The NFL and DirecTV reach agreement on NFL Network and NFL RedZone. Plus: Jon Champion tapped as NBC Premier League voice, NHL schedule drop.
DirecTV reaches carriage deal for NFL Network and RedZone
DirecTV announced Tuesday that they have reached a new carriage agreement with the NFL. The agreement will extend carriage of NFL Network for DirecTV’s satellite offerings, and add distribution of the channel to DirecTV Stream and U-verse.
The announcement also states that NFL RedZone will be added to DirecTV’s channel lineup across all platforms. This will be the first time DirecTV will carry the NFL Media-produced RedZone with Scott Hanson. Prior to this year, DirecTV produced their own RedZone show, NFL Sunday Ticket RedZone with Andrew Siciliano. Now, with YouTube TV owning rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, DirecTV will no longer produce the version hosted by Siciliano.
The press release called the agreement a “multi-year renewal” but did not indicate the full length of the term. View the full press release here.
Jon Champion to call Premier League on NBC
Soccer commentator Jon Champion will join NBC to call the top English Premier League match each week. Champion is replacing Peter Drury, who has moved into the same role for Sky Sports. Notably, while Champion will call the Sunday match window featuring the highest profile game, Drury will call other matches for NBC as their “lead commentator.”
In recent years, Champion has held the top spot in ESPN’s soccer booth — calling MLS, FA Cup, and other notable matches on the network. While ESPN no longer holds MLS rights, Champion will continue to call marquee Cup matches and friendlies for ESPN. (World Soccer Talk 6.27)
NHL schedule release
The NHL has released its schedule for the upcoming 2023-24 season. ESPN will start the season with an opening night triple-header on October 10th featuring Predators-Lightning, Blackhawks-Penguins, and Kraken-Golden Knights.
TNT will open with Blackhawks-Bruins and Kings-Avalanche the following night.
As expected, the NHL is leaning heavily into presumptive overall number one pick Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Winter Classic on New Years Day will take place in Seattle at T-Mobile Park for another Kraken-Golden Knights matchup on TNT.
Check out the full schedule here.
