Comcast moving some ND games from NBC to Versus

Submitted by psychomatt on

With its acquisition of NBC from GE now complete, cable TV service provider Comcast announced today that it is planning to move some ND games (likely the lower profile ones) from broadcast (NBC) to cable (Versus). This will significantly reduce the number of homes those games reach. This is part of Comcast's strategy to rebrand Versus as NBC Sports. Not sure what this means for the future relationship between Comcast/NBC and ND, but I would think it would not be a plus for ND.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/52345092-77/nbc-sports-versus-dame…

ILMichFan70

August 9th, 2011 at 8:28 PM ^

It still frustrates me that all their games have been broadcast on NBC. Just seems ridiculous to me. I wish that they would get rid of that deal completely. Another reason why I dislike ND

jmblue

August 9th, 2011 at 11:59 PM ^

Only their home games are broadcast on NBC.  For road games, they're on whatever network will take them.  Incidentally, they get significantly less from NBC than we do from the BTN.

Wolverman

August 10th, 2011 at 3:02 AM ^

 Back when they inked that NBC deal it was a lot of money for ND. Since then tho yea college football had blown up and most networks would happily throw money at a sure thing ( Texas , OSU, Michigan and Notre Dame).

  I think thats one of the reasons Notre Dame is overly hyped every year ( this is the year they turn the corner since 2000ish). If the fan base did'nt think they had a shot to do anything special ratings for NBC for their home games would be in the toilet , NBC would try and dumb the contract and ND being oblivious to the fact they have stunk for the better part of 15 years would let them go.

Tater

August 9th, 2011 at 10:26 PM ^

When NBC is the de facto Nortredame Broadcasting Corporation, it is great for their program.  None of their coaches have been able to take advantage of it since Lou Holtz, but it gives them an incredible recruiting tool.  

I like the way this works out.  Notre Dame has used NBC for years; now NBC is using Notre Dame as a bargaining chip.  Sometimes, what goes around really does come around.  The Kelly era at ND is probably going to be the best since the Holtz era.  This will make up for some of the bad ND teams getting every game nationally televised,  It will also piss off a lot of ND fans.  

Popcorn, anyone?

dennisblundon

August 9th, 2011 at 8:37 PM ^

Versus is being shoved into peoples' faces more than the cast of Jersey Shore. Comcast puts just enough decent programming on to make you have to pay to get it. Right NHL fans? Also fuck the godless heathens that run Comcast in there over priced asses. Yes, I feel better now.

Solar Bob

August 9th, 2011 at 8:42 PM ^

when NBC treats your program like Gary Bettman's NHL.   Maybe they'll have to play back to back games in week six to make room for the new tonight show.

Maize_in_Spartyland

August 9th, 2011 at 9:16 PM ^

No offense, but not sure I understand the relevance.  ND home games were on NBC.  Away games only would show up on an ABC affiliate (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, etc.).

Away games for ND this year - Michigan, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Wake Forest, Stanford

Home games - South Florida, Michigan State, Air Force, USC, Navy, Maryland, Boston College.

My guess is Maryland would possibly appear on Versus.  Then again, the game is at Yankee Stadium, so that may bump it to national coverage.

Regardless, the less coverage of Tom Hammond, the better.

BigBlue86

August 9th, 2011 at 9:18 PM ^

Looking forward to the Saturday night when a Notre Dame-USC game goes long and they move the 4th quarter over to Versus just for the ratings boost to their shitty cable channel instead of the main network. Have fun trying to wiggle out of that absurd TV contract when you discover it's making your football program even less attractive, Notre Dame !

WolverineHistorian

August 9th, 2011 at 9:30 PM ^

Notre Dame hasn't been worthy of that NBC contract for about 17 years now.

Moving their games against Navy, Army, Air Force and Duke to Versus is a small victory for the rest of the country I guess. 

BlueinLansing

August 9th, 2011 at 9:31 PM ^

in negotians by Comcast with competeing cable subscribers such as AT&T.  They'll demand a higher fee in the hope the ND crowd with pressure their subscribers to cave or VS will become part of the more expensive sports tiers.  Either way Comcast will be looking for more money from their competitors.

 

It's bs but screw ND.