It was announced tonight that Versus has signed for three more seasons with the National Hockey League. That’s just great. I’m being facetious, of course. The NHL needs eyeballs, not just money. While Versus’ ratings for the NHL are up from last season, it’s modest gain, a rise from an 0.2 rating last season to a 0.3. So that’s the reason for the renewal? Please.
Anyway, Richard Sandomir of the New York Times has the story on this deal. Justin Terranova of the New York Post had the story at 9:36 this evening. The CBC also has a blurb on the three year extension. Even Buffalo sports radio station WGR has the story of the three year deal.
Financial terms have not been disclosed. There has been speculation that ESPN will also have the NHL when all is said and done. Currently NBC has the over the air deal, but has an option it can exercise for next season. However, NBC is not paying a rights fee and is sharing ad revenue with the NHL.
The NHL has new deals with the CBC and TSN in Canada that start next season.
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