COMCAST Prepares to Become Player In Bid For NHL TV Rights

(From Sports Business Daily)

COMCAST "is preparing an offer to televise NHL games for the 2005-2006 season," according to sources cited by TIM PANACCIO of THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER.

Comcast "has not made a formal proposal to the league, but the company has informed officials that it intends to become a major player in the bidding rights." One source said, "Talks haven't reached a price figure, but there is definite interest there on Comcast's part."

Panaccio notes that in order to "facilitate national telecasts in areas where Comcast does not have a presence, it would have two choices -- CREATE A NEW NATIONAL NETWORK or use one of its other networks -- E!, STYLE, or OLN, among others -- to telecast games."

COMCAST SPORTSNET President JACK WILLIAMS -- "It's not something we can talk about right now, at this stage."

FLYERS and COMCAST-SPECTACOR Chairman ED SNIDER said of Comcast potentially carrying NHL games this season, "There are other cable providers out there. There are over 200 channels. ESPN does not have a lock on everything."