Things could get interesting for you Canadian fans as TSN, the network that airs RAW Monday nights, has picked up NFL Monday Night football for next season. Thanks to EVERYONE who sent this along:
TORONTO – TSN made two announcements Wednesday regarding the National Football League that will see TSN televise NFL games back-to-back on Sunday and Monday nights, beginning September 2006.
First, TSN President Phil King announced a milestone acquisition for Monday Night Football – the most successful series in sports television. TSN will have exclusive Canadian rights to the program beginning next season, airing a total of 17 Monday night games annually.
Second, TSN confirmed today it has reached a three-year deal with the NFL to extend its Sunday Night NFL broadcast package through the 2008 season. Coverage includes 17 games each season, 16 of which are on Sunday, plus opening night of the season (Thursday).
This announcement means that TSN will offer Canadians a one-two punch on Sundays and Mondays, with a total of 34 NFL games each season, all in prime time, all in High Definition, making TSN the prime time home of the NFL in Canada.
”Today’s announcement underscores TSN’s commitment to being the leader in Canada’s sports industry,” said King. ”Sunday and Monday Night Football are established appointment television programs that immediately enhance TSN’s prime time schedule.”
TSN’s 2006 NFL campaign kicks off with the first game of the season on Thursday, Sept. 7.
NFL ratings on TSN have increased dramatically over the past five years. TSN’s season-to-date average audience this year is 374,000 viewers, marking a 47 per cent increase over the season average in 2000 (254,000)*. TSN has been televising NFL games since 1987.
“We are excited to have TSN carrying more games than ever before beginning with the 2006 NFL season. TSN has been a great partner and we are optimistic that making TSN the home of Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football next season will generate increased interest and avidity of the NFL in Canada,” said Katie Boes, Senior Director of Programming, NFL.
In addition to the live games on Sundays and Mondays, TSN’s NFL coverage also includes the return of ESPN’s Emmy Award winning NFL Countdown on Sunday mornings, Monday Night Countdown on Monday evenings directly prior to the game, plus the addition of NBC’s NFL Pre-Game Show on Sunday nights leading into live game action.
All NFL games and magazine shows are available in High Definition on TSN HD, further reinforcing TSN’s position as Canada’s Sports Leader in High Definition.
