Many fans have called recently asking about the status of the negotiations to make Comcast SportsNet Northwest available on DirecTV, Dish Network and some of the smaller cable companies throughout the state.

The following FAQ was put together to address many of the questions that Trail Blazers fans have been asking.

Why is my provider (Dish Network, DirecTV, Charter, etc.) not able to show Trail Blazers games on Comcast SportsNet?

Contrary to what many people believe, Comcast SportsNet (CSNNW) is available to every cable and satellite provider serving the Northwest. The Trail Blazers and Comcast SportsNet are eager to make the network available to every Trail Blazers fan in the Northwest that has a television.

The only reason you cannot see the games is because your provider has not purchased the programming from Comcast SportsNet. Several regional cable carriers have added CSNNW to their lineup because of the value it delivers to local sports fans. Unfortunately, the major carriers have not yet made the commitment to satisfy Trail Blazers fans. They remain in negotiations with Comcast SportsNet.

Which providers have made agreements to carry the Trail Blazers on Comcast SportsNet Northwest?

Comcast Cable (Oregon & Washington)
Verizon FiOS (Oregon & Washington)
Ashland TV
Canby Telcom
Country Cablevision
Monroe Telecom
Scio Cablevision
Wave Broadband
BendBroadBand


Why has this negotiation taken more than a year?

The Comcast SportsNet Northwest negotiations have been fairly standard for a new premium sports network: other marquee networks like the YES Network, The Big Ten Network, The NFL Network and the Golf Channel all experienced a similar growth process.

Because the Trail Blazers games are in such demand, negotiations have been more visible locally than most carriage discussions. There is a bigger demand for CSNNW than for most cable channels because the signature programming (Trail Blazers basketball, University of Oregon athletics) evokes passion among a dedicated fan base.

What are the Trail Blazers doing to help solve this problem?

We have been diligently engaged in the process and have taken steps to influence a resolution as quickly as possible.

At this point, we believe that Comcast SportsNet is negotiating in good faith and that CSNNW is being offered at a reasonable, fair-market rate.

CSNNW’s recent acquisition of University of Oregon football, basketball and baseball programming further enhances the value of the channel, and its appeal to distributors and consumers alike. The Trail Blazers, University of Oregon, and Comcast SportsNet are all committed to distributing this network as widely as possible.

Will there be a carriage deal in place by the beginning of the 2008-09 season?

That remains our goal, but as each day passes it appears increasingly possible that a deal may not be in place in time for the start of the 2008-09 season. We know fans are frustrated, as we have received thousands of phone calls and e-mails from upset Trail Blazers fans.

The Trail Blazers and Comcast SportsNet share your frustration with those providers that have not yet met consumer demand by making Trail Blazers games available to their subscribers.

So I won’t be able to see any Trail Blazers games this season?

The Trail Blazers broadcast schedule includes several national cable broadcasts on TNT or ESPN as well as a 22-game over-the-air broadcast package on KGW (NBC 8). As of now, approximately 31 regular-season games will be available to fans on outlets other than CSNNW. Our hope remains that distribution is achieved in time for fans to see all 82 regular season games. Click (here) for a complete broadcast schedule.

What can we do to help get this situation resolved?

Building a new network is a consumer-driven process. Contact your satellite or cable provider directly and let them know that you want to see Comcast SportsNet Northwest. Visit www.csnnw.com to e-mail your request directly to your provider.

My program guide says I have Comcast SportsNet, but I can’t find the game.

Comcast SportsNet operates several regional networks throughout country, most of which are carried by the major satellite providers. To obtain Trail Blazers programming, contact your provider and let them know it is Comcast SportsNet Northwest that you want added to your lineup.

Can we get the games by subscribing to NBA League Pass?

No. Buying NBA League Pass will not allow you access to Trail Blazers games until the distribution deals are in place. Games may be listed on your League Pass program guide throughout the season, but they would be blacked out in accordance with NBA rules.