NFL Network added two more providers to its distribution roster, inking pacts with Cable One and overbuilder Knology.
Cable One will launch NFL Network and scoring channel NFL Red Zone under the master agreement the pro football league's in-house service reached with the National Cable Television Cooperative on Aug 22.
NCTC members, like Cable One, then finalize their own pact under those terms, which were not disclosed.
"We are very excited to be coming to an agreement with the NFL Network and NFL Red Zone," said Jerry McKenna, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Cable One in announcing the contract. "In addition to the great programming on NFL Network and the live games, our customers will really be impressed with NFL RedZone. NFL RedZone is unique, exciting and perfect for sports fans."
Elsewhere, overbuilder Knology, which has been carrying NFL Network since last December, will roll out NFL RedZone in time for the first slate of Sunday afternoon games on Sept. 12. Subscribers of Knology SportsPak will have access to NFL RedZone included in their package.
"We understand our customers want more access to NFL games and highlights throughout the upcoming season," said Tony Palermo, Knology vice president of marketing, in a statement. "This agreement gives our digital cable subscribers the ability to experience the excitement of NFL red zone action."
NFL RedZone, produced by NFL Network, whips around every league game on Sunday afternoons delivering the touchdowns and most exciting moments as they happen. When a team goes inside the 20-yard line, the so-called red zone, fans see the crucial plays live. The channel keeps fans up-to-date in real time, switching from game to game with live look-ins, highlights and a chance to see every important play.
Cable One joins Suddenlink as significant NFL Network holdouts that now will carry the 24-hour football service and NFL RedZone under the NCTC deal.
Cox, which had been carrying NFL Network, re-upped with that service and added NFL RedZone as part of a long-terms renewal pact that was negotiated separately with the pro football league. Cox is also a member of NCTC.
Time Warner Cable, Cablevision and Charter Communications remain on the sidelines with NFL Network over pricing and positioning issues.
