NFL Network, NFL RedZone return to Comcast’s Xfinity cable system

NFL fans who use Comcast’s Xfinity cable system for their television viewing habits weren't without the league's official network for long. 

John Ourand of Sports Business Journal have mentioned that NFL Network returned to Xfinity cable as of early Tuesday morning. 

"We have renewed our agreement with the NFL Network," Xfinity customer support said via Twitter. "At this time, all content has been restored, and you are able to access NFL Network programming as normal." 

Xfinity cable customers were surprised to learn Monday that NFL Network had gone dark across their services. The company later confirmed its programming agreement with NFL Network had expired and that NFL RedZone would not have been available to subscribers had the season begun on May 1. According to Ourand, the renewed agreement "ensures that NFL RedZone will continue to be available to Xfinity subscribers this fall." 

Ourand previously reported that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Comcast CEO Brian Roberts spoke on the phone Monday afternoon about working out a deal to keep the league's networks available to Xfinity customers. Sources told Ourand that the "main disagreement" between the sides was about price and that "NFL Network asked for several extensions to try and keep from going dark." 

Ourand had speculated at that time that Comcast could hold out through the summer months regarding negotiations because the NFL Draft concluded before NFL Network went dark. However, the NFL is targeting May 11 for its schedule release that generates hours of live and fresh content on the network. It's also worth noting that the league has a history of "leaking" so-called "select games" via NFL Network and other outlets across the days leading up to the full schedule release. 

Whatever occurred behind the scenes, Xfinity customers can enjoy sighs of relief knowing that NFL Network apparently isn't going anywhere for them anytime soon.