DIRECTV will drop Versus if a new contract isn't reached by Aug. 31, 2009

Losing Versus on DIRECTV will affect millions of viewers

The NHLPA has been pushing for the NHL to return to ESPN but the league is comfortable with the current set up of Versus and NBC as the main carriers.

The NHL could suffer another blow for the upcoming season when it comes to their t.v. programming as DIRECTV is in an on-going battle with Versus.

DIRECTV's contract with Versus expires on August 31, 2009. If a new deal isn't reached by August 31, Versus will removed from DIRECTV.

According to a statement from DIRECTV, "DIRECTV is in contract negotiations with Versus and we're making every effort to keep the channel on the air without interruption.

"Versus is asking for terms which do not reflect the market and which they are not asking of all other distributors. DIRECTV wants to keep your monthly fees low, so it's doing everything it can to avoid paying exorbitant programming fees."

DIRECTV has over 50 million viewers nationwide