FACTBOX-Viewer statistics for U.S. sports networks

CHICAGO, June 29 (Reuters) - Over the past 10 years, the
major U.S. sports leagues have all established their own
networks to broadcast games and generate more attention. As the
league-owned networks grow, the question is whether they will
jeopardize the rights fee paid by broadcasters. [ID:nN29390448]

League Broadcast partners Annual value of deals

NFL Fox, NBC, CBS, DirecTV nearly $4.1 billion

NBA TNT, ESPN, ABC $937.5 million

MLB TBS, Fox, ESPN, DirecTV, numerous cable
operators, XM Radio $900 million

NHL Versus, NBC over $72.5 million

Note: Versus agreed to pay the NHL $72.5 million for the
2007-2008 season, with inflationary increases through
2010-2011, according to The New York Times. It splits ad
revenue with NBC.

Source: Reuters, sports leagues, media reports
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Networks Households

Broadcasters (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC) 114.5 million

TBS 99.1 million

TNT 98.2 million

ESPN 98.1 million

Versus 75.1 million

Network Subscribers League games aired Established

MLB Network 52 million over 52 2009

NFL Network 45 million+ 8 2003

NBA TV 18 million 96 1999

NHL Network 12-15 million 75 2007

Note: NBA TV is on target to expand distribution to 37
million subscribers by the start of next season this fall,
while the NHL Network, established first in Canada in 2001, is
on track for 30 million subscribers.

Source: Nielsen and the sports leagues
(Compiled by Ben Klayman, editing by Matthew Lewis)