DirecTV, NFL Near New Deal For "NFL Sunday Ticket": Reports

(RTTNews) - Satellite television company DirecTV Inc. (DTV) is nearing a deal to renew its exclusive agreement with the National Football League for "NFL Sunday Ticket," according to several reports, citing people familiar with the matter.

Citing the people, the reports said that the multiyear agreement would let DirecTV, keep carrying the out-of-market Sunday-afternoon games it had for almost 20 years.

The new deal is not final. But the outlines of the deal are set and it could be announced this month, the reports said quoting one person. A deal would extend the four-year, $4 billion contract that expires at the end of 2014.

However, the reports indicated that the people did not provide the contract value or say how long it would run.

DirecTV Chief Executive Officer Michael White said on Thursday at an investor conference that he was confident the company would continue to exclusively carry the NFL package of games.