Versus Not Optimistic About DirecTV Deal In Time For NHL Playoffs

By John Ourand, Staff Writer

Versus execs today expressed skepticism that the Comcast-owned sports channel would reach an agreement with DirecTV any time soon. "At this time, we are not optimistic that an agreement will be in place with DirecTV in time for the start of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs," a network spokesperson said. The two sides still are talking, having met earlier this week, sources said. DirecTV dropped Versus from its lineup at the beginning of September. DirecTV wants to move the sports channel to a less popular tier, similar to a deal Versus has with Dish Network. Versus is seeking to keep the same level of service that it had before it went dark on DirecTV.