Dish Network Slaps the NFL

The NFL Network took another blow yesterday as word came that Dish Network was moving the network to the America’s Top 200 channel lineup.  It was previously on the America’s Top 100, meaning the NFL Network lost about 4 million subscribers because of the move.  America’s Top 200 has about 8 million subscibers versus 12 million on the lower priced Top 100 package.

Most Dish subscribers will not miss the network initially, as the NFL has just entered its off-season.  However, hard core fans who live and breathe football will no doubt miss the scouting combine, set for February 20-26.  The NFL Network has a full week of combine coverage scheduled.

Current estimates now place NFL Network penetration at 31 million households and falling.  No relief seems to be in sight for the NFL brainchild.  While pressure was initially mounting against Time Warner and Comcast in November of last year to strike a deal with the NFL to carry the network, momentum shifted as the season progressed.  Comcast was allowed to move the network to a premium sports tier, charging extra for those who wanted to see games on the NFL Network.  Time Warner has not agreed to carry the network in any form, whether on basic cable or a premium tier.

The network seemingly had a golden opportunity to promote its brand as the New England Patriots entered the final game of the season undefeated, with the final game scheduled on the NFL Network.  However pressure from fans and congress forced the NFL to simulcast the Patriots-Giants game on NBC and CBS.