Phillies Strike New Long-Term TV Deal
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Phillies have reached a new, long-term deal to broadcast their games on television.
The deal, reported to be between 20 and 25 years by Kevin Cooney of the Bucks County Courier Times, is with Comcast Sportsnet, the network that currently airs the team's games.
Comcast Sportsnet issued the following statement:
"We're pleased to confirm that NBCUniversal and Comcast SportsNet have signed a new long-term deal with the Philadelphia Phillies that will expand Comcast SportsNet's role as the Phillies' primary TV partner. Although the terms of the comprehensive deal are confidential, details surrounding the 2014 schedule of games will be provided in the coming months."
From Mike Axisa of CBS Sports:
The team received only $35 million per year under their old agreement, which is a pittance by today's standards. Even small market clubs like the Astros and Padres are getting $65+ million annually nowadays. The Dodgers recently agreed to a 20-25 year deal worth upwards of $7 billion while the Rangers landed a more modest $1.6 billion across 20 years