NFL Network Remains On Comcast's Distribution Roster

By: Thomas Umstead May 1 2009 - 3:47pm

Talks between the NFL Network and Comcast have gone into overtime

The two sides said in a statement Thursday that they will continue to negotiate in an effort to reach a new carriage deal, temporarily averting a May 1 deadline that would have concluded Comcast's current deal with the sports network.

The MSO wants to permanently locate NFL Network on a sports tier due to the network's high licensing fee, while the NFL Network is asking for basic-cable carriage.

The NFL and Comcast are currently awaiting the outcome of a hearing on the NFL's program-carraige complaint against Comcast.

According to the NFL, it will continue to be carried on Comcast systems past the Thursday night expiration of its current contract.

"Comcast and the NFL are engaged in productive discussions toward a new agreement for NFL Network carriage on Comcast," said the e-mailed statement. "We are both working to find a solution that works for NFL fans and Comcast's customers."