Versus is a sports-oriented cable television network in the United States. It is owned by Comcast.
On August 17, 2005, ESPN chose not to match OLN's three-year, $200 million offer for the NHL's U.S. cable TV rights. The NHL's deal with OLN parent Comcast also gives the company part ownership of a U.S. version of NHL Network, and distribution on all of its cable systems. Comcast also has the rights to simulcast out of market NHL games on its Comcast SportsNet stations. Both Comcast and the NHL have the right to void the final year of the contract.
During certain games of its first season covering the NHL, Versus simulcasted the CBC feed of NHL games, mostly those where teams from western Canada were at home, but now typically does its own production of any game selected for broadcast.
On January 28, 2008, Versus and the NHL extended the deal through the 2010-11 season.