NFL extends deal with DirecTV

Good for the NFL. Cable is a waste of time.

Good for the NFL, bad for the fans

DirecTV will now pay $1 billion per season,versus $700 million in the past
I wonder where DirecTV will get that extra 300 million ?....hmmmm

I just got the letter from DirecTV telling me the basic rates are going up again, and so will Sunday Ticket go up, just like every year.

Then, the NFL will switch 1-2 extra games to the regular season from pre-season and guess what- that will trigger a price increase too.

People complained about paying full price for pre-season games and the NFL solves the dilemma by charging extra for more regular season games; slight of hand always costs the fans
So instead of being overcharged for pre-season, you will be overcharged for regular season. Thanks NFL

And season tickets will go up to cover the "new" games too, which are the same games, but now with a new and improved name and pricing structure

Time for the NFL Fans Union to take charge

What do you think of NFL-FU ! as a name for the group ?

I can't recall the last time it didn't go up at least 20-30 bucks. I'm sure it will make the-icon thrilled that it's still directv exclusive.

I agree that this is bad for the Fans, has been for 15 years. Without Sunday Ticket DirectTV be out of business IMO. This time getting the monopoly on the NFL may backfire on DTV. Considering the Economy today most people have to cut the "extras" to save money. It is my understanding that Sunday Ticket and the $99 HD package subscriptions only covered $350 million of the $700 million they paid last time. It is hard for me to believe that DTV will get an increase in Sunday Ticket subscribers to cover the extra 300 million (I would expect a decrease in subscribers) so they will have to increase their other package prices causing more poeple to drop DirectTV.

Oh and I'll join the NFL-FU.

If only DirecTV were like every other television services provider, which annually lowers prices.

All of these things are luxuries. Don't like DirecTV or Sunday Ticket, don't buy it. "The Fans" don't have an inalienable right to watch out of town football games each week. Perhaps we could all go back to the '80s, when the only time I saw any football team other than the Jets or Patriots was on Monday Night Football. Personally I thought that was "bad for the fans," but maybe that's just me.

Back in the day there was no avenue to watch more games. Now there is but they choose to not make the package avilable for sale to several million households because they get dtv to overpay because their companies survival is largely dependent on it.

So its not as if people want some free 'luxury', just the ability to purchase it. Therefore it certainly isn't good for alot of fans. None of the other major sports do this. Baseball tried to but people stepped up and didn't let it happen.

Baseball also has mlb.tv to have the ability to watch games on the computer. NFL has this.... but not available in the USA. The NFL's package is also available on cable......but only outside the USA.

But the same simpletons pipe in and act like its a good thing because they had a problem with their cable company in the sticks and therefore don't want several million households to have access to it. How self important.

I wouldn't buy it anyway now as long as Rodgers is the qb.

It's not a "good" thing, halfwit, but you're talking about a battle between the cable companies and DirecTV. If cable could get the package, cable rates would go up and suddenly millions of people who couldn't care less about being able to see anyone but their local team would bitch and moan about that, too.

I'm just tired of people complaining that they have to pay more for something they don't actually have to buy at all.

quote:

Originally posted by the-icon:
I wouldn't buy it anyway now as long as Rodgers is the qb.

He's scared "Ashbury Aaron" will give him cooties. Someday he will have to confront those homosexual thoughts.

I've found DirecTV to be very accomodating with regards to negotiating monthly rates. If they raise your rates, pick up the phone and call them and see what you can work out. Maybe they'll keep your rates the same, or maybe they'll throw in some additional programming. I'd guess that a bunch of their subscribers won't do this and won't even notice the rate increase. Others may not say anything and drop the service. I have yet to find a better deal than DirecTV, so I'll do what I can to keep it in the most cost effective way.

Icon, do you have to work hard STOP IT or does it just come naturally for you?

What I want is the option to purchase a Packers package, or an NFC package, or an NFC North package from DirecTV, and technologically this is easily done

Unfortunately, both cable and satellite have stuck to their guns of an "all or nothing" offering as it suits their bottom line.

I am more than happy to pay for the services that I want and value, but I am reluctant to spend ever-increasing amounts on services that I don't want or value

The Sunday Ticket is set up to benefit DirecTV, the NFL and for fantasy geeks who need every game and every score.

I just wanna watch Packers football and they have gone to great lengths to make that a difficult and expensive proposition- because its in THEIR best interest.

So, we are adversaries instead of partners and that rarely works out well for either party

WJ- Thanks for the tips on negotiating the monthly charges, worth a shot

The only thing that makes me irate is the "blackout rule" for Satellite.

It's a completely unfair rule since this is a service we are paying for.

The NFL needs to do something about that and the only way they will is if we all speak up.

Annually I write a letter/e-mail to the NFL asking them to lift the blackout rule FOR SATELLITE ONLY!!

Of course it has fallen on deaf ears so far but all you can do is try!

quote:

Originally posted by Eddie:

I agree that this is bad for the Fans, has been for 15 years. Without Sunday Ticket DirectTV be out of business IMO. This time getting the monopoly on the NFL may backfire on DTV. Considering the Economy today most people have to cut the "extras" to save money. It is my understanding that Sunday Ticket and the $99 HD package subscriptions only covered $350 million of the $700 million they paid last time. It is hard for me to believe that DTV will get an increase in Sunday Ticket subscribers to cover the extra 300 million (I would expect a decrease in subscribers) so they will have to increase their other package prices causing more poeple to drop DirectTV.

Oh and I'll join the NFL-FU.

Didn't want to start an arguement about whether DirectTV is better or worse than cable or that DirectTV or that DirectTV is bad for winning the exclusive with the NFL. Max is right and I do think DirectTV is too expensive and I disagree that DirectTV should charge $99 for HD. So I won't subscribe anymore. My point was that more people will drop either ST or DirectTV because of the economy. They may have bit off more than they can chew this time.

What does get me a bit angry is this statement from Goddell
"We are pleased to extend a partnership with DirecTV that has complemented and supported our broadcast television packages for 15 years," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We are looking forward to having the Red Zone channel on cable and other media platforms as well as showing NFL Sunday Ticket via broadband to the homes that cannot get satellite. This new content enhances our tradition of being the most pro-consumer, widely available sport on television."

Isolating Sunday Ticket to DirectTV is not pro-consumer, it is PRO NFL just like it not Pro-consumer to ban Taverns, Restaurants, Churches, Radio Stations, any one with a 50" TV and 10 friends... from using the term Superbowl for promotion. The NFL stopped being fan friendly years ago because they know that the fans will always be there.

I'm not angry about about DirectTV spending a billion dollars for the rights. I'm not angry about the NFL taking the highest offer. It makes me angry when NFL releases statements like that.

I have been a DirecTV customer since 1998. At which time I purchased NFL Sunday Ticket. I have purchased it every year since then without fail. I seldom watch more than 2 games a week on it.

What bothers me is that it's starting to get so expensive, I am even questioning is it worth it? What bothers me most is making people pay an extra $75 if you want games in HD. That pushes it to around the $400 mark. It's starting to become a matter of principle with me. I don't mind people making money, but when it starts to approach unfettered greed, that bugs me.

To me, NFL Sunday Ticket should include HD broadcasts already. Additionally, I think about $250 is fair.

I still have not decided whether or not to shell out the money for next season. I may just can it and try to find it elsewhere...sports bar, internet, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Max:
All of these things are luxuries. Don't like DirecTV or Sunday Ticket, don't buy it. "The Fans" don't have an inalienable right to watch out of town football games each week. Perhaps we could all go back to the '80s, when the only time I saw any football team other than the Jets or Patriots was on Monday Night Football. Personally I thought that was "bad for the fans," but maybe that's just me.

In the 80s, one of my dads friends had a satellite dish in his backyard that was about 50 feet in diameter, no lie. the thing took up his whole backyard.
but heck, we got to come over and watch the 2nd-4th quarter. The 1st was generally spent searchign all the different bands for a feed.

personally i love Directv, their customer svc, as mentioned above, is top notch.
ive spent much more per season in a smoky bar watching a small TV.
hate ot say that id pay even more to see the pack play every game.

I do wish they wouldnt charge for HD and they need to add a per-game or per day option.

I've been iffy the last few years about Sunday Ticket.

I may finally pass this year.

If you don't want to pay the $99 for the HD then don't. A lot of people got rooked into paying that for the superfan package either because they were lazy or didn't even bother to try getting it free. Heck, they were even sending out cards saying "Free superfan with NFL Ticket subscription". Before I got the card though I just called them said "hey I want NFL ticket and Super Fan. I am willing to subscribe but do not want to pay for Super Fan." The CSR gladly accomodated my request. I believe I even made a post on here last year about getting it for free.

I do agree that is awfully expensive to get it. I hadn't gotten it for the previous 3 years because of the cost and the fact that they were showing 12-13 Packer games here locally anyhow. If the Packers have 12+ games here that are locally televised I won't re-up.

After watching games in HD, it's hard to go back. I will try and get the superfan for free. If they don't capitulate, I may just opt out.

In my market, I'll be lucky to get 2-3 Packer games a year outside of Sunday Night, or ESPN, or NFL Net games.

Foo-

split the costs with Boris, host a tailgate and let the added revenue from the strippers cover the TV subscriptions. problem solved

I have it. I like it. I will get it again.

I live in South Carolina!...I do not have a choice anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by the-icon:
same simpletons pipe in and act like its a good thing because they had a problem with their cable company in the sticks and therefore don't want several million households to have access to it. How self important.

I wouldn't buy it anyway now as long as Rodgers is the qb.

Your statement is proof that you fall in the 'self-important simpleton' category, just on the opposite side. You are just pissed because you can't join the club? It IS available to everyone. You just have to dump your cable provider and pick up DTV. So don't say it's not available to the masses.

quote:

Originally posted by WolfPack:
In the 80s, one of my dads friends had a satellite dish in his backyard that was about 50 feet in diameter, no lie. the thing took up his whole backyard.

Your Dad and BadgerzFan were buddies?

And I've NEVER had to pay for the Super Fan package

quote:

Originally posted by Hauser:

quote:

Originally posted by the-icon:
same simpletons pipe in and act like its a good thing because they had a problem with their cable company in the sticks and therefore don't want several million households to have access to it. How self important.

I wouldn't buy it anyway now as long as Rodgers is the qb.

Your statement is proof that you fall in the 'self-important simpleton' category, just on the opposite side. You just pissed because you can join the club? It IS available to everyone. You just have to dump your cable provider and pick up DTV. so don't say it's not available to the masses.

Exactly. And if one would have signed up for DirecTv 10 or so years ago, they would have saved enough money compared to cable that they could have paid for a few years of the Sunday Ticket plus the Super Fan (if you didn't make the call to get it free). But some prefer whine with their Packer football I guess!

quote:

Originally posted by the-icon:
I wouldn't buy it anyway now as long as Rodgers is the qb.

I love DTV. Good service and a good product. Beats cable. We get better and more channels for less than cable. Been a customer since 2000.

That being I do not want to see prices go up up. And I do think it is unfair to pay extra for HD games when we are already paying for HD service in the first place.

More and more people are turning over to satellite...DTV.

Got my DTV statement today (I pay automatically by cc) and it still says NFL Superfan will not auto renew, but last month it DID say NFL Sunday Ticket. This month it no longer says NFL Sunday Ticket.

If I go on the DTV website, my programming has NFL Sunday ticket and says $41.50, which is the price I paid last year (6 payments).

I think they are gearing up to put the new pricing up.

As to the regular bill, I notice they have increased most of the things that were $#.99 to $#.00 this year. And my Total Choice package has increased from 50.99 to 53.99

Without DTV I can't imagine what the cable companies would try to get away with. The NFL knows DTV is sunk without them. But then they'd be stuck negotiating with cable.


On the HD angle, I always hear people saying "once you watch it you can't go back". I go to friend's houses and watch it. Is it nice? Yes. Is it worth paying extra money for a pretty picture when I'll still know the result of the game and have seen every play and keep $100 in my pocket? Hell no. How much more do they already charge a month for HD on the regular channels?

I'm surprised some enterprising snake hasn't figured out they could broadcast in black and white if they wanted and then charge for color TV.

quote:

Originally posted by titmfatied:
On the HD angle, I always hear people saying "once you watch it you can't go back". I go to friend's houses and watch it. Is it nice? Yes. Is it worth paying extra money for a pretty picture when I'll still know the result of the game and have seen every play and keep $100 in my pocket? Hell no. How much more do they already charge a month for HD on the regular channels?

It costs $10.00/mo for the HD package on regular channels. There are extra channels in that package that aren't available in SD, so that makes it a little more justifiable. Even though I don't need HD, I love it and it is well worth the $120 per year that I pay for it, but not $220 if you include Super Fan.

I'm one that used to say that I didn't need HD, and I don't, but I have never paid the $100 extra for Super Fan just to get games in HD. I told them that I pay a monthly fee for HD and I expected that I could watch Sunday Ticket in HD. They agreed. We'll see if they agree this year. I have a feeling that they will.

I've never paid for the Superfan package in the past 7 years, but it is a fight every stinking year. I have to come up with something new everytime to convince them. Sometimes it takes multiple calls, sometimes it takes letters, sometimes I luck out. I will NEVER pay another 100 dollars to see the games in HD when I already pay an HD fee. DirecTV is the devil--I hate them. I'd drop them in a second if it weren't for Sunday Ticket. I hate monopolies.

This year I am finally on the fence on renewing. I know in the end I'll buckle though. I can't miss the games.

What the hell are you people talking about? Cable TV has way better customer service. Cable TV has free HD channels and to boot has a very similiar digital package to direct TV. And atleast in my area of Southern California there are a whole lot more cable customers than Direct TV. The problem here is the NFL. They need to rethink where they are with this. Cable ****omers cant get the NFL Network because the NFL is greedy and again cant get the sunday ticket because the the NFL is greedy. Its the NFL that is the problem deffinettly not Cable TV you people need to do your homework. And to think i though Packer fans ere smarteter than the rest. I guess i was wrong.

quote:

Originally posted by Scott44:
And to think i though Packer fans ere smarteter than the rest. I guess i was wrong.

quote:

Originally posted by Scott44:
****omers

gebins

I like DTV just fine. I got it in 1994 I think, for the football package. It was the year that the Packers beat the Falcons in Milwaukee when Favre ran it in at the end of the game. I think that was 94.

Anyway, I wouldn't trade DTV for Cox calbe for love or money. I have to use Cox for my internet service, and man, their customer service is awful. DTV has some special rate for the football package for customers who've been with them a long time. Also, they're always giving me special deals whenever I call them with a problem.

The worst were the pre DTV days, when I had to go to a bar every Sunday to watch the team when I couldn't go to the games. First off, I had to spend more money at the bar than the DTV cost, usually got stuck eating really crappy food, and then ended up with a hangover on a Sunday evening.

No thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by Scott44:
Its the NFL that is the problem deffinettly not Cable TV you people need to do your homework. And to think i though Packer fans ere smarteter than the rest. I guess i was wrong.

No the problem really is the cable companies like Time Warner who've enjoyed their monoply for years who attempt to even brain wash their own customers. Not to mention are finally starting to feel the pinch with competition such as At-T U-Verse,Verzion Fois,and DTV,Dish Network. Personally, I dont feel sorry for them. Obviously you do. There is plenty of choices out there that do provide programming that these cable companies do not have,but hey you're "smarteter" then the rest of us.

good lord,these cable companies have been raping their customers for years. I do not understand why ANYONE would stick up for them.

^ haha exactly. Time Warner cable raped me in the arse for years and I couldnt do a damn thing about it. The customer svc was absolutely horrid.
The emergence of a viable alternative really forced cable companies to change their MO.
DTV was again rated as the best cust svc company. Im sure some people have had bad scenarios but in the 8 years weve had them, they have been almost too good to us. No waits, always courteous and understanding, free hardware, free programming, many refunds, etc.
not only that but we got a better picture and enjoy much more HD channels and sports than my neighbor, the guy who doesnt want a little plastic dish on his house, but complains when the cable is cut and hes out of service for 3 days.


I wish Sunday ticket was available to everyone, but its not. most of us do have the option.

quote:

Originally posted by Scott44:
What the hell are you people talking about? Cable TV has way better customer service. Cable TV has free HD channels and to boot has a very similiar digital package to direct TV. And atleast in my area of Southern California there are a whole lot more cable customers than Direct TV. The problem here is the NFL. They need to rethink where they are with this. Cable ****omers cant get the NFL Network because the NFL is greedy and again cant get the sunday ticket because the the NFL is greedy. Its the NFL that is the problem deffinettly not Cable TV you people need to do your homework. And to think i though Packer fans ere smarteter than the rest. I guess i was wrong.

I applaud the loyalty you display for your employer.......who suck BTW.

No you are all wrong. Time Warner Cable has never had a monopoly there has always been either sattelite or driect tv or the phone company or some type of competion. Yes maybe the cable compnay in your area has bad service but where i live i can have a cable here this afternoon to fix my cable. Can any satelite or telephone company say that? I think not. cable tv has been and for the time being is still much better deal that direct tv or telephone company.

DISH has half the expense of cable.

half.