Courtesy Los Angeles Times

(August 28, 2009) No easy jokes here. The Clippers have a new, long-term, exclusive television contract with Fox Sports Prime Ticket and that deserves congratulations. It's a win for a team with a history of losing.

In this financial climate, the Clippers have cause for celebration for negotiating an agreement that gives the team a solid and predictable broadcast home.

The deal is set to last seven years, according to three sources, none of whom were authorized to speak publicly. The sources also said the deal is worth substantially more than the $12.5 million a year in revenue the Clippers had received in their previous arrangement with over-the-air KTLA and Fox Sports.

No one was happier with Thursday's news than Ralph Lawler, the veteran Clippers broadcaster.

"I can't tell you how pleased I am to have all of our games on one carrier," he said. "I've been frustrated for years because it's been so easy for Lakers fans. If it's a road game they're on Channel 9, home game, Fox [Sports West]. We haven't had that advantage ever."

While Clippers games are now lost to anyone who doesn't receive cable television, as Lawler said, the upside is greater. "When people have 100, 200, 300 channels they aren't as apt to look around if they can't find us," he said. "Now they can find us."

"It's a very good deal for us," Clippers President Andy Roeser said. "Fox is our exclusive television partner now. We enjoyed a good relationship with KTLA but in terms of having a stable situation with a great partner, this is great."

Last week the Clippers announced a new radio deal with KFWB-AM (980).

Steve Simpson, senior vice president and general manager of Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket, said, "We've enjoyed a 14-year partnership with the Clippers. In our minds it made sense for both sides. When you have one partner, it makes things easier to accomplish and now, being exclusive, it creates that much stronger a partnership in the market. Any chance you have to sign a long-term agreement with an NBA franchise, it makes sense."

All games will be broadcast in high definition and there will be a pregame and postgame studio show after all home telecasts.

It is also worth noting that the NBA's national television deals with ABC/ESPN and TNT expire after the 2015-2016 season.

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