The Associated Press
The Associated Press
HONOLULU — The University of Hawaii began renegotiating a deal to televise its sports with Oceanic Time Warner, but a local television station group is trying to show its interest.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Monday that the university and cable company began exclusive negotiations last week. The negotiations can continue until Feb. 28 and be extended to other parties if no deal is reached.
Athletic Director Ben Jay says talks haven’t happened in person yet but are being handled by Time Warner Cable’s regional headquarters in Los Angeles.
“We’re talking back and forth,” Jay said.
A local television station group that operates KHNL and KGMB and has a shared services agreement with KFVE has publicly pushed for its own deal.
KHNL/KGMB General Manager Rick Blangiardi said it could bring more value and offer the games on free TV. But he says Oceanic can pay the university more money because it collects subscriber fees.
“The only thing I would give Time Warner in this occasion is the ability to write a larger check,” Blangiardi has said.
Time Warner Cable officials didn’t immediately respond to emails from The Associated Press seeking comment.