The NFL securing a $17.6B TV rights deal without
committing a team to L.A. was examined by Randy Harvey of
the L.A. TIMES. Harvey wrote that the L.A. factor "wasn't
one, even for the two networks that do extensive business
here, Fox and Disney." Harvey: "When it comes to acquiring
an NFL franchise, it's clearer than ever that it's a
seller's market. If [L.A.] is interested in buying, it must
do a better job of selling itself to the NFL" (L.A. TIMES,
1/15). NBC Sports President Dick Ebersol: "The league
carefully and consistently avoided telling the networks
whether an L.A. team would be in the AFC or NFC. There are
no guarantees for an L.A. team." Fox COO Chase Carey: "From
our position, it's a positive to have a team in L.A. But in
this process, there are too many uncertainties and it didn't
come into an account" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 1/16).
MORE NFL FALLOUT: NEWSDAY's Steve Zipay quotes one
network "spy" who described dealing with the NFL owners who
led the NFL TV committee: "These were the hawks, not the
doves. They won. It was like they were wearing masks and
carrying Uzis" (NEWSDAY, 1/16)...In Toronto, Sun Media Corp.
President Paul Godfrey said that despite the fact the deal
will likely increase the cost for an expansion team, "I'll
continue to knock on their door and ask for a membership
card" (GLOBE & MAIL, 1/16)....In Atlanta, Terence Moore
writes with the NFL's new riches, the Smith family should
"take the money and run" and sell the Falcons. Moore: "If
you're the Smiths ... you sell" (ATL. CONSTITUTION, 1/16).
REAX: A S.F. CHRONICLE editorial: "The NFL has become
the ultimate loss-leader for the networks in their attempt
to reach male viewers. These insane bidding wars were, on
balance, a negative for viewers. First of all, the networks
are dumping massive resources into rights to existing
programming instead of developing fresh fare. ... The only
clear winners in the war over NFL rights are the owners and
athletes who will share the bounty" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 1/16).
Under the header, "Breaking Point For Sports?," a SALT LAKE
TRIBUNE editorial states, "Maybe in the next eight years,
people won't watch as many NFL games, and advertisers won't
pay so much to the networks, and the networks will be left
drowning in red ink as a result of this week's unbelievable
contracts. Maybe this is when Americans will reach their
saturation point and the golden sports egg will finally
crack" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 1/16). In DC, Thomas Boswell:
"The next time an NFL team raises its tickets by a penny,
there'll be outrage. And there should be. ... And what will
happen the next time an NFL team begs for tax money to build
a luxury stadium ... The vote on that referendum ought to be
1,000,000 to 0" (WASHINGTON POST, 1/16).
