The NFL Playoffs Are Coming to Cable TV, Finally
When*ESPN*airs an NFL*Wild Card matchup in January 2015, you'll hardly **tice the big distinction: It'll be the first NFL playoff game to ever air on cable, period.
It's a huge moment for Cable TV, though, which has spent decades building up this kind of clout: ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcast team of Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and sideline reporter Lisa Salters will work the playoff game for ESPN, according to its Thursday an**uncement.
The move comes thanks to an eight-year extension the league and sports TV giant reached for Monday Night Football broadcasts back in 2011, which*took effect this spring and carries an option for a Wild Card playoff game on ESPN — which is being exercised **w.*While ESPN banks heavily on the NFL through regular-season broadcasts, highlight shows and endless debate, showing a live postseason game is a first for pay TV. Read more...