The Phillies yesterday agreed to join Comcast/Spectacor in
forming a regional all-sports cable network, according to the
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. Flyers telecasts will begin in October
'97, Phillies games in the spring of '98 and 76ers games "when
available," according to Comcast President Brian Roberts.
Comcast last month bought interests in Spectacor's two sports
arenas and the Flyers and 76ers. The principals in the deal said
the new network would be offered at a lower price than Prism,
which holds the current cable rights to all home games of the
three franchises. Stark, Bruton & Miles note "indications" are
the channel will not be available as part of basic programming,
as SportsChannel is now, but a decision has not been finalized.
Phillies President Bill Giles said the team would get an
undisclosed rights fee and own a percentage of the new venture
(PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 4/26). Prism/SportsChannel Senior VP/GM
Laureen Ong said Prism and SportsChannel "clearly hold the rights
to the 76ers for many years, as well as two more season for the
Phillies. We are going to move forward with our business and
more details will be forthcoming." Moran & Fleischman write that
Prism, as it exists, "appears doomed" as a sports carrier, but
"speculation" has Comcast purchasing Prism and making use of
production facilities and personnel (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 4/26).
