> Now if the NFL really wanted to play hardball, they would've
> exempted the rule about local broadcast stations in the
> markets of the teams playing for this contract, and then
> aired games of teams that currently don't have NFL network
> in their home market. Such as Tampa. I believe time warner
> was one of the able companies that said they won't add NFL
> network until the NFL allows them to have NFL sunday ticket.
> Anyway, if the only channel in town broadcasting the game is
> the NFL network, these cable companies would be under too
> much pressure to add these channels.
>
Time Warner has been clear about this Sunday ticket and NFL Network issue, and they're sticking to their word. "You want us to carry NFL Network? Give us Sunday Ticket First!"
In the other hand, Comcast has it and offers it on some digital packages (inclding their digital Spanish programming tier in many markets sharing space with SuperCanal, FOX Sports En Espanñol, Gol TV and WAPA America among others)and will use this as a token to get Sunday Ticket, and I can bet you they will pull it out if they don't get it.
Now, if the NFL decides to do what you suggested, they couold be facing lawsuits from CBS, FOX, ESPN, and NBC for breach of contract. They get priority to carry the regional games. The only thing NFL network can do is carry a game or two from out of market teams, and it could be to the cable companies to decide which game to carry.