The National Cable Television Cooperative and NFL Network have signed a long-term carriage agreement. As part of the deal, NCTC members will be able to add NFL Network and NFL RedZone to their channel lineups.
The NCTC is a not-for-profit cooperative that represents cable system providers. 17 of the top 20 cable systems are NCTC members, with some of its larger members including Charter, Cablevision and Cox. Combined they reach approximately 26.7 million households.
The agreement comes just in time for football season, with preseason games already underway, many of them airing on NFL Network.
“There is no shortage of sports networks seeking distribution, but NFL Network has proven to be both the premiere sports television franchise and one often requested by cable subscribers,” said Jeff Abbas, NCTC President and CEO. “NCTC is happy to help members kick-off the football season with a new master agreement for NFL Network and NFL RedZone. NCTC appreciates NFL Network’s recognition and accommodation of the unique needs of our diverse membership.”
“The NFL season is here and we are pleased that NFL Network and NFL RedZone will now be available to NCTC members,” said John Malkin, vice president affiliate relations NFL Network in a statement. “More fans can now enjoy the only network dedicated entirely to football featuring every preseason NFL game and Thursday Night Football regular season games, as well as the exciting NFL RedZone that highlights every touchdown from every game on Sunday afternoons.”