Free No More?

[Ohio Pete]

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/25402843/

if there is money to be made in college sports, the rabid fans will be paying up to follow their teams.

This article reminds me of the ads in the 80s warning of the dangers of paying for TV (cable). A few nits to pick:

- The Big Ten network is showing games that were at least 3rd choice because ESPN and ABC got first and second choice. Further they showed games that never would have otherwise made it on TV beyond PPV (Akron - Indiana?) And certainly never in HD. And the new deal suggests extras like game highlights available on demand.

- The agreement with Comcast does not allow them to put the channel in a for-pay sports package in the Big Ten viewing area. That was one of the Big Ten Network's central demands (besides the ridiculous $1.10 per month per subscriber). The agreement does allows them to move the programming to a digital level of service so if you are happy with the 10 channels you get through analog cable, you will be SOL:

n Spring 2009, Comcast may elect to move the network to a broadly distributed digital level of service in most of its systems in these states. Comcast's digital customers in the Big Ten states will also have immediate access to live Big Ten games and events in high definition, Big Ten programming via Comcast's video-on-demand platform, and a wide array of conference-related content through Comcast.net.
Outside of the Big Ten states that Comcast serves, Comcast has the option to provide Big Ten Network programming on any level of service, including its Sports Entertainment Package.

FYI Currently the Sports Package is $3.95 extra a month here.
- IMO a SEC or Big 12 network will not take the best games off of TV. Not if coaches still want to recruit nationally and schools still want to make money. Much more likely is potential access to games you would have never been able to see before unless you paid for ESPN GamePlan if that.

 

[Igetbored216]

Outside of the Big Ten states that Comcast serves, Comcast has the option to provide Big Ten Network programming on any level of service, including its Sports Entertainment Package. FYI Currently the Sports Package is $3.95 extra a month here.

So, what do you get with this $3.95 you pay per month (in addition to your regular cable/satellite bill I'm guessing)? If I only had to pay $4 for more Big 12 games, gee, that's a no brainer.

 

[AR Husker Fan]

Outside of the Big Ten states that Comcast serves, Comcast has the option to provide Big Ten Network programming on any level of service, including its Sports Entertainment Package. FYI Currently the Sports Package is $3.95 extra a month here.

So, what do you get with this $3.95 you pay per month (in addition to your regular cable/satellite bill I'm guessing)?

***SNIP***

See HERE.

 

[hskrpwr13]

- IMO a SEC or Big 12 network will not take the best games off of TV. Not if coaches still want to recruit nationally and schools still want to make money. Much more likely is potential access to games you would have never been able to see before unless you paid for ESPN GamePlan if that.

There it is. Thats why they won't have games picked up by the "networks" go to PPV. It would kill recruiting for many programs.