Service Electric Cable TV Inc., Blue Ridge Communications and telco Qwest Communications International Inc. are among 75 small and midsized operators that will carry NFL Network's new eight-game Thursday- and Saturday-night package of National Football League games as part of new deals they struck with the 35 million-subscriber sports service, according to network officials.
The distributors join DirecTV Inc. in reaching new carriage pacts that include the $300 million, eight-game package, which begins Thanksgiving night.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed – nor would the pro football league’s network release any additional operator names -- but network executives said the deals mandate distributors to place the service on highly-penetrated expanded basic tiers.
Officials at NFL Network would not comment on its affiliate fees, but executives close to the service say it ranges between 50 cents to 75 cents, a substantial increase over its previous rate card calling for between 20 and 25 cents per month.
