From my understanding, the NFL Network is being offered to the Cable companies at a price that is too high for their tastes. The Cable Companies don't see the Network as a good enough incentive to bring in new subscribers, so in their minds, they have three choices; raise their basic cable prices to cover the extra costs, put the network on the premium package and make users pay the difference or don't carry the channel until the NFL reduced the asking price. Notice that option four, eating the additional costs is not in the equation.
From the NFL's side, Jerry and a few others made a proposal a few years ago that they could make a certain lucrative amount if they carried an additional package of games on the NFL Network instead of offering that package to an existing provider, plus it would force the cable companies to cave in and add the NFL Network to their regular package, therefore bringing in more cash for the NFL. This has not yet worked and they do not want to lower the price of what they are offering, as it would reduce their Projected Revenues from that proposal and make them wrong. They are refusing to allow the cable companies to offer the package on the premium tier, as it would make the NFL look like the bad guys and, it would equate to less revenue than would be generated by getting it on the basic package.
So, yes, it is all about money and yes, both the Cable companies and the NFL are the bad guys as it pertains to the fans. One way or another, the cable subscriber will get stuck with the fees, be it through higher rates on the basic package or having to buy the premium sports package, so they are the real losers.
Go to a Dish, I have had no complaints since I made the switch.
