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OTHER NEWS: Versus-DirectTV dispute reportedly coming to an end next week
Mar 4, 2010 - 4:44:48 PM OTHER NEWS: Versus-DirectTV dispute reportedly coming to an end next week

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

MMA and hockey (and rodeo) fans subscribing to DirecTV can breathe a sigh of relief today, as the six month dispute between the satellite carrier and the Comcast owned Versus network will be coming to an end next week, according to a report from CagePotato.com.

Citing sources close to the situation, the CagePotato report states that an agreement between the two parties has been reached, and subscribers will be able to purchase Versus on a sports tier beginning sometime next week.

Versus was dropped from DirecTV due to the network's desire to not be on a separate pay tier, as they wanted to reach the widest audience possible. They have apparently conceded on that to get back onto DirecTV.

While this doesn't come in time for fans to see this weekend's WEC 47 event, it will mean DirectTV subscribers will have the opportunity to see the UFC's first event on the network on the 20th.

Link to Original Source Article

Penick's Analysis: This should come as good news to fans that have DirecTV, though it is still unfortunate that it will cost more to get the network. What caused Versus to bend on the sports tier issue is anyone's guess, though with the big ratings of last Sunday's US vs. Canada hockey game getting the NHL back to viewers had to factor big into the decision. That and the UFC coming later this month probably had a piece in it as well. Still, it means those that have been without the WEC and NHL for the last six months at least have the option of getting Versus to see both, and that's a hell of a lot better than not having the option at all.