Fox Sports Net and the NHL Wild have reached a long-
term cable agreement that calls for FSN to carry "more than"
40 Wild games during the team's inaugural season, according
to Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, who writes
that the move puts FSN "one step closer to purchasing"
Midwest Sports Channel (MSC). Zulgad writes others believed
to be interested in MSC include Comcast and a "potential
joint venture between the Twins and Timberwolves." In the
Twin Cities, FSN is "available only on MSC, which is in the
third year of a 10-year deal to carry much of Fox's
programming. But FSN's contract with the Wild is separate
from that agreement." The Wild deal gives FSN "an
advantage" because if other groups buy MSC "they will be
faced with competition" from FSN. FSN VP & COO Bob
Thompson: "We intend to be an active participant in the
MSC/[Home Team Sports] sweepstakes. Obviously, if we are
successful we would incorporate the Wild's games (into MSC's
schedule). If not we are weighing our other options in
terms of distribution. But in either case, I'm confident we
will get full distribution." Zulgad writes that Thompson
"most likely means" that FSN "would start a sports network
in the Upper Midwest," if they don't acquire MSC
(Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/19). MSC Programming Dir Kevin
Smith said that it "was doubtful" there would be enough time
slots on MSC "for all the Wild games Fox wants to show."
But FSN spokesperson Tom Chiapetta said, "We're definitely
confident that we'll get full distribution of the Wild
games" (PIONEER PRESS, 5/19). In St. Paul, Charley Walters
cites "insiders" as saying that FSN's Wild deal "means Fox
ultimately will buy" MSC. Walters: "Look for Fox to honor
MSC's existing contracts with the Twins, Timberwolves and
Gophers, then negotiate deals that will improve revenues for
the trio significantly" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 5/19).
