidas - The Biz of Basketball
NBA on TNT Sees High Ratings for Season Openers - The Biz of Basketball
NBA.com Launches Revamped NBA League Pass Broadband - The Biz of Basketball
Hockey fans now have more to root for. Verizon announced today that NHL Center Ice is being add to the FiOS TV lineup. Also, Verizon will launch the NHL Network in the coming days.
NHL Center Ice is a subscription sports package that includes up to 40 out-of-market NHL games per week and select games from the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
As an added bonus, Verizon will broadcast select NHL Center Ice games in high definition (HD). The price is $169 for the entire season. NHL Network will broadcast 75 live regular-season games in 2008-09 -- all in HD. The programming brings hockey fans inside the game by offering original programming, documentaries, unparalleled analysis and highlights, live events, and the best in vintage games and features. The network’s signature daily live highlight show, “NHL On The Fly,” airs nightly throughout the hockey season.
Hockey fans will be amazed by the lifelike viewing experience they’ll have when watching NHL action on FiOS. “There’s no better way to experience sports than on FiOS TV, and there’s no better way to catch NHL action than with NHL Center Ice and NHL Network,” said Terry Denson, vice president – FiOS TV content and programming. “The unrivaled, stunning picture-and-sound quality that FiOS TV delivers will make fans feel like they’re in a rink-side seat. And by providing hundreds of out-of-market games during the season, NHL Center Ice gives our customers a chance to enjoy matchups they would rarely see locally.”
Jody Shapiro, NHL senior vice president of distribution, said, "NHL Center Ice and NHL Network are two great examples of how we super-serve our fans with the NHL content they demand. NHL Center Ice provides opportunities to see games from around the League regardless of location, while NHL Network provides complementary programming that enhances our live game broadcasts with analysis and unprecedented behind-the-scenes access. We are very pleased that Verizon FiOS customers will now have the opportunity to enjoy a full range of NHL TV viewing."
For more information on FiOS TV and additional details on the NHL Center Ice and NHL Network packages, consumers can visit www.verizon.com/fiostv
Source: Verizon
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
BREAKING: Game 5 of World Series Postponed Due to Weather - The Biz of Baseball
Rain Maker: Weather in Philadelphia Wreaks Havoc on World Series Ratings - The Biz of Baseball
Albert Pujols Named 2008 Roberto Clemente Award Recipient - The Biz of Baseball
Inside the Numbers: Ranking the 30 Clubs by Marginal Payroll/Marginal Wins - The Biz of Baseball
Selig Hopes to Shorten Days Off Between Games in ’09 Postseason - The Biz of Baseball
Verizon Has a COW at Tropicana Field - The Biz of Baseball
John Blake Leaves Red Sox to Return to Texas Rangers - The Biz of Baseball
Joe Maddon and Fredi Gonzalez Win Sporting News Managers of 2008 - The Biz of Baseball
Mariners Hire Jack Zduriencik as Exec VP and GM of Baseball Ops for Seattle Mariners - The Biz of Baseball
See It: McCain and Obama Help Open World Series on FOX - The Biz of Baseball
Long Rays Forecast: FSN Florida Signs 8-Year Extension with Tampa Bay - The Biz of Baseball
Bob Costas May Become Part of MLB Network Broadcast Stable - The Biz of Baseball
Cardinals to Raise Season Ticket Prices in '09 - The Biz of Baseball
adidas Unveils Limited Edition Garnett Signature Commander 2008 Champions Shoe - The Biz of Basketball
Chris Paul and Deron Williams on the Cover of ESPN The Magazine’s NBA Preview Issue - The Biz of Basketball
Blazers Exercise Options for Roy, Aldridge, Rodriguez, and Oden - The Biz of Basketball
adidas Launches “NBA Tested. Brotherhood Ready” Campaign - The Biz of Basketball
Coach K Renews Agreement to Host Show on Sirius XM Radio - The Biz of Basketball
The NHL Network today unveiled its U.S. broadcast schedule for the 2008-09 regular season. It includes 75 regular-season games, all in HD.
Highlighting the schedule is the inclusion of CBC’s Hockey Night In Canada, now available to U.S. fans through NHL Network for the first time. Every Saturday night, NHL Network will not only broadcast the live Hockey Night In Canada double-header, but also the CBC pre-game show Scotiabank Hockey Tonight and post-game show After Hours.
Regular-season coverage on NHL Network gets underway in the U.S. on Saturday, Oct. 4 when the New York Rangers take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in Prague, Czech Republic and the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins meet in Stockholm, Sweden, in the Bridgestone NHL Premiere 2008.
Additional highlights for the 2008-09 NHL broadcast schedule include:
Live NHL games every Saturday night throughout the season
26 double-headers and 1 triple-header
17 Wednesday-night games featuring TSN’s broadcast of Wednesday Night Hockey
5 games featuring the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings
7 games featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby
2 games featuring the Washington Capitals and last season’s Hart Trophy winner Alexander Ovechkin
5 original NHL Network game productions
“NHL Network is an important platform in super-serving our fans with the hockey content they demand, 24 hours a day,” said John Shannon, NHL Executive Vice President of Broadcasting and Programming. “With top-quality production of marquee match-ups on a consistent schedule, in addition to new original programming, NHL Network is creating appointment television for hockey fans nationwide.”
NHL Network is the first 24-hour network dedicated to the National Hockey League with unprecedented access to the most comprehensive hockey coverage both on and off the ice. In addition to live NHL games, NHL Network will broadcast live college hockey and the Memorial Cup. The network also airs post-game press conferences, special event programming on-location from NHL events such as NHL Winter Classic, NHL All-Star weekend, NHL Entry Draft and the Stanley Cup Final and its signature daily live highlight show – NHL on the Fly – which airs nightly throughout the hockey season.
NHL Network is now accessible to more than 80 million homes through all of its carriage arrangements, including those with Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast, Cox Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network and Time Warner Cable. NHL Network launched in the U.S in October of 2007 and in Canada in 2001. This is the second season NHL Network will broadcast live NHL games in the U.S.
SELECT READ MORE TO SEE THE ENTIRE NHL NETWORK U.S. BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Matthew Barnaby, who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League before retiring in 2007, has joined ESPN as a studio analyst. He will appear on SportsCenter, ESPNEWS and ESPN.com, as well as other ESPN platforms. Barnaby will make his debut during the 6 p.m. ET SportsCenter on Wednesday, Oct. 8. He will generally work Wednesdays and Thursdays during the season and every game night during the playoffs.
"I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to work for ESPN,” said Barnaby. “I've only been out of the game for a short time and I look forward to bringing cutting-edge insight to ESPN's viewers."
Mark Gross, ESPN senior vice president and managing editor, studio production, added, “Matthew will be a terrific addition to our NHL coverage. Having recently retired from the game, his experience and current perspective of the on-ice action and the strategy behind it will benefit NHL fans.”
Barnaby, a right wing, played the bulk of his career with the Buffalo Sabres (1992-1999). In 1999 he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins (1999-2001), and also accumulated ice time as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning (2000-2002), New York Rangers (2001-2004), Colorado Avalanche (2003-2004) and the Chicago Blackhawks (2005-2006). He spent his final season with the Dallas Stars (2006-07). In addition to recording 300 regular-season points, Barnaby garnered a league-wide reputation as a “pest” whose fiery play quickly made him a fan favorite.
Prior to joining ESPN, Barnaby served as an analyst and commentator for NHL on TSN, most recently appearing during the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs. Barnaby will continue in this role.
From 2007-2008, he co-hosted The Enforcers, a local show on Time Warner Cable in Buffalo, N.Y., with former Sabres teammate Rob Ray. He also worked for The Score Television Network in Toronto.
Barnaby is a native of Ottawa, Ontario. He currently resides in Buffalo with his wife and children, son, Matthew, Jr. and daughter, Taylor.
Source: ESPN
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
Comments & Interviews from Division Series on TBS - The Biz of Baseball
Day Two - Division Series Broadcast Times and Broadcasters, Umpires - The Biz of Baseball
Playoff Tickets on Secondary Market Running as High as $3,000 - The Biz of Baseball
MLB Players and "Funny or Die" Work to Promote Volunteerism - The Biz of Baseball
Upper Deck Releases Sarah Palin and Joe Biden Collectible Trading Cards - The Biz of Baseball
MLB Division Series Umpires Announced - The Biz of Baseball
For Television, Playoffs Offer Great Match-ups, Interesting Stories - The Biz of Baseball
MLB Network Hires Former Exec VP of FSN and Senior VP of NFL Network - The Biz of Baseball
TBS Announces Telecast Schedule and Broadcast Teams for MLB Division Series - The Biz of Baseball
SEE IT: The 2008 Divison Series Broadcast Schedule - The Biz of Basebal
Latest "This is SportsCenter" Ad to Feature Stephen King - The Biz of Baseball
Tracy Ringolsby and Maury Brown Debate the MVP Award - The Biz of Baseball
Adrian Dantley: Mystery Man - The Biz of Basketball
Snapple Offers Knicks Reporter Jill Martin New Career for the Off-Season - The Biz of Basketball
Oklahoma City Thunder Sell Out All Season Tickets in Five Days - The Biz of Basketball
Great Julius Erving Stories - The Biz of Basketball
Snapple Offers Knicks Reporter Jill Martin New Career for the Off-Season - The Biz of Basketball
Oklahoma City Thunder Sell Out All Season Tickets in Five Days - The Biz of Basketball
Great Julius Erving Stories - The Biz of Basketball
The National Hockey League (NHL) and All Sports Network (ASN) of Hong Kong today announced the signing of a multiyear deal giving ASN rights to broadcast the NHL via all forms of television including HDTV and IPTV throughout much of Asia, including the Indian sub-continent. The content will be a key part of the offering on ASN, a new channel Yes TV has launched across Asia.
NHL programming, which will broadcast on ASN at the start of the NHL’s 2008-09 season, will include more than 130 NHL regular-season games, the NHL All-Star game, NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final, as well as NHL highlight programs.
“Hockey is such a dynamic sport with relatively simple rules and the National Hockey League has great potential for development in Asia,” said Thomas Kressner, Yes TV CEO. “We are thrilled to be able to bring another big American sport to Asian sports fans.”
“We are very pleased with the growing number of partners broadcasting ASN, especially in China with our distribution and equity partner XFMedia.” added Mr. Kressner. “Ice hockey is quite popular in the northern parts of China and its popularity is growing. The NHL represents the pinnacle of professional ice hockey and we are proud to be bringing the best of this exciting sport to the fans in China through the strong, nationwide platform of XFMedia.
"We have been very impressed by ASN’s aggressive rollout plans and their commitment to a growing roster of sports programming," said Ken Yaffe, NHL Senior Vice President, International. “Partnering with ASN represents a significant step in expanding our broadcast footprint internationally, and we are excited to begin offering our fans in Asia a comprehensive, season-long game schedule.”
Korean distribution of NHL games through ASN will begin during the second year of the deal. This deal does not extend to Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Source: National Hockey League
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
MLBPA/MLB Reach Agreement on Alvarez and Hosmer - The Biz of Baseball
With Brewers Win, Mets Loss, Tiebreaker May Be Needed - The Biz of Baseball
Rays Sellout First Two Home Games of ALDS - The Biz of Baseball
Nationals On Pace to Set Attendance Low for New Ballpark - The Biz of Baseball
Yankee Stadium Final Game Only Ranks Seventh Highest SNB Game of 2008 - The Biz of Baseball
Interview - Tracy Ringolsby - Writer, Rocky Mountain News - The Biz of Baseball
MLB Pulls in Record Revenues of $6.4 Billion. Falls Short of Projections - The Biz of Baseball
Final Stats on Yankee Stadium - The Biz of Baseball
Selig Runs Ad in Houston Chronicle Apologizing For Milwaukee Series - The Biz of Baseball
ESPN Deportes to Air Three-Part Interview with Ugueth Urbina - The Biz of Baseball
Ode to the Cathedral - The Biz of Baseball
Snapple Offers Knicks Reporter Jill Martin New Career for the Off-Season - The Biz of Basketball
Oklahoma City Thunder Sell Out All Season Tickets in Five Days - The Biz of Basketball
Great Julius Erving Stories - The Biz of Basketball
The Washington Capitals will see 73 of their games broadcast on television this upcoming season, including 50 games in high-definition, a record number for the Capitals.
… They will be aired on Comcast SportsNet HDTV. Coverage begins with the October 10 regular season opener at Atlanta.
The following night Comcast will air the team’s home opener against Chicago in high definition as the team raises its 2007-08 Southeast Division championship banner.
“It is fantastic to see Comcast SportsNet offer so many games in HD,” said Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis. “Our TV ratings increased significantly last year, and we look forward to continued growth this season.”
A tip of the hat to the excellent Ken Fang of Fang’s Bites
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
Tickets for Final Games At Yankee Stadium Running As High As $18,300 - The Biz of Baseball
The Nationals Need to Break the Status Woe - The Biz of Baseball
Marlins Get Backing of Judge on Stadium Funding - The Biz of Baseball
Debt Structure in Cubs Sale Has MLB Worried - The Biz of Baseball
MLB, MLBPA Announce Update on Bat Safety Investigation - The Biz of Baseball
At Current Pace, MLB Will Not Have Fifth Consecutive Attendance Record - The Biz of Baseball
BofA Close to Major Sponsorship Deal at New Yankee Stadium - The Biz of Baseball
Great Julius Erving Stories - The Biz of Basketball
Cheeks to Return as Sixers Coach - The Biz of Basketball
The Bottom Line: NCAA Final Four Generated $47 Million for Host San Antonio - The Biz of Basketball
Thunder Struck. OKC NBA Team Unveils Name, Logo - The Biz of Basketball
NBA Development League Affiliations for 2008/09 Season Announced - The Biz of Basketball
Howard Schultz Drops Lawsuit Against Sonics Owner Bennett - The Biz of Basketball
The National Hockey League (NHL) and All Sports Network (ASN) of Hong Kong today announced the signing of a multiyear deal giving ASN rights to broadcast the NHL via all forms of television including HDTV and IPTV throughout much of Asia, including the Indian sub-continent. The content will be a key part of the offering on ASN, a new channel Yes TV has launched across Asia.
