OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

[Sabre Ally]

Huh? What the heck is OLN? I don't get that channel. I guess I won't be watching anything other than the Sabres, then. I liked being able to check out other games.

NHL reaches cable deal with Comcast

August 18, 2005

NEW YORK (AP) -- NHL games will air on Outdoor Life Network for at least the next two seasons.

The league finalized a two-year deal with Comcast Corp. -- the owner of OLN -- late Wednesday night after ESPN declined to match the agreement that will pay the NHL $65 million this season and $70 million in 2006-07.

The agreement between Comcast and the NHL was approved by the league's board of governors last week. ESPN, which resumed regular broadcast of NHL games in 1992, had until Wednesday night to match the contract but decided to pass.

Skipping ahead........ OLN, best known for providing live coverage of the Tour de France, will show between 58 and 78 regular-season games, as well as conference quarterfinals and the entire conference finals -- with the exception of some weekend windows that could move games to NBC in both playoff rounds.

OLN will show Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup finals before NBC takes over for the remainder of the series.

Full Story

[Ebenezer]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

Outdoor Life Network is owned by Comcast. The word is that they are trying to propel OLN into the next ESPN. I really hope they do. It could be a great outlet and real competition to a channel that has gone stale. OLN is available on satellite.

[Sabre Ally]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

Good point, Eb. ESPN sucks. Oh well, at least I can still watch Hockey Night in Canada on CBC.

[Canadian'eh!]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

If the NHL can make a legitimate comeback and really get t a point where it's a legit #4 major sport again, then OLN COULD make that push to be a rival to ESPN.

I still like ESPN, but competition is always good. you can't get enough quality sports coverage.

[Bill Brasky]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

Thank god... ESPN ****ing blows.

[lordofgun]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

I get OLN, so that's not a problem.

So who is going to air the first two rounds of the playoffs? It's gonna suck to have to pay for internet streaming or centre ice to watch it. Guess I'll listen on Sirius.

[Crisis]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

The NHL needs ESPN to get more coverage around the country.

120 mill for 2 years is really good for the NHL, but OLN doesn't get the same viewer #s that ESPN gets. The NHL needs more fan support.

[Makaveli]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

lol this is awesome, now I have OLN, TSN, CBC, and Sportsnet

[JD]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

wowwwww.....espn actually helped make the sport somewhat popular now some no name broadcasting company has the rights?

this sport wont grow.

[Turf]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

Is OLN available or on Direct TV?

[Michael82]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

OLN?

[Dozerdog]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

They just need to rename the thing- If they can give "The Nashville Network (TNN)" a jazzy new name like "Spike TV" then they can come up with something for the Outdoor Life Network.

[SkateZilla]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

ESPN, ABC, and Other Netwroks will still show games,

OLN is only going to Air Max 60 out of like 1200+ games ..

[SabreEleven]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

ESPN, ABC, and Other Netwroks will still show games,

OLN is only going to Air Max 60 out of like 1200+ games ..

You need to go back and read the article.

Only OLN and NBC will show NHL games this year.

[SkateZilla]

Re: OLN to air NHL games instead of ESPN

You need to go back and read the article.

Only OLN and NBC will show NHL games this year.

i read a different article first,

then that one,

ESPN Rejected the Current offer Whoopity Doo.. I have NHL Center Ice :)


OLN has a Clearer Picture Here on Standard Cable Line Up...


Center Ice with PVR :)