Future of NBC Sports Network's Pro Sports Rights: An In-Depth Analysis

With the upcoming rights expirations and current broadcasting landscape, it is unlikely that NBC Sports Network (formerly Versus) will secure NFL, MLB, or NBA broadcasting rights in the near future. This article delves into the details of the current rights deals and the potential challenges and opportunities for NBC Sports Network.

Current Rights Deals and Expirations

The sports broadcasting landscape is dynamic, with numerous rights deals expiring at various points. Here are the current deals and their expiration dates:

NBA: Current rights are held by ESPN/ABC, Turner, and NBA TV. The current deal expires in 2025. MLB: Current broadcasting rights are held by Fox, ESPN, Turner, and MLB Network. This deal expires in 2021, creating a window for potential changes. NFL: Rights are currently split among CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. The main deals expire in 2022.

Impossibility of NBA Rights for NBC Sports Network

The NBA is currently broadcast by ESPN/ABC, Turner, and NBA TV. With the NBA rights set to expire in 2025, the likelihood of NBC Sports Network acquiring these rights is slim, mainly due to interference with their NHL rights during the playoffs. The NHL's season overlaps significantly with the NBA's, making it logistically challenging for NBC to cater to both leagues without risking viewer fatigue or dissatisfaction.

Possibilities for MLB Rights

For MLB, the current rights are held by Fox, ESPN, Turner, and MLB Network. NBC Sports Network is not impossible to acquire these rights, especially with the deal expiring in 2021. Here are a few potential scenarios:

Comcast Sunday Afternoon Games and Playoffs: Comcast could potentially replace Turner's Sunday afternoon games and playoffs. This shift would leave a significant gap in Turner's coverage and could push NBC Sports Network into consideration. Part or All of ESPN's Current Multi-Night Package: ESPN currently has a multi-night package for Sunday night, Monday night, and Wednesday night. NBC Sports Network could potentially step in to cover one or more of these nights, especially if they can offer a compelling package that matches or exceeds ESPN's.

Opportunities for NFL Rights

Potential shifts in NFL rights are another area of interest for NBC Sports Network. The main deals expire in 2022, and there are several possibilities:

Games Currently on NFL Network: The NFL could move games from NFL Network to another network, and NBC may be a viable candidate. NBC already carries NFL games on its broadcast network, which could make them a strong contender. One of the Saturday NFL Wild Card Games: The NFL has intentions to move one of the Saturday NFL Wild Card games to a cable network. NBC, with its current NFL coverage, could be a logical choice for this slot.

Conclusion

While NBC Sports Network faces significant competition and logistic challenges in securing NFL, MLB, or NBA rights, the possibility is not entirely out of the question. The upcoming expirations and changes in the current broadcasting landscape present both challenges and opportunities. NBC Sports Network can play a pivotal role in the future of professional sports broadcasting by leveraging their current networks and strategic partnerships.

Stay tuned for further developments as the broadcasting landscape continues to evolve and rights deals are renegotiated.