Comcast adds NBA TV channel

PHILADELPHIA – Comcast Corp. has reached a new seven-year agreement that will add the NBA TV channel to the cable TV operator’s most popular digital tier of service before the start of the next pro basketball season.

Comcast, the nation’s largest cable TV provider, struck the deal with NBA Digital that would give NBA TV exposure to 11 million “Digital Classic” viewers compared to the 2 million it had as part of the sports tier, according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release details. An official announcement was expected today.

NBA Digital also agreed to lower the per-subscriber rate it charges the cable operator, a key factor in the agreement.

NBA TV had been airing only on Comcast’s premium sports package, which costs $5 to $8 a month and has about 2 million viewers. By adding the channel to Comcast’s “Digital Classic” tier as well, NBA TV gains exposure to 11 million viewers. NBA TV will now reach 30 million households nationwide.

Comcast has reached similar deals with the National Hockey League for its NHL Network and the National Football League’s NFL Network.