NFL Network Exclusive Games
WOW! has been a partner of the NFL Network since we launched the channel on our Digital Basic service in 2005. After we made the commitment to deliver the channel to our customers, the NFL Network secured the rights to air eight games during the regular season.. In order for WOW! to be authorized to show those games to our customers, the NFL Network is requiring WOW! to pay a substantial surcharge. We believe the surcharge they are demanding—in addition to the programming license fees that we already pay them— is unfair and unreasonable. We have requested NFL Network allow us to either offer the channel and 8 exclusive games in a separate programming package to ensure all WOW! customers don’t bear the burden of the NFL’s substantial surcharge, or allow us access to the 8 exclusive games under the more favorable terms they have reportedly made available to other cable operators in our area. At this time, the NFL Network has declined to consider either request. Consequently, they have not authorized WOW! to air these football games.
As sports fans ourselves, we know how frustrating this situation is to customers. However, we firmly believe our position is in the best interest of all WOW! customers – fans and non-fans alike.
FAQs
Q: Why did WOW! drop the NFL games that air on the NFL Network?
A: WOW! did not drop these games. The NFL Network will not authorize us to air the games unless we pay them a surcharge that is significantly higher than what we have already been paying them since we launched the channel.
Q: Why won’t WOW! pay the surcharge? I would pay more for the additional NFL games that air on NFL Network.
A: We have asked the NFL Network to allow us to put together a package for customers who would be willing to pay extra to be able to watch these additional games. The NFL Network has refused to allow WOW! the opportunity to present the games to customers in this manner.
Q: I already pay WOW! a lot of money every month. Why can’t you just pay the surcharge and give customers what they want?
A: We work continuously to deliver services at a fair and competitive price-value. The surcharge that the NFL Network is demanding, which we would have to pass onto customers, would seriously hamper our ability to continue to do so.
Q: This is a ridiculous situation. We customers are being caught in the middle and all you guys are doing is pointing fingers at each other. Are you going to fix this situation for me or not?
A: We do want to be able to provide customers with the programming that they want to see. However, we also need the NFL Network to provide us with options that are fair and reasonable, which they have not. We too are frustrated, but at this time we will not be able to air these games. We do not have any indications that this situation will change in the immediate future, although we remain ready and willing to negotiate in good faith with the NFL Network.
Q: Where else can I find the NFL Network games?
A: It may be possible to view the games online at nfl.com. Also, it may be possible to view these online games on your television by connecting your home computer to your television. Please refer to your computer and television owner manuals to determine if such a configuration is possible.
Q: Comcast is carrying the 8-game package this year. Why won’t WOW!?
A: WOW! has requested the NFL Network make the 8-game package available to us under the same terms its been made available to other cable operators in our area. At this time, NFL Network has declined this request and continues to demand a substantial, and we believe unreasonable, surcharge from WOW! for this package.
Q. What games are scheduled to air exclusively on NFL Network during the 2009 season?
Thursday, November 12 Chicago @ San Francisco*
Thursday, November 19 Miami @ Carolina
Thursday, November 26 New York Giants @ Denver
Thursday, December 3 New York Jets @ Buffalo
Thursday, December 10 Pittsburgh @ Cleveland*
Thursday, December 17 Indianapolis @ Jacksonville*
Saturday, December 19 Dallas @ New Orleans
Friday, December 25 San Diego @ Tennessee
*Game may also be available on the local broadcast channel in the respective local market. Please check your local listings.
