Just when TV ratings can't get any lower, the NHL had to move its cable package to OLN. I think it belongs on ESPN, who decided not to pick up the option for this season and next. Had the package not been on ESPN, I think they should have picked TBS. Why? Because for one thing, TBS has not had any winter sports since losing their half of the NBA cable package to ESPN (although they did air a few postseason games), and reaches way more homes than OLN does. Post your thoughts on the NHL cable package here, if you must.

TBS probably "also" said "you'd have to pay US to put it on."

(No evidence that ESPN actually said that, but it sure feels like it)

NHL needs money from TV deals.

I think the OLN move is a great one for the NHL. Many leagues have been complaining about their agreements with ESPN. While they enjoy the payoff they get form the league, what they don't like is the oversaturation of leagues on ESPN. There are too many leagues on the station many claim.

On OLN, the NHL is it. No college basketball games that are higher priority. No college basketball games that execs prefer to air. no NBA games that are highlighted that would bump the NHL to ESPN2, where a 3 rating is considered golden.

More importantly is how the other leagues perceive OLN. OLN, a Comcast property, has been hot for some time. Leagues are looking at OLN to be able to do what Fox Sports has not: take a national nip out of ESPN.

Need more proof? The hot talk is that the NFL is takign pitches from various channels for rights to an exclusive weekly Thursday night game. OLN is rumored to be far and away the favorite to land this deal.

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But OLN does not get into as many homes as TBS or ESPN. The NFL already made a bad move by putting Monday Night Football on ESPN, and putting Thursday-Saturday night games on OLN is even worse.

If OLN gets the NFL, it will become in alot more homes. Cable companies will get it on just bc the NFL proves huge ratings.