NFL Network in talks with ESPN

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, June, 2008 | by Bob Fernandez and Larry King Inquirer Staff Writers

For years, they have circled and jabbed at each other like the heavyweights they are. In one corner, the NFL - considered the gold standard of American sports fare, where ad revenues are as eye-popping as the open-field hits. In the other, Comcast - the Philadelphia-based cable giant that had the temerity, and legal resources, to say no to the NFL.

Now, it appears, the sports Goliath has blinked. After long trying and failing to force Comcast and other cable operators into carrying the expensive NFL Network as part of their standard offerings, it now appears the NFL is negotiating to team with ESPN, the cable sports network owned by Walt Disney Co. The agreement might end litigation between Comcast and the NFL, and also convince Comcast to carry the NFL Network on its...