Comcast to add NBA TV channel

Comcast to add NBA TV channel

PHILADELPHIA -- Comcast Corp. has reached a new seven-year agreement that will add the NBA TV channel to the cable TV operator's most popular digital tier of service before the start of the next pro basketball season.

Comcast, the nation's largest cable TV provider, struck the deal with NBA Digital that would give NBA TV exposure to 11 million "Digital Classic" viewers compared to the 2 million it had as part of the sports tier, according to a source with knowledge of the deal. An official announcement is expected today.

NBA Digital also agreed to lower the per-subscriber rate it charges the cable operator, a key factor in the agreement.

Lawmaker wants league to eliminate age rule

WASHINGTON -- A lawmaker urged the NBA to repeal its requirement that players be at least 19 years old and a year out of high school before entering the league, calling the restriction unfair.

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., sent identical letters to NBA Commissioner David Stern and union leader Billy Hunter, asking that they scrap the requirement in the next collective bargaining agreement.

Cohen, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, called the requirement "an unfair restriction on the rights of these young men to pursue their intended career."

Elsewhere

• Cavaliers star LeBron James has been released from the Cleveland Clinic after a five-hour procedure to remove a benign growth from his jaw a day earlier. The team said James returned home and is recovering well.

• Knicks forward Wilson Chandler had surgery to remove bone spurs in his left ankle and is expected to be sidelined at least a month.

• Celtics guard Tony Allen had surgery on his right ankle and leg. The team said he's expected to recover from the surgery in time for training camp this fall.

-- From Wire Reports