The way NFL fans consume football is about to change. Big time.
The league announced Thursday that YouTube will be the exclusive provider of NFL Sunday Ticket, which broadcasts out-of-market games to NFL fans across the country, beginning in the 2023 season.
DirecTV had previously held the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, but with streaming services leading to more ‘cord cutting’ across the country, the change to YouTube was inevitable. Apple and Amazon had been competing for NFL Sunday Ticket rights, too.
“For a number of years we have been focused on increased digital distribution of our games and this partnership is yet another example of us looking towards the future and building the next generation of NFL fans,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“Through this expanded partnership with the NFL, viewers will now also be able to experience the game they love in compelling and innovative ways through YouTube TV or YouTube Primetime Channels,” YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki said in a statement. “We’re excited to continue our work with the NFL to make YouTube a great place for sports lovers everywhere.”
Thursday’s announcement is good news for Chicago Bears fans living outside the local broadcast area. While the DirecTV service is fine, the hassle of satellite television is very real. Now, it appears anyone with a smartphone or other device connected to the internet can Bear Down every week.
