The advent of these league in-house networks like MLBTV, NFL Network, and NBATV have certainly changed the playing field with regards to televised sports.
I really have no problem with a professional sports league trying to build an "in-house" brand but my contention is with the fact that they're all "a la carte" on a cable package. Broadcasting regular season games is one thing but trying to exclusively present your league's playoff games on a network that has very little reach compared to the big cable hitters like ESPN & TNT? Makes very little sense, IMO.
In regards to the playoffs, the league really should allow ESPN and Turner to carry all games on their family of networks (ESPN2, TBS, etc.).
Well, I don't think they are ala carte everywhere. I am pretty sure NBATV and NFL network are both part of the regular comcast digital lineup now...at least where I live.
And honestly, I have no problem with it, since I think a couple years ago, these games simply weren't on national TV at all.
I think the "a la carte" thing is dictated by cable subscriber. I know I have to pay extra out here in CHI if I want it. To me, it blows for the playoffs. I don't have the option of having CSNNE, either.
I understand the need to grow your brand but to put the playoff matchups on a prevalent channel? Turner owns TBS also and they get a heck of a lot more households nation-wide than NBAtv. Can you imagine the outcry if the NFL tried to put a playoff game on the NFL Network? It would never happen. It may not be a la carte everywhere but I guarantee a great deal of households would be locked out.
Like I said, for regular season, no problem. For the playoffs? C'mon.
Well TBS has its own programming, and I wouldn't be surprised if it out-rates the second tier NBA playoff games.
Basically, I do not think the question for the NBA is between putting it on TBS versus NBATV, the question is between putting it on NBATV, or no national broadcast at all.
Well, I'm sure the current national television contract speaks to that, also. TBS used to carry NBA games along with TNT. My guess is exclusivity for NBAtv got pushed in during negotiations for the last tv deal. That's the reason that TBS isn't doing it anymore.
The NBA had to have, at least, contributed to those television negotiations and, to me, throwing your playoffs on a channel that many in the country won't be able to see is a disservice to their fans and hurts exposure.
