Update: apparently from DirecTV's point of view, it's "Comcast pulls Versus off DirecTV", more thinking on the topic here.
As we've been writing August 31 was the deadline for DirecTV and Versus to come to an agreement on carriage. With the deadline passed on the east coast, it appears there was no resolution. I've received a few reports that the channel has been dropped from DirecTV and gives this message:
Versus is no longer available on this channel
The web site graphics for DirecTV and Versus have not been updated as of this writing at (9;15pm PDT) from what we previously noted.
Now the question is whether they will work something out, and if so, how long will it take? My bet is it will get worked out before NHL on Versus starts in early October. But I'd probably only be willing to bet $5!
And the cries to move back to ESPN will grow louder for some within the hockey circles.
Hopefully the NHL can use this to break their contract with Versus and move back to ESPN.
I hated comcast already before this news came down. I live in the Philly area and Comcast owns the Flyers and Sixers here with alot of everything else. Comcast also will not allow Directv to uplink Comcast Sportsnet Philly to Directv customers in the Philly area in fear of losing so many customers. Comcast was forced by the Phillies to allow Verizon to broadcast Sportsnet Philly on their Fios service as the Phillies were discussing other options with local broadcasters.
I too hope they can break the contract with Versus and can somehow get back on ESPN. Unfortunately, I think it will take a sweetheart deal such as NBC got for ESPN to take them back.