Why was the NHL all star game televised on the VS. network?

Question

I would think it would be on a major network.

Answer 1

The NHL's television deal with Versus was made at the conclusion of the 2004–05 NHL lockout that caused the cancellation of an entire season. At the time, Versus offered a two year, $130 million contract (with a network option for a third year) that delivered guaranteed money for Commissioner Gary Bettman (ESPN, which previously held the rights, wanted a revenue-sharing deal similar to NBC's). Versus was expected to use NHL coverage to show it was a legitimate suitor for Major League Baseball and National Football League packages that were to be negotiated later in 2005, but they did not land agreements with either league. In 2007, the NHL signed an agreement to extend the NHL on Versus to the 2010–2011 season. Versus paid $72.5 million for 2007–2008 and will pay inflationary increases over the next three years.





Terms of the deal

Under the terms of the contract, Versus will show 54 or more NHL games each season under the agreement, generally on Monday and Tuesday nights. They will also provide nightly coverage of as many Stanley Cup Playoff games as possible (generally two per night in the first two rounds; the Conference Finals are usually played on alternating days), and Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals plus the All-Star Game, Skills Competition, and YoungStars game.

Answer 2

They Have the rights to Televise any NHL games, I know it sucks but from what I know there deal ends in 2 years and rumor has it that they will be looking to go back onto ESPN & ESPN 2, but as of right now thats a rumor and your going to have to deal with versus until 2011.

Answer 3

Because they have the television rights to televise NHL games in the US.

Answer 4

Vs. is the league's network since Gary Fink Bettman sold rights to them from under ESPN.



I think it's cleared in about 20% of U.S. homes...

Answer 5

It was on a major network...in Canada. Is VS not a major network? Well, they had the rights I guess so such is life.

Answer 6

With the game moved to a late evening start, American free-to-air tv is not going to show the game as it would interfere with higher rated programming.



At least Versus doesn't show hours ad finitum of poker.

Answer 7

They have to rights and it is the most pathethic tv deal for any sport. Even tennis and golf are on ESPN and ABC but the nhl due to its commish will never grasp the limelight again. Its terrible.

Answer 8

because bettman fooked it up and gave it to a bullriding tv station.