NBC Signs To Carry Notre Dame--Despite Losing Streak

Notre Dame At a school where fans complain about going 9-3, Notre Dame finished with an anemic 3-9 record last year. And the question has been raised: Are the glory days of the Fighting Irish over? Games may be lost, but revenues will keep gushing--at least through 2015--as NBC has extended its deal to carry the bulk of the school's games until then.

The new agreement gives the network rights to eight games a year from 2011-15.

What's different about the latest deal is that NBC will carry one game a year at a neutral site involving the Irish in prime time. The other seven will be on the South Bend, Ind. campus.

NBC has had rights to carry all Notre Dame home games--which have involved some memorable battles with Michigan and an epic clash with Florida State in 1993--since 1991.

Last year, the network carried the Irish's triple-overtime, two-point loss to Navy--a game that may have exemplified Notre Dame's fall from the top ranks of college football. Navy hadn't beaten Notre Dame in 44 years, despite playing each fall.

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Still, even if the school continues to lose, it will be some time before the Notre Dame's marquee value from a broadcasting standpoint fades--if for no other reason than people will tune in to watch the school with a slew of national championships get beaten. Fans grew frustrated a year ago when it started 1-9, especially with its sometimes-cocky and highly paid coach, Charlie Weis.

Notre Dame said its relationship with NBC has benefited the football program, but also provided millions in financial aid to students.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the relationship has provided $26 million for financial aid, accounting for about $1.5 million a year from NBC.

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