Quote Originally Posted by GeneralHankerchief View Post
A crappy substitute, but at least it's something.
That's all well and good with the fans (actually, no it's not, but it's something), but it does not help the networks any. CBS paid $3.7 billion to broadcast AFC games through 2011. If they lose significant airtime in markets like Oakland, Cincy, and Jax, they lose ad money and the contract value will be less when they renegotiate (probably some time next year). The TV contract is huge for the NFL, especially since the fan experience at games is pretty craptacular these days. Overpriced tickets/parking/concessions, PSLs, and other general shafting ruins the gameday experience, it's better to watch on TV now anyways. We may be at a tipping point where the fans can actually fight back, costing owners both at the gate and at the negotiating table.

Combine the increasing blackouts, the upcoming TV contract talks, and the potential lockout/strike in 2011, we have some interesting times coming.