Verizon Nets Comcast SportsNet Agreement

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Verizon FIOS TV viewers in the southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware markets will now be able to see live Philadelphia 76ers National Basketball Association and Philadelphia Flyers National Hockey League contests as part of a carriage deal between Verizon Communications and Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia.

The deal also includes Comcast’s other regional sports networks around the country, as well as those networks' respective HD channels, the network said.

And along with sports channels, the deal includes Comcast’s toddler-targeted PBS Kids Sprout service.

“We know that Philly sports fans are passionate about their teams and expect their TV provider to carry all of the action," said Terry Denson, vice president of FiOS TV content strategy and acquisition, in a prepared statement. "Now they'll be able to watch their teams and outstanding children's programming in a whole new light on FiOS TV and enjoy the tremendous picture quality FiOS delivers."

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.