yeah well that's what I'm relying on the torrents. However, the last NFL Final was apparently one of the most watched event around the globe (but probably not Australia) with the most expensive ads, therefore more expensive rights to show on TV also. So don't see how the money work there. NBA should cost them less!

Its a topic that is often discussed.

The globalisation of the NBA has simply outpriced the FTA networks here in Australia. Its a simple formula the networks use: Revenue from advertisers - cost of product = profit or loss.
Right now there is not enough corporate sponsorship via advertising in Australia to convince a FTA network to broadcast games. Then they have to decide on a timeslot that will appeal to advertisers. Primetime is out as it will not rate well enough, and not attract advertising. Off peak is more likely, but then advertising rates drop dramatically and the cots of the NBA broadcast remains the same.

How did we see it in the past? The NBA rated enough that it attracted advertising, and the NBA was still an affordable product. Unfortunately, one factor has risen, and the other dropped considerbaly.

The other factorr to consider with FTA networks is scheduling. It would have to replace a current event or program, that most likely costs next to nothing to broadcast - and attracts advertising.

(Mod: Have made bold the line that I think makes a particularly succinct point.)

So, why NFL? How many Australians are interested in it?

Loving it - except for the fact most of it is on when I'm at work.

I watched a half of the NFL yesterday and enjoyed it. It just sucks that I can't watch more as it's always shown when i'm @ work.

Sadly watching sports doesn't pay and work has to win.

It is indeed unusual for a FTA network to pick up 3 (almost) live NFL games per week, and then only broadcast them on the HD channel, which only reaches realistically 25% of the market. (Probably more like 10% of homes with HD reception + required hardware).

Perhaps the NFL has rated quite well on Foxtel, and SBS showing the Superbowl has attracted solid ratings. 10 has then probably purchased the rights to the Superbowl, and then packaged in the regular season either very cheaply, or as some deal with the NFL. Unfortuantely this is all only speculation, and the only real answers lie with the network execs themselves.

Perhaps 10 received the NFL as part of a greater package including other US TV shows - or in exchange for Australian productions - is the AFL broadcast in the US?

I've only seen 1 game of the NFL and I thought it was really boring. Too many stoppages and breaks...

no, AFL isn't showed in the states...same with Issac, I just don't understand why they show it here instead of basketball. I can't see NBA costing more, even if that's the case not that much more anyway. And I would imagine it to have a higher rating than NFL just because basketball's the more popular sport.

Its due to the fact they have the superball this year, they got them as a package i guess and and showing them to build some following. I think its a great thing that they are showing the games, sure i would like the NBA but if thats not possible NFL is the next best thing.

Would the cost of broadcasting the NBA playoffs alone be more than the regular season, or does channel 10 have to get one to get the other?

it is actually called the 'superbowl' not the superball.

Actually LA Boy, AFL is shown in the US. On Pay-TV (Setanta), but it is still on over there.

Sounds to me like Ten is laying the groundwork for the rumoured FTA sports channel which I have heard discussed elsewhere. Accumulating rights and events for a wide range of sports which can fill a 24/7 FTA sports channel (ABC is supposed to be doing a kids channel, 9 an Australian/drama channel and 7 a different genre altogether).

NFL sure fills a lot of time (about 4 hours per game with pre-game etc) and with a smaller following in Australia, the rights may actually be cheaper than the NBA rights (which is desperate to take over the world and so perhaps sees itself as globally desirable).

Makes Ten a possible (though unlikely) destination for the NewNBL next year on FTA (maybe as a joint venture with Fox as per the 9 re-hash last season).

Suspect Ten using HD is trying to build audience for this sports channel and improve penetration of HD by playing with content to see what will draw viewers to move to HD platform.

Just trying to join some very faint dots!

Ankle- Where you here that from? I would LOVE it if they have a channel dedicated to sport! Good to know