ND Games Could Go To Versus If Comcast Buys NBC

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Notre Dame Games Could Go To Versus If Comcast Buys NBC

Monday, November 02, 2009
Posted By Michael Tunison 5:00 PM
It was 1991 when NBC first acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast Notre Dame games on network TV, which made a lot of sense considering the Irish were actually a program of some consequence in the world of college football at the time. Not so much anymore, though they can still be counted on as a decent ratings draw.
But now with Comcast's possible purchase of NBC, that exclusive relationship could be coming to an end. SportsBusiness Journal notes that some of Notre Dame's games would be moved to Versus, or at the very least, rebroadcasts of their games.
But Comcast also has its sights set on Notre Dame football. Sources said NBC’s deal with the Fighting Irish has a clause that allows a certain number of games to migrate to cable. Versus would be a natural place to house those games. Versus also could have the right to re-air NBC’s Notre Dame games. And it could roll out pre- and postgame shows around them. In June 2008, NBC signed a five-year extension for Notre Dame’s home football games, a deal that extends through the 2015 season.
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It would be a minor coup for a channel sorely in need of any sort of attention at the moment. An obviously bigger shot in the arm would be a partnership on "Sunday Night Football," though that's reported to be staying an exclusive for NBC. With Versus and NBC splitting national hockey coverage, however, it will be an interesting dynamic to see how they will complement one another.
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mick2

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it would suck, but i get vs. channel, i'll do whatever i have to do to see my irish on gameday, but im with you phork, please god no!
 
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irish73102

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shit please lord i like nbc now that doesnt make tom hammond as annoying but i still dont like pat haden

amen
 
KajuNM

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That was yesterdays news............
Notre_Dame_logo2.png

Could some Notre Dame home games be moving from NBC to Versus?

Here is some new news:
Per the presser, Crist Torn ACL out 4-6 months...Floyd is 100%
 
devolg

devolg

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NY_IRISH_FAN said:
Man i hope like hell that your right
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1st of all theres no way the University would ever go for this. I'm no lawyer but I bet money that their contract with NBC has a clause somewhere stating that if the network is sold, ND has the right to terminate. Assuming this is true & assuming that Comcast would attempt to move games to such a shit network like Versus, ND would terminate & easily resign with one of the other 2 big networks not affiliated with ESPN (ABC). CBS has a very small piece of the college pie & I'm sure would jump on it while FOX has nothing to show for college football & would most likely jump at the opportunity.

Basically the University controls it's own destiny & not the broadcast companies.
 
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"Versus" has been showing replays of ND home games all year long thus far, usually has them on sometime during the middle of the week - I for one LOVE this, as it gives me a second chance during the middle of the work week to enjoy my beloved Irish (even though I also DVR the games to watch them at later dates, but my DVR space is running out!!)

But I agree with you guys that I would not like to see their "live" games being broadcast on such a sub-prime channel. Especially since I am sure there is a huge % of ND fans who don't have the channel anyway.
 
Junkhead

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If it means new announcers, I'm all for it. I got Versus to watch Indycar (being one of 3-4 remaining fans), and they did a much better job with it than ABC/BSpn.
 
irishfan

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We would lose a huge recruiting tool if our games get moved off of NBC too. I don't see it happening though.
 
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I have versus, it would suck if it was moved though. I never thought about it affecting recruiting... it would be interesting to learn how big our national broadcasts effect recruiting.
 
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This would blow!!!!!!! Just let NBC have the contract, cable ruins everything......500 channels of nothing to watch. Basterds.
 
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johnnykillz

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Someday it will end. The major reason I've consistently overheard throughout my life as to the reason my counterparts and other peers hate ND revolves around "televised no matter what" stipulations.

That being said (written/typed), once we consistently win and elevate to greatness statures relative-esque to the lored times of old, we will play on ESPN and ABC on almost nearly every weekend.

As the hour approaches, we will not be bound by the chains of media coverage. Our prominence will ensure more.

:wordyo:
 
Rudy89

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luckily I have comcast so it doesnt bother me, but I'd rather it stay on NBC that way my two favorite things will remain on the same channel the irish and the office
 
DirtySecret

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Versus blows and it would kill ND ratings and recruiting. Ask the NHL how Versus is fairing out for them.
 
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johnnykillz

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One more thing I've here to add:

Does anyone recall how crappy the NFL channel was when it first came out? The first time it aired an exclusive game untelevised elsewhere, life changed. Now nearly everyone has the channel in one way or another...
 
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devolg

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johnnykillz said:
One more thing I've here to add:

Does anyone recall how crappy the NFL channel was when it first came out? The first time it aired an exclusive game untelevised elsewhere, life changed. Now nearly everyone has the channel in one way or another...
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Yes but Versus is still shitty & don't see this improving. ESPN has the market cornered. All they'll ever get is the shit that nobody else wants to air.

& the NFL network still sucks
 
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johnnykillz

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devolg said:
Yes but Versus is still shitty & don't see this improving. ESPN has the market cornered. All they'll ever get is the shit that nobody else wants to air.

& the NFL network still sucks
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lol

I understand. I also enjoy my NBC. A lot actually. But should the day come we no longer have primetime programming defaulted our Golden Domers, life will move on.
 
jason_h537

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I hope this doesnt happen.

1) Basic TV still gives us acces to everyone regardless of money or location

2) DirecTV doesnt carry Versus and i will literally murder someone if i miss a game
 
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johnnykillz

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Sounds like a great time to switch to Dish Network hoss. lol
 
irishtrain

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Unbelievable, can you see all the subway alums not being able to watch their beloved Irish. This will not be as Notre Dame will just reload with Fox/CBS. Hopefully not those abc/espn (notice small caps ) nitwits. I actually hope it happens then we can watch the game and listen at the same time. I'll miss Cruiqi/Pinkett.
 
mgriff

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I would think there would be some kind of clause in the contract to protect Notre Dame. Someone would inevitably pick up the Irish because as always, it is about money, and Notre Dame brings the money.
 
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