NBC is expected to announce today a "multiyear deal to
become the home broadcast network and a partner" in the XFL,
the WWF's new spring football league, according to Joe Flint
of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Sources say that the deal calls
for NBC to partner with the league and make an "equity
investment of about" $30M in the XFL. While NBC will carry
XFL games on Saturday nights, the league "will retain the
bulk" of advertising inventory to sell during the games.
Flint, who calls the deal "relatively low risk" for NBC,
notes that the network currently carries entertainment
programming on Saturday nights, and writes that airing XFL
games instead would be "cheaper than creating entertainment
shows on a night when viewership levels are usually low."
The WWF "is still looking for a cable partner" to carry XFL
games during weekend days (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 3/29).
DAILY VARIETY's John Dempsey writes that the "real
significance" of the deal is that it "could damage
Viacom/CBS' chance of luring the high-rated WWF programming
away from USA network." Dempsey cites sources as saying
that NBC is "looking for live, action-packed, male-appeal
programming" for Saturday night, and if the XFL succeeds, it
could give NBC "a much-needed promotional platform" to reach
male viewers (DAILY VARIETY, 3/29).
