The NFL Network is back on Xfinity’s airwaves after the network went dark for a day for less than 24 hours.
There has been no formal announcement between the two parties, however, an Xfinity customer service Twitter account said: “We have renewed our agreement with the NFL Network. At this time, all content has been restored, and you are able to access NFL Network programming as normal.”
On Monday, NFL Network announced programming is no longer available on Xfinity due to a dispute between the network and the cable TV company.
“Our programming agreement with NFL Network has expired,” Xfinity wrote in an update to customers. “We are committed to bringing you the entertainment you love, and we have made reasonable offers that NFL Network has not accepted.”
All NFL Network, NFL Red Zone, and NFL on Demand programming are now unavailable through Xfinity. Comcast, the parent company of Xfinity and NBC, is paying more than $2 billion annually for NFL media rights as part of deals that go into effect this upcoming season.
Ratings for Thursday’s first-round of the NFL Draft were up on ABC and ESPN but declined 12% on NFL Network compared to 2022.
As a result of Google/YouTube’s $14 billion, 7-year deal for “Sunday Ticket” rights, the NFL will only offer the “NFL RedZone” channel produced by the NFL Network next season.
In 2009, the NFL launched its version dubbed RedZone. Hosted by Scott Hanson, it also has become a must-watch for many football fans, particularly sports bettors and fantasy players.
Xfinity and NFL Network could agree to restore programming before the NFL’s regular season kick-off on Sept. 7.