(6 June 2009 5:45 pm)

MUMBAI: Comcast Corp has entered into a "long term deal" with the NBA TV to expand the channel's distribution on its most popular Digital Classic customer service.

The agreement will mark NBA TV's entry into the cable operator's most popular tier before NBA's 2009-10 season.

At present, around two-third of the Comcast's 17.3 million digital customers get Digital Classic.

As per the deal, the customers will have access to an array of NBA content on demand, including top 10 plays of the night, nightly game recaps, major basketball news of the day, and NBA entertainment-produced specials. Comcast will also offer NBA content on its online properties, including Comcast.net.

"We appreciate the commitment of our partner Comcast to expand NBA TV's distribution and provide more of its customers with the network's NBA coverage and programming," said NBA deputy commissioner and COO Adam Silver.

Comcast will continue to offer NBA league pass, the league's subscription package that provides subscribers with up to 40 out-of-market, live NBA games each week. As part of the package, subscribers will have access to NBA games online at no additional cost through NBA league pass broadband.

"We are excited to bring more NBA action live, on demand, and online to our digital classic customers," said Comcast Cable EVP and president Matt Bond.

Recently, Comcast had reached a similar agreement with National Football League (NFL) Network, after reaching a settlement regarding carriage and other disputes.

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NFL settles with Comcast on carriage