Versus Dropped by DirecTV

When I see a story bringing up the debate about whether or not the NHL needs to be on ESPN, my head starts to hurt. It has been weighed, debated, hashed, re-hashed, kicked, tortured, and finally we move on yet again. Today however, there is a new reason to talk about it. ESPN is not about to be dropped by a satellite TV service provider. Read on after the jump for details.
From the DirecTV website:

This has got to be an ackward position for the two companies to work through. A channel DirecTV's customers want, but most could care less about, which is owned by its largest service rival. It would be like Target negotiating with Wal-Mart to carry toilet paper. Though I suppose more people care about toilet paper than care about Versus.

Versus means something to the Wilderness readership. It is the only cable / satellite channel with a contract with the NHL. Fox Sports carries local teams, but Versus is the only channel showing games from around the league. It is the only nationally available channel willing to actually pay to carry NHL games.

The NHL cannot be pleased about this today, but there is little they can do. Their contract is with Versus, not with DirecTV. Center Ice is still available, at $150, so they have that to fall back on.

Don't think DirecTV doesn't realize who the two groups are that make their channel possible:

Of course, Comcast, and Versus, have their own take on the issue:

For those who would like to get involved, the link to "demand Versus on DirecTV" is here. Otherwise, you might miss those two college football games listed above, and we know how cranky that would make you.

This situation likely gets resolved before the season starts. This is two major carriers flexing their muscles. Neither one can afford to push the buttons of the few of us that actually watch hockey. It is unlikely Comcast is hoping that we all run to them for Versus. They want the advertising revenues, DirecTV wants its customers happy. Something will get worked out.

Be patient. Or, you could always demand they bring it back sooner by adding your name and contact information to Comcast's website so they call you and give you their sales pitch. It is your choice.

-Buddha